Newsletter of
The Minnesota. Herpetological • S o C 1 e t y June 2001
Upcoming Meeting The Vice-president's Report By Tony Gamble July General Meeting Friday July 6, 2001 7:00 PM Program: Captive Husbandry of Indo-Australian Pythons Guest Speaker: Uli Sacchet The word python invokes images of giant, buffalo-eating constrictors. Interestingly, only seven of the 26 currently recognized species routinely reach lengths over ten feet long. This leaves 19 species in the category of "small pythons". These smaller species
Volume 21 Number 6 are a much more manageable size and make excellent pets. July's speaker, longtime MHS member un Sacchet, will be discussing his experiences with some of these small pythons. evolution of his herp room, heating, and caging preferences over the years. Uli started breeding Solomon Island ground boas (Candoia carinata) many Uli is an experienced, knowledgeable years ago. The experience he gained herpetoculturist and this will be a great from that rather difficult species made talk for those interested in breeding and him we.1I prepared to t~ckle oth~r Indo- husbandry in general and snakes in Australian snakes. UII s tal~ will focus particular. Don't forget to take advanon the husbandry, and breeding of spot- tage of the warm weather and bring ted and Children s Pythons (Antaresfa your animals to critter of the month. macu/osa and A. chi/drem), short-tailed Small boas and pythons are particularly pythons (Python curlus) , Macklot's welcome this month pythons (Morelia m. mack/oft), and . Sawu Pythons (Morelia m. savuensis). Upcoming Meetings: He is currently breeding all of these August 3 2001 _ Dr Tim Halliday species, as well as some other species ' . like Rosy boas, sand boas and Hogg Island boas. Uli will also touch on the
Board of Directors President Blil Moss
651.488.1383 mngatorguy@qwest.net
Vice President Tony Gamble
763.424.2803 tgamble@mediaone.net
Ben Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street South Eas~ Minneapolis Minnesota SS4S5-0104
The Minnesota Herpetological • S e t y o C 1 Voice Mail: 612.624.7065
Recording Secretary
Julie Beauvais
612.321.0958 beav001@tc.umn.edu
Membership Secretary
Nancy Haig
763.434.8684 nanchiag@cltiJink,com
Treasurer Marilyn Blasus
952.925.4237 mblasus@arbitrade.com
Newsletter Editor Heather Matson
651.647.3444
geckoloco@qwest.net Members at Large
Jodi L Mems
http://www.onramplnc.net/mhs/
June 2001
Volume 21 Number 6
The Purpose of the Minnesota Herpetological Society is to: • Further the education of the membership and the general Public in care and captive propagation of reptiles and amphibians; • Educate the members and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; • Promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.
612.588.9329
Nancy Hakomaki mngatorgal@qwest.net John Hogston dragonnews@yahoo,com Melissa Nordos Crow248@msn.com Keith Tucker Tucke022@tc.umn.edu
The Minnesota Herpetological Society is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization. Membership is open to all individuals with an interest in amphibians and reptiles. The 952.891.4371 Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members 612.812.6146 with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging information, opinions and resources. 651.631.1380
612.321.0958
Committees Adoption Sarah Richard
612.232.4152
General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the St. Paul Campus of the University of Minnesota, on the first Friday of each month (unless there is a holiday conflict). The meeting starts at 7:00pm and lasts about three hours. Please check the MHS Voice mail for changes in schedules or cancellations.
RealSarah@aol.com Education Jan Larson
507.263.4391 jan.skunkhollow@juno.com
Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel
218.586.2588
Library Beth Girard
763.691.1650 bgirard@Worldnet.att.net
Herp Assistance Amphibians Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty
651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109
Chameleons Vern & Laurie Grasse!
