FEJ3RUARY MF.,ETING Friday, February 1, 1985 7;00 PM Room '375, Science Classroom Building East Bank, University of Minnesota "' ...., ..................... 1 xJoc:nx:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx We ... be meeting in the Science Classroom Building at least for the February and March meetings. We are still trying to get into the Bell Museum of Natural History. We'll. have more on the meeting place later. For those of you who were confused by the directions enclosed with the December Newsletter, please see the enclosed map the uor lYl East Bank campus. xxxxxxxxxxx:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxx The Feb;ruarymeeting program will be presented by David Hoppe of the University of Morris. His topic will be "Color Variation in Minnesota Amphibians n • There are several categories of color variation. He will describe (1) color change (metachrosis) - where an individual may change color within a fairly short time, (2}ecotypic variation -- where,populations in different localities are distinctly different, and (3) clinal variation .... where color shows a gradual change through- of a species. major focus will be on color polymorphism. Genetic polymorphism is officially .... "' ....... , .. u ... ' ..... as, ttThe occurrence together in the same habi ta t of two or more discontin- or phases of a species in such proportions that the rarest of them can- not be maintained merely by recurrent mutation.tI In simpler terms, many herp pop- ulations show color or pattern polymorphisms, which means that 2 or more distinct oolorsor patterns (i.e. tlmorphs n ) are fairly common in the same population. He distinguish between color polymorphism and the other forms of color variat- and speculate on how it may be important to the animals involved. there will be no "Critter of the Month", we will have examples of poly- morphism in other species for you to see. The reason for no "critter" is the White Snake Sale"! Sign in with Fran with your donation when you arrive, and specify a minimum bid for the article. He will aSSign a number. Remember, NO ANIMALS PLEASE!! This will be a silent auction. See you there! BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S.E. • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104 I
Transcript
FEJ3RUARY MF.,ETING
Friday, February 1, 1985 7;00 PM Room '375, Science Classroom Building
East Bank, University of Minnesota
"'...., ..................... 1
xJoc:nx:xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx We ... be meeting in the Science Classroom Building at least for the February and March meetings. We are still trying to get into the Bell Museum of Natural History. We'll. have more on the meeting place later. For those of you who were confused by the directions enclosed with the December Newsletter, please see the enclosed map
The Feb;ruarymeeting program will be presented by David Hoppe of the University of Morris. His topic will be "Color Variation in Minnesota Amphibiansn •
There are several categories of color variation. He will describe (1) color change (metachrosis) - where an individual may change color within a fairly short time, (2}ecotypic variation -- where,populations in different localities are distinctly different, and (3) clinal variation .... where color shows a gradual change through
of a species.
major focus will be on color polymorphism. Genetic polymorphism is officially .... "' ....... , .. u ... ' ..... as, ttThe occurrence together in the same habi ta t of two or more discontin
or phases of a species in such proportions that the rarest of them cannot be maintained merely by recurrent mutation.tI In simpler terms, many herp populations show color or pattern polymorphisms, which means that 2 or more distinct oolorsor patterns (i.e. tlmorphsn ) are fairly common in the same population. He
distinguish between color polymorphism and the other forms of color variatand speculate on how it may be important to the animals involved.
there will be no "Critter of the Month", we will have examples of polymorphism in other species for you to see. The reason for no "critter" is the
White Snake Sale"! Sign in with Fran with your donation when you arrive, and specify a minimum bid for the article. He will aSSign a number. Remember, NO
ANIMALS PLEASE!! This will be a silent auction. See you there!
BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY
10 CHURCH STREET S.E. • MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104
I
"Random was started as an article of random facts, information 1
and my view on the subject of herpetology and NESt In order to keep that framework I ama our readers and/or young reporters to send me any
short facts information or trivia you may run across on the subject of ogy. I will then to work them into "Random Tails li " Please send notes, newspaper
photocopies of "random" facts to at my home adress or c/o MRS .. " snake is the st to appear in spring and last the fall? #2" How many breeds of mosquitoes are in Minne
How many turtle species live in Minnesota? These three questions are taken from Minnesota Trivia r:L1our l1 ***More mosquito trivia next month .. ***Dan Keyler is
at our meeting, Cheryl Keyler is due the same day our taxes are, April 15th Congratulations to you both!***'llhe "White Snake Sale" Feb. 1 with all pro-ceeds to MHS~ If you have nothing to donate please bring your check book and
a Ii Snake" items(s) please have some idea of its present in the items for the silent auction .. ***I have been
some work and have some really nice items promilsed .. *·**1 personally will have some framed hand colored cartoons for the sale, 8 x 10 and 11 x 14.,*** Let's hope the weather is on our side.***Trivia fact #4, F'ebruary is Minnesota's driest month ***1 wish I could read every exchanged newsletter we get .. It is very
to find out what the other societies are up tOc***I really enjoy "linder Table" by Kruse from the Northern California Newsletter .. He is just a
river of information.***Skip, who brings the mustard?***East is east and west is "'Jest until I give directions. Yes, the Science Classroom Building is South\.Jest of
01' Smith Hall,. Sorry!***I like our new temporary room" It sure is big enough! room for family and friends" Bring someone extra to a meeting.***
everyone who move IVIES to our new home .. It looks like \A.]e will need a few tables at each meeti.ng.**~Voting on moving meeting night from
night is coming up in IVlarch .. If you want a say so please be e is not for President again for personal reasons Sorry,
make one heck of a good president" Bruce is a loyal, dedicated and agist ~:hanks, for one good year! ***Don ~ t forget to check your
snakes at least one a week during the "big chill"" Check for what? water mites untimely death The-Inks Skip,,***-April 20th and 21 st will be a out in Delaware .. ***\fJhile on the sub-
out East with baby Fly River Turtles hatched! These baby turtles are fantastic and
e I guess I will never own one,,***I trust 1985 MRS. 'vJe started out with a new meeting place e \~e
and a lot of interest in }'vms .. Let t s keep the py-snake 50 breeds of mosquitoes 113 q
We have a slate of candidates for the elections at the March mee Thanks to Karl Hermann and Ted Schave for all their work on this for I~IS! Here is the list of nominees. An * indicates an incumbent. Nominations will also be accepted from tbe floor. We will also be voting on the choice of Friday or Thursday as a year round meeting night.
President Fran Frish Ann porwoll :Sill Allen
Treasurer Brewer * Newsletter Editor Jim Gerholdt * Member-at-Large (vote for 4)
Fred Bosman Bruce Delles :Sob Duerr Del Jones * John Moriarty Terry Odegaard Barney Oldfield Brint Spencer * Larry yank
In my haste to get the December MHS Newsletter to the printer, I overlooked a very contributor to MRSo A special thanks to David Norman for his really time-
"Selections from the HoI Gift Catalogs"", This was a super article, and just what we needed for the Christmas issue. Also, thanks to Fran for the illustrations.
ooked as an entrant in the Photo Contest was Janie Vaughan. Sorry, Janie! overlooked anyone else out there? But I do know East from West!
The look" cover of the Newsletter is due to the efforts of Sally Brewer .. I thanks for this! She designed it pasted it up,
a whole year' worthw 80 any notes taken at the meeting were a pen loaned by Meltzer Thar~s, John!
a total of 62, the of Jim Gerholdt on "'l'he Basics
a Family Tool! Jim outlined the with local laws, some dos and
8 that stressed the of the handled Jim also showed a series of slides
We have some programs lined up ·the next few months! After David's presentation at the February meeting, we have Tom Johnson of the r1issouri DNR for the March meeting. Tom will be speaking on uMissouri's Endangered and Threatened Amphibians and Reptiles". Tom will also be speaking at the "A Bit!i.n.g Issue: People, Mosquitoes and the Environment" symposium to be held at the Science Museum in st. Paul on February 26 and 27. In cooperation with the sponsors of this symposium, MRS has agreed to pay Tom's~airfare. And of course, we will also be holding our .Annual Meeting and elections in March. The "cri tteru will be "Your ]Iavor .... ite Critter"! Think this one over and pick out 'the one you will bring. This has become a tradition for the March meeting, and is a lot of fun.
For April, we have Dan Keyler lined·;.~p for a snakebite program. Dan has spoken to us before on this topic, and is well versed. Again, he will show slides; and again, some of'them will be gross! Snakebite is not a pretty sight! The "critter" will be toxic herps. For this we mean sublethal. Examples of toxic herps might be toads, newts, or mildly venomous snakes. We will have a Board member coordinating this, to be named later. Watch the Newsletter for further details.