612.428.8109
Crocodilians Jeff Lang Bill Moss
701.772.0227 651.488.1383
Lizards Nancy Haig Heather Matson
763.434.8684 612.554.8446
Large 80as, Pythons Tina Cisewski
612.856.2865
Other Snakes Jeff Leclere John Meltzer
651.488.6388 763.263.7880
Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell
763.753.0218 507.467.3076
Terrestial Turtles Fred 80sman John Levell
763.476.0306 507.467.3076
Submissions to the Newsletter Ads or Notices must be submitted no later than the night of the General Meeting to be included in the next issue. Longer articles will be printed as time and space allows. All business cards are run for $5/month. Items may be sent to: The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell museum of Natural History 10 Church St. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104
Snake Bite Emergency Hennepin Regional Poison Center
800.764.7661
Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society 2001. Contents may be reproduced for non-profit use provided that all material is reproduced without change and proper credit is given author and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume, number and date.
Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter
News, Notes & Help a Hapless Herp 10 Animals were adopted at the June meeting: 5 Iguanas 0Nowl) 3 Burmese 1 Nile Monitor 1 Sulcata Still Available: 6 Iguanas 2 Caimens 2 Alligators 1 Turtle 2 Burmese Python 1 Water Dragon
I would like to thank the following people for submitting articles: Tony Gamble Bill Moss to all who have contributed articles to Becky Heglesen the newsletter so far this year. The newsletter can communicate ideas and And a super thanx for the following indieducate individuals more than you viduals for submitting original pieces: think. Educators, breeders and conserTony Gamble vationists are invited to come and Bill Moss speak at our monthly meetings. TIme Randy Blasus and time again, these guests are overJeff LeClere whelmed yet pleased to see so many Jodi Patnoe people so involved in the Minnesota Jim Gerholdt Sean Hewitt Herpetological Society.
A Special Thank You ...
Heather Matson The newsletter is the main source of communication for the society, yet not Heather Matson, Newsletter Editor many people are taking advantage of it's power to communicate and educate. If you are interesting in adopting any of Please: if you'd like to actively become these animals please contact Sarah involved with Society, don't forget to Richard at 612.781.9544 write up an original piece for the newsletter. If you think you may not be qualified to write a scientific piece, please write a story about you and your Donna Calander reptile(s) or do research about your Pancake Tortoise favorite reptile and write up a care Don't forget about the MHS picnic this Ma/acochersus tomieri sheet. year. Glen Jacobson Being the Newsletter editor, I find it See insert for details and directions. Spider Tortoise rewarding to put the newsletter together Pyxis arachnoides every month. I become frustrated when there is nothing to work with. Brian Ingbretaon Madagascar Day Gecko Phe/suma standingi
Critter of the Month
Bring a Lunch!
Heather Matson Bent Toed Gecko Cyrtodactylus irianjayaensis Helmeted Gecko Geckonia chazaliae Michael Howard African Bullfrog Pyxecephalus edules Jodi L Aherns Spider Gecko Agamura persica Frog eyed Gecko Teratoscincus sp.