Rock County tiger salamander American toad chorus frog
1
num ssp.* canus
s triseriata ens serpentina
Chrysemys picta* aphe vulpina
septentrional is Storeria occipitomaculata* Thamnophis radix Thamnophis sirtalis Tropidoclonion lineatum
record
n. 1 eopard frog snapping turtle painted turtle fox snake prairie skink red-bellied snake plains garter common garter lined snake
communication, no specimen found.
of the complete DNR report are available for the cost of Contact John Moriarty
8
AMPHIBIANS & NATIVE TO MINNESOTA Barney Oldfield
(------~- -----The painted turtle is a small to medium sized aquatic turtle
length of 5 - 7" (record 9 7/8").. The carapace is smooth and olive-green to black in coloration. There are thin, irregular, light lines and the marginal scutes have reddish bars or crescents.. The plastron of this turtle is large and solid. It varies from light yellow to bright
-red with a large, irregular, symmetrical pattern of grey and yellow.. In some areas along the Mississippi River, the entire plastron is chemically stained a solid maroon color. Normal coloration returns after the scutes are shed. The head, neck, limbs and tail have yellow and red stripes. A yellow stripe goes from beneath the eye extending to the lower jaw.. The upper jaw is notched with a projection on each side.. Young turtles are patterned like the adults only with brighter colors. Male turtles are somewhat smaller and have elongated front toe nails and a longer tail.
There are four distinct subspecies.. The Western Painted Turtle, Eicta is the subspecies that occurs in Minnesota.
Habitat: The painted turtle is the most widespread turtle in the United States and it is the most common turtle in Minnesota.. It is found in shallow ponds, lakes and slow-moving streams with soft mud bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation. They also may be seen in the faster moving sections of larger rivers ..
Habits: This turtle is diurnal and alternates its basking and feeding activity throughout the day.. The painted turtle appears to be somewhat cold-tolerant as it has been observed swimming under the ice and may be seen basking in the early spring before the ice is completely gone. They hibernate in the mud or behind rocks and logs in the water ..
Food: Food consists of approximately 60% animal matter ( sh, snails, crayfish, insects, .carrion) and 40X; plant matter (algae, duckweed, ca ttail).. Young are strictly carnivorous ..
Female turtles reach sexual maturity at 6-7 years of age: 5 years.. Breeding activity is predominantly in early spring
and again the fall.. Females may travel some distance to seek out sandy, sun-
spots to deposit th~ir eggs. size is 4-20 (avg .. 8). Many females
lay two separate clutches.. The egg laying season is late May to early July.. After 1 11 of incubation the eggs hatch and
in the nest.. An note that the youp@ survive
ne 1-2" underground at below temperatures ..
None.
painted turtle is the referred to as "mud turtle""
References: Behler and King, Conant, Ernst and Barbour, Lang, and Vogt ..
9
10
by
Paula Swanson
Reptiles have specific needs that have to be met. They have special requirements for temperature, humidity, substrate, hiding places, diet, etc. The majority of problems with captive reptiles are brought on by the stress of inadequate houseing and/or'diet. Listed below are general recommendations for native and exotic species.
I. HOUSING AND l'~ANAGEMENT
A) Cages - It is important to make sure cages are snake proof. Snakes have been known to defy the laws of gravity and climb up the sides of glass. They can also squeeze through impossibly small cracks. ]'or temporary housing aquariums with secure covers, plastic shoeboxes, or even large glass jars will work. Wooden cages with a glossy varnish or paint are good for long term housing. For ventilation drill a few small holes OQl"use a piece of pegboard. Avoid screen as it is difficult to control drafts or humidity and snakes will rub their noses raw on it.
B) Substrate - Newspaper, indoor-outdoor carpeting, coarse grav~l, or pine or aspen shavings may be used. NEVER use cedar products, sand, or Sanicell (ground cornCObS). The fumes from cedar are toxic to reptiles and swallowed sand or Sani-cell can cause impacted intestines. Be sure the substrate stays clean and dry. Very small or baby snakes sometimes need a moist substrate. In that case damp sphagnum moss works well. The PH of the moss is acidic, which keeps bacteria and fungus from growing. If kept moist, watch the snake's skin for small blisters or discolored areas which indicate skin infections.
C) Acessories - Most snakes need hiding places to feel secure. :F'lat piled rocks, small boxes, pieces of bark, or even plastic butter tubs will work. In the cage of young or very small snakes a container of moist sphagnum moss is recommended. The snakes can use it for security and to prevent dehydration. Branches should be provided for arboreal species.
n) Water - Clean, fresh water should be provided daily in a shallow dish. In the case of more tropical snakes, a large water dish adds to the humidity in the cage. Temperature and Humidity - The cold dry Minnesota winters can cause problems for captive reptiles. Most North American snakes need daily temperatures of 75-80 degrees and a humidity of 40-60%. Most tropical snakes need a daily temperature of 83-88 degrees and a humidity of 50-70%. There are two common ways of providing heat; incandescent light bulbs and heat tape or cables taped to the underside of cages (commonly sold for heating pipes or soil). It is best to provide a heat gradient; a warm spot and a cooler area, so the snake can control its own body temperature. Humidity can be increased by reducing the ventilation and providing a large shallow water dish.