3
Minnesota HeI]letological Society Monthly Newsletter
The Veiled Chameleon (Chamae/eo calyptratus): An Omnivorous Lizard By Tony Gamble
lune 2001
Volume 21 Number 6
unique among chameleons, is the addi· sequently bred on a diet of nothing but tion of vegetable matter to the diet. The live insects. high water content of fruits, flowers, and Ron Tremper was, in the early leaves is a welcome supplement to 1990's, the first private person in the these otherwise insectivorous lizards. U.S. to have consistent success breed· This article is an overview of the omniv· ing veiled chameleons. From the begin· orous habits of the veiled chameleon. ning he recommended keeping live Veiled chameleons are primari· Pathos plants in with C. calyptratus, not Iy insectivorous. In only as a decorative hiding spot, but as captivity this trans· food for the lizard Tremper, 1992). At lates into feeding the time this seemed absurd since it juveniles small crick· was widely known that chameleons ets, mealworms, and were insectivorous. The allure of seeing fruitflies while adults this behavior, though, was too great and eat large crickets, each chameleon cage got a brand new superworms, and Pathos plant. For several months the waxworms. Like all· plants remained intact, used only for insect·eating lizards, climbing. When the animals were about vitamin and mineral five to six months old I began to notice supplementation is leaves disappearing. Finally, I saw it. recommended as After spraying a cage with water, one well as gut·loading female continued to lick a leaf even the insects prior to after the droplets of water were gone. feeding. DeVosjoli This licking quickly turned into chewing (1994) discusses and before my eyes, she ate an entire this subject quite pathos leall After talking to other well and I refer the chameleon keepers I learned that some reader to his excel· animals relishe apples and strawberries lent book for more as well. This amazed me. The race was details. C. calyptra· on to see what else C. caltyptratus tus can be raised to adulthood and sub·
Veiled chameleons are adaptable lizards. They live in harsh terrain on the southern Arabian Peninsula. This region's environment can be quite vari· able. Annis (1995) describes three gen· eral habitat types. 1) Humid coastal plains, these environments are general· Iy humid with low rainfall and high tem· peratures (86 to 110 00 F). 2) Western and Southern mountain lopes, these receive exceptional amounts of season· al rainfall and mild temperatures (68 to 8600 F). 3) High mountain plateaus, these environments receive little rainfall and experience wide fluctuations in temperature with nighttime frosts com· monplace. Within these environments, chameleons are generally found near gullies and seasonal riverbeds (wadis). One possible adaptation to these varied and unpredictable environments, that is
4
Minnesota Herpetological Society Annual Picnic Saturday, July 14,2001 Islands of Peace County Park 200 Charles St NE, Fridley
General Info: The MHS picnic will be held Saturday, July 14th. We will be in the only pavilion at Islands of Peace (directions on opposite side.) The park opens at 9AM & closes at sunset. The grills will be fired up by noon, and as requested thereafter. MHS will be providing charcoal, plates, napkins, utensils, and condiments. Please bring your own beverages (no kegs or hard liquor allowed,) grilling meats, and something to share. Amenities: The restrooms are next to the parking lot, approximately 200 yards from the pavilion. There is no electricity or running water in the pavilion. There are some picnic tables, but we recommend you bring along pOitable camping chairs. This will allow you to sit by the Mississippi river to enjoy the scenery and wildlife. Attractions: The island and area where the pavilion resides has abundant wildlife to view, such as snapping turtles and herons. Springbrook Nature Center is several miles north on 85 th Ave., which has a large display of reptiles and amphibians. The Islands of Peace park is on the Mississippi River Regional Trail. Activities: The most common MHS picnic activity is a casual atmosphere in which to swap stories with fellow herpers. Due to questionable health concerns with the park ground cover, we do not encourage members to bring their tOitS - turtle races will not be held this year. Any questions should be directed to the picnic chairperson, Roger Statz, at 763-424-8816, or via email atstatz@pobox.com .
July 14, 2001 MHS Annual Picnic Islands of Peace Recreational Area 200 Charles St NE, Fridley Cookout starts at 12:00 noon.
map Is not drawn to
scale
Islands of Peace
1-694
1694 to East River Road North Turn left on Charles (second right) Parking lot is at the end of Charles,to the left. Restrooms are in building by parking lot. Pavilion is down the hill, across the bridge, to the right (approx 200 yards) Restrooms and Pavilion are wheelchair accessible
:Minnesota Herpetological Society Monthly Newsletter
Helpful Hints for Hands -on
lune 2001
Volume 21 Number 6
Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by
I'm glad to see so many people coming to our events. Here are Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer a few things to remember: 1) Know the following about your animal. a) What kind it is. For the Month Ending: b) What it eats May 31, 2001 c) Where it lives in the wild d) Life expectancy Income: 2) Never allow anyone other than yourself to Membership hold your animal. Sales (Net) 3) Try to be polite - even answering really dumb Donations questionsl Raffle 4) Come often - Thanks! Mise Jan Larsen jan.skunkhollow@juno.com would eat. One item of interest is that the chameleons seem more inclined to eat something if it looks wet. The table below is a composite of my own investigations and information found in the literature concerning the omnivorous habits of C. caltyptratus.