F) Lighting - Snakes need a daily light cycle. A 12 hour day/12 hour night is good for general maintenance of most species
G) - A warning about toxic compounds: Reptiles can be very sensi-
11
tive when it comes to con~on household chemicals~ Phenol compounds such as Lysol or Pine sol are extremely toxic to reptiles and their fumes can kill them", Never use them on cages or accessories. Other products such as air fresheners, pesticides insect repellent or paint fumes have been known to cause problems", Please use caution when using any chemicals around your pets. It is important to keep your snake's cage and accessories clean. Hot soapy water using biodegradable dish detergent and liquid chlorine bleach is safe and effective for cleaning and disinfecting.
II.. DIET
Assuming the snake is in a proper cage it should feed regularly. Diets vary from species to species. A good rule of thumb follows
A)
B) C)
~j
Feed 2-3 times per week ..
small fish such as minnows, frogs, or are used provide a B vitamin supplement.
- Worms and slugs", Feed 2-3 times per week. spiders@ Feed 2-3 times per week.
- Toads maybe frogs. Feed 1-2 times per week.
, recommended ..
- Adults feed on • YOwlg snakes feed
- Depending on the animal's weeks. Guinea Pigs are not
Always make sure frozen food is completely thawed. Do not feeding9 Generally feed the snake one or two food items
at one time Avoid handling or stress until the lump in the body is gone, to prevent regurgitation or other digestive problems.
III" IVlEDICAL PROBLEMS
are caused below
disease is rare in reptiles .. Most medical problems in captive snakes the stress of improper housing. Some common ailments are listed
A) - Cften arising from too low of a tempconditions .. Sy:mptoms can be loss of ap
the nose or edge of mouth open mouth and correct temperature or humidity and
refer to for treatment.
or proper
the most cornmon problem encountered by snake s because if there is anything wrong medically or environ
usually the first thing a snake does is to stop feeding .. If and there is no sign of a medical problem a little detec
to find and~ :correct the stress that has caused the Tempera ture and .. Check for enough
the cage too or too dark? Is it on the floor or in an area where there may be vibrations or activity dis
snake being handled before feeding? Are you offering it? Is the it the food?
all of the above fails to consult a known expert for advice
12
soon .. Don't let tp.e snake get emaciated before seeking help!
IV.. SUGGESTED READING
A) Snakes - The Keeper and the Kept by Carl Kauffeld B) The T .. F.H. Book of Snakes by Thomas Leetz C) The CAre of Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity by Christopher Mattison D) The bnake Book by Roy Pinney
FE) Snakes As Pets by Hobart M .. Smith
)·The Care of Desert Reptiles by Karl He Switak G) The Life of Desert Reptiles and Amphibians by Karl H. Switak
All of these books are available in the MHS Library, and are just a few of the many books (some good, sane bad) available on captive snake care ..
are reminded that }Vms Library books are t a be checked out for one (1) are ec t to a ~~ 1 ,,00 per book per month fine after that Flease
c with us on this" Some of the more popular books are not available to the rest of tbe membership as they are not being returned on time" Let's be fair to all and bring them back after one ( ) month!
Greg Kvanbek January 5, 1985-Buffalo, Wright Co., Minnesota.
1 I~stern Tiger Salamander (knbystoma t. tigrinum) found in sump in basement of a burned out house. Most of the salamander's toes were missing, likely from frostbite.
Thanks to Greg for this. Any phind in January is truly phantastic!
RE~ffiMEER-During each meeting we will have available our featured take-out items.
J?RESH :FROZEN MICE-$3 00 per dozen"
*** NOW AVAILABLE ***
FRESH FROZEN PINKIES and FUZZIES-$p3" 00 per dozen ..
:F'RESB :FROZEN RATS-JUMBO 1 "50,,
F'RESH FROZEN RAT PUP8-$3,,00 per dozen ..
Remember, if you want rats or mice, they are available by reservation only. You place your order with Bruce or Connie at 593-0298 no later than 7:00 PM on
the day before the meeting Logistics dictate this policy, so please cooperate with us" If you do try and order after the deadline you will have to wait until the following month" Don't miss out ,Please bring your own container!
Fun IVlES STIClillHS! SPECIAL PIlICE ¢ each .. These look on binders and book covers rear \vindows etc Advertise MRS wherever you go! 1,tJould you be in-
NOTICE: 2nd Annual Herpetological Hibernal Hiatus .. As you are no doubt aware, 130 years ago, Cope corrected the nomencla.ture of Lystrophis dorbignli, changing the course of herpetology for all time to come. .
We cordially invite you t 0 come and celebrate this most significant event with us on Saturday, Februa.ry 23rd! Visitors are welcome from 1 PM until ??? Activites will include the opportunity to exchange surplus reptilia and amphibia with fellow herpetologists. Beer, mixers, and light food will be provided. BYOB, if you wish, but no other recreational stimulants, please .. Please let us know by February 15 if you will attend so that we can make adquate preparartion for refreshments .. We must be notified of all animals brought for sale or trade .. Contact Peter Nguyen, Simon and Lynne Campdefi:Main, David and Hobin Abuhove, 5902 Quinn Orchard Road, Frederick, J/ill.. 21701. 301-662-8427 ..
DO YOU HAVE YOUR l'I[HS T-SHIRT? WE NOW HAVE THEM IN GREEN, GREY, YELLOW &1IJD BLUE! TI-lEY ARE JUST \V:HAT YOU WILL NEED corvIE SPRING! GETYOTJRS NOV!! YOU lv]AY ALSO WAWll ONE OF OUR NEW JiIRS HOOIlJi~D SiJlEATSHIRTS! (see ad on page 1 8)
If IN A DAY'S WORK" 1985 calendar close out sale! $3,,00 each or 2 for $5.00 plus postage.. Contact Fran }lrish, 850 W .. Minnehaha, st.. Paul, J.VLN 55104.
IS YOUR NBS }\'ENBERSHIP CURRENT? PLEASE; ClmCK YOUR ADRESS LABBJL TO BE SUR E! WE BAVE BEEN GETTING A LOT OF LATE RENEWALS, AND THIS CAUSES EXTRA WORK. BE PROMPT!
EDITOR'S NOTE Classified ads are run in the }lliS Newsletter as a free service to the membership No are accepted from non members.. While rtlHS will not run· ads for known sick or illegal animals, we accept no responsibility for the health or legality of any animal advertised here
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxxxxxxxx x xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxx
INVENTORY OF LIVE REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS IN CAPTIVITY
The Inventory of Live Reptiles and Amphibians in Captivity, current January 1,1984 is a combined inventory of 212 reptile and amphibian collections, both public and private, representing 12 countries. Published by the author. 1984 314 pp., $ 25.00 ($20.00 paperbound) plus $ 2.00 postage ($ 3.00 overseas).
All institutions worldwide, holding live reptiles and/or amphibians are asked to submit inventories and breeding information current up to January 1st of each year. Private collectors are also welcomed to submit information but emphasis is on those collections which have breeding potential, have had breeding success in the past,or hold species which are rare or difficult to obtain.
I am now preparing to receive information current as of January 1, 1985. If you keep live reptiles and/or amphibians in captivity, please respond with the information requested below.
(1) A complete inventory of all reptiles and amphibians held in your collection current as of January 1st. Sexes should be included and can be listed "male/female/unknown sex".
(2) A list of all species which bred and produced young during 1984, including numbers of young for each species.
(3) ArlY miscellaneous breeding information or tips you feel would be helpful to others. (Use the information presented in the 1984 edition as a guide). Include detailed information if possible.
(4) Longevity records for any species which you Please include the number 'of years, months, days the specimen is still living.
think notable. and indicate if
(5) A listing of any publications, including books, museum bulletins, journals, magazines, etc. with reference to reproduction in reptiles and amphibians. References pertaining to the care of individual species as well as more general articles relating to temperature, light cycle, hibernation, etc. are of interest.
Deadline for receipt of information is March 1st.
All orders and requests for additional information should be sent to:
Frank L. Slavens P.O. Box 30744
Seattle, Washington 98103
SOCIETY
BELl. MUSEUM OF NA TUNAL H/STOHY
/() UI()/i(1/ STNFFT S [ iii MINNfAT'()LlS \IINNI:.SUTA S:),.S:, (J}()4
BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET S.E. MINNEAPOUS, MINNESOTA 55455-0104
YOU WISH THE ABOVE INFORMATION LISTED IN THE MHS DIRECTORY o YES o NO
o RENEW ................................ $10.00
all members of a family to monthly meetings .
............................ $7.50 o CORRESPONDING. ...................... $5.00
For out-of-state members
OFFiCIAL MHS T~SHIRT SO MO LO XL 0 $7.00 each, $1.00 postage/handling.
PLEASE ENCLOSE PAYMENT WITH APPLICATION. MAKE CHECKS PA VABLE SOCIETY. MEMBERSHIP IS FOR 12 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR MEMBERSHIP CARD BY RETURN MAIL. A RECEIPT WILL BE SENT ONt V UPON REQUEST.