caltyptratus eating
Total Income:
280.00 776.25 113.56 107.75 4550 1,323.06
Expenses: Newsletter Printing 215.56 & Postage Other Printing & Postage 48.61 Program 50.00 Conservation/Donation 165.00 Supplies & Refreshmnt 125.72 Misc Total Expense:' .,,',. .--' '604.89
Annis, John M. 1995. Veiled chameleon (C. caltyptratus) husbandry, captive management, and breeding.pages 77-100 In Phillipe deVosjoli and Gary Ferguson Vegetable Items Eaten by C. calyp- (eds.) Care and Breeding of tratu$ . Panther, Jackson's," Veiled and Parson's Chameleons. Advanced Pothos leaves" (Tremper, 1995) Vivarium Systems, Santee, CA. 718.17 Ficus leaves" (Tremper, 1995) Net Gain/(Loss): Acacia leaves (Tremper, 1995) DeVosjoli, Phillipe. 1994. The Sansevenaleaves" Lizard Keeper's Handbook. Romaine lettuce" (Stahl and Advanced Vivarium Systems, Santee, Tremper, Ronald. 1995. Herpetoculture Blackburn, 1996) CA. of veiled chameleons (Chamaeleo cal Kale" typtratus) pages 101-108 In Phillipe Endive" Stahl, Scott, DVM and Chip lackburn. and Gary Ferguson (eds.) deVosjoli Red leaf lettuce (Stahl and Blackburn, 1996. The captive husbandry and Care and Breeding of Panther, 1996) reproduction of the veiled chameleon Veiled and Parson's Jackson's, Escarole (Stahl and Blackburn, 1996) (Chamaeleo caltyptratus). Vivarium Chameleons. Advanced Vivarium Mustard greens" 8(1):28-31,44-45. Systems, Santee, CA. Dandelion greens and flowers" Hibiscus flowers" Tremper, Ronald. 1992. Care Sheet: Apple" Chamaeleo caltyptratus. Privately printPapaya" ed. Mango" Pear" Banana" Strawberry" Rasberry" Blusberry" Carrot" Sweet potato" Acorn and butternut squash"
" These are items I have observed C.
5
Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter
June 2001
Volume 21 Number 6
Classified Advertisements Classified ads are free to the member ship. Deadline Is the night of the general meeting to be Included in the next 1.0.0 ::: male, 0.1.0 -= female, 0.0.1 ::: unsexed, cb = captive bred, obo = or best offer, + = times runt ads are run only 3x unless requested to continue).
newsletter.
Wanted 1.1 adult queensland carpet Wanted Adult Female Leucistic Leopard pythons $300/pr 1.1 adult Gecko, ready or almost ready to be breed. Contact Chris at (507)-359-9444 or at timor monitors $250/pr 1.1 adult argentine boas tex_2001@hotmail.com English Spot Dutch $400/pr 2.2 longicauda (sp?) boas $800/pr Neodesha cages Eastman Nature Center is looking for a Milk also available. Call Chelsea & snake, Fox snake, or a Black Rat snake. 'Where Spots Are Tops' Tyler: 651-776-5216 pager: 952- Snake will be used for school group and family classes and must handle well. 909-2736 Please call Kim at 763/420-4300. JIMDALUGE 8700 Jaber Ave. NE email: (763) 295路2818 Monticello. MN 55362 dearmond@bethel.edu+++ All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways at educational proFor Sale BO or possible trade to good home with vis- grams. Contact Bob DOerr 612.541.0362 itation rights. 1.2.0 (purchased We're DownsizingllJ 9 Ban Pythons for as - but they have not bred) northern BTS - Male Sail Tail Dragon to entertain my Sale (3 large adulta, 6 subadults) Call for (2) 3.5 years old (1) ?- $250. female. Large Male Northern detailscTodd or Kelly 507.931.8887 for all three. bluetongue skink of atleast 2 years of age. Mankato area++ 0.0.2 schniederri skinks - sub adult - nipped Contact Domonie at 763-424-4243 or domonie@domunique.com tails $25 pair. Need Home: 1.1 adult common boa con- 0.0.1 juvey savanah monitor - $40.00. All strictors 7'.5" each. Accustomed to han- have been recently paraSite Femate Gulf Coast Box Turtle. Looking dling & people, used in live animal pro- checked/and or treated. Contact Domonie for a girl to keep my fella company. Or a grams. Interest~d parties must be over 18, at 763-424-4243 or ' pair for breeding. Contact Heather Matson experienced in handling large snakes. domonie@domunique.com+ 651.647.3444 or geckoloco@qwest.net References. Contact: Long Lake Conservation Center (Palisade MN),
Jim's Rabbit Shack
800.450.5522, or IIcc@mlecmn.net+++ Neodesha cages, used, $25 each. Contact Mark Hauge 320.202.9871 Or email Whitneywee@home.com ++
MHS Rodent Sales
Yearling Corn Snakes fedding on thawed frozen pinkies. 1.0 arne I. 0.1 anery. 1.0 snow. 1.1 ghost. Call Laurie 763.428.4625 or email grassel@gowebway.com+
Mice
Pinkies Fuzzies Hoppers Adults
$7/dz. $7/dz. $8/dz. $10/dz
Rats
Sm Pups Lg Pups Juvn Rats Adults
$12/dz. $18/dz. $24/dz. 6 @$15 or $30/dz.
Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge 763.295.2818 Flightless FruitFlies - Excellent food for dart frogs, mantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available Drosophila (small) and D. hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 cultures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has the potentail to produce to several hundred young. Also, Mealworms - Two sizes available - regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Cal Tony Gamble 612.818.6861 or email tgamble@mediaone.net
For pick up at monthly meetings only. Orders Must be placed at least one week in advance of date of meeting at which the frozen rodents are to be delivered. Place orders with Tina Cisewski at 612.856.2865 All Proceeds go toward the operating costs of the society. The MHS is a completely volunteer run, non-profit organization.
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You could Advertise Here for just $10 per Month or $120 per year.
Advertising Policies MHS Ad Policy: The MHS assumes NO RESPONSIBILITY regarding the health or legality
of any animal, or the quality or legality of any product or service advertised in the MHS Newsletter. Any ad may be rejected at the discretion of the Newsletter Editor. Due to space limitations, unpaid and complimentary advertisements afe subject to occasional omission. Classified Ads: All active members are allowed a classified ad, run free of charge as space
permits. Ads may be ran three consecutive months, after which time they may be resubmit
M
ted. Corresponding members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mailing permits, we are not aHowed to run ads for travel, credit or insurance agencies. Business card advertisements may be purchased at $5/ad, per month. For other rates please inquire. Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell Museum of
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•
Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline is the night of the General Meeting for inclusion in the next newsletter. Make checks payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.
r-----------------------------------------------, Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application New Renewal Membership# Type Check #
Name Address City, State, Zip, Phone
List in MHS Directory?
Yes
No
Herp related interests
Active Memberships: Sustaining ($60/yr) Corresponding Memberships:
Contributing ($30/yr)
Basic Commercial ($25/yr 2 Bus Cards) Silver ($75/yr 2112 pg Ads)
Basic ($15/yr) Bronze ($50/yr 2 1/4 pg ads) Gold ($100/yr 2 Full pg Ads)
Required check info. Drivers Lie # State DOB Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon request. Mail to: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks L for _______________________________________________ processing.
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MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SE MINNEAPOUS, MN 55455-0104 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL
Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage PAID Mpls, MN Permit No. 2275