NEWSLETIER OF THE

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

FEBRUARY 1994 VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL mSTORY 10 CHURCH STREET SOUTH EAST MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

Do you ever have a question about one of your herps and wonder who might be able to provide an answer? Most people who keep pets of any kind have been is this situation at one time or another. A group of MHS members has volunteered to provide assistance. Listed below are the people and their specialties. Please be reasonable about the time of day and how frequently you call.

Large pythons and constrictors Other Snakes Glen (Jake) Jacobsen 757-8268 John Meltzer 263-7880 Vence Jimerson 869-8547 John Levell 374-5422

Connie Delles 374-5422

Lizards Amphibians Nancy Haig 789-4637 John Meltzer 263-7880 Bill Moss 488-1383 Greg Kvanbek 533-7723 Drew Newman (Iguana) 774-6008 Drew Newman 774-6008

Terrestrial turtles and tortoises Aquatic Turtles John Moriarty 647-1334 Michele Stillinger 377-8637 Ann POl'Woll 489-7853 Dennis Daly 331-8606

The purpose of the Minnesota Hepetological Society is: to further the education of the membership and the general public in care and captive propagation of retiIes and amphibians; to educate the membership and the general public in the ecological role of reptiles and amphibians; and to promote the study and conservation of reptiles and amphibians.

MRS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY RECORDING SECRETARY TREASURER NEWSLETTER EDITOR MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE MEMBER-AT-LARGE IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Glen Jacobsen John Levell Connie Levell Dan Berquist Marilyn Brooks Michele Stillinger Jeff LeClere Bill Moss Hans Paulson Sara Richard John Meltzer

SNAKEBITE EMERGENCY

HENNEPIN REGIONAL POISON CENTER

MINNESOTA POISON CONTROL SYSTEM

LOCAL

OUT OF STATE

(612) 347-3141

(612) 221-2113

(800) 222-1222

(612) 757-8268 (612) 374-5422 (612) 374-5422 (612) 487-3258 (612) 925-4237 (612) 224-7212 (612) 488-6388 (612) 488-1383 (715) 425-7959 (612) 623-7620 (612) 263-7880

Copyright Minnesota Herpetological Society. The contents of this newsletter may be reproduced for inclusion in the newsletters of other herpetological societies provided that the material is reproduced without change and proper credits arc given to the MHS Newsletter, citing, volume, number, and date.

MInnesOTa HeTqJeToloqlcaL SOCIeTY

r-o--- ----Table of Contents

Upcoming Meeting Highlights MHS Business Election Information

I MHS Meet i ng Revi ew " HFYI

I I I

Book Review by Jim Article of Interest Frog Survey Neonate Page Classifieds

Reminders

Gerholdt

by John Levell

Page

2 3 4 7 8 9

1 1 16 17 18

The March meeting is MHS election time. If you are interested in running or nominating someone else, please contact the MHS election committee chairs Fred and Liz Bosman (see page 5 ). There will be a scheduled speaker for March.

NEXT NEWSLETTER DEADLINE: MARCH 4th, 1994

Send all inquiries, ads, and articles directly to the editor: MHS Editor

234 West George Street St. Paul, MN 55107 or call: 224-7212

r Special Notes:

II Last month I neglected to i mention a special thanks to I

II Ul' speaker Don Middaugh for

donating his speaker fee I Thank you Don!!

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2

back. ,

----"

--."

PAGEl

Upcoming Meeting High'ights

March Program: Desert Herps of the Southwestern United States Speaker: Delvin Jones Where: 335 Borlaug Hall. U of M St. Paul Campus When: 7: OOpm sharp! Fri day March 4th. 1994

MARCH PROGRAM: DESERT HERPS OF THE SOUTHWESTERN UNITED STATES

SPEAKER: DELVIN JONES

Before even beginning to discuss the program for the March meeting of the Minnesota Herpetological Society, a few words are in order about the featured speaker, our very own Delvin Jones.

Back in the "dark ages" before there was an MHS, Del lived in Boston where he was a board member of the prestigious Massachusetts Herpetological society (MHS!). Upon moving back to the Twin cities, Del thought it would be nice to join the herp club here, but there was a minor problem, there wasn't one! Not one to be put-off by such a trivial obstacle, Delvin gave a t~lk entitled "Wanted: A Minnesota Herpetological Society" at the symposium on the Ecology of Reptiles and Amphibians in Minnesota held in Cass Lake, Minnesota, March 13-15, 1981. His talk sparked interest in forming a Minnesota Herpetological society and the first official meeting, presided over by Del, was held May 1, 1981 at the Bell Museum of Natural History. Since that first meeting, Del has remained extremely active in the society and has been instrumental in making our Society the organization it is today. simply put, Delvin Jones is the "Father of the MHS" (the Minnesota one) and he deserves a most sincere thank you from all of us. Thanks Dad!

Del's program will focus on the reptiles and amphibians inhabiting the more arid regions of the western united States. Del has visited several of these areas in the American southwest including portions of the Mojave, Colorado, Arizona, and Chihuahuan deserts, and has taken numerous photographs in each. Having "herped" in some of these deserts myself, I know that this program will be most enjoyable. Not only are the animals inhabiting these areas special, but the scenery of the deserts themselves is spectacular. Don's miss it! JPL

Upcoming Meetings

April: Madaline Linck on Blanding's Turtle

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 2

MHS

Board Meet:ing

The Meeting was called to order at 7:45 at John Meltzer's house. Attending were: Jake Jacobsen, Sarah and George Richard, John and Connie Levell, John and Ruth Meltzer, Greg Kvanbek, Paul Buttenhoff, Hans Paulson, Marilyn Brooks, and Randy Blasus. Treasurer: A full report for the year will be printed in this newsletter. Old Business: Election and candidates were discussed. We need more people to run for all positions. See this issue for further information. Volunteer hours are still being compiled for review. Mugs will be awarded at the March meeting. There was also discussion on a new hands-on display board, a committee is looking for possible designs. New Business: Discussion on the possibility that MHS should look into planning a 15th anniversary party for 1996. The picnic chair will be looking for picnic spots for 1994. Suggested locations are: Bunker Park Reserve, Lake Elmo Park, and Battlecreek Park in St. Paul

Year End Recap from Treasurer

1993 saw an increase in income, but also an increase in expenses. This year was slightly different in that we had some larger lump sums of money come in (Ren Fest) but be had some new larger expenses like Insurance and funding towards MN R & A book. I would like to see 1994 have

MRS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2

an even bigger income so we can accomplish more goals. Treasurer's Report follows:

MINNESOTA HERPETOlOGIAl SOCEITY TREASURER'S REPORT

FOR YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,1993

INCOME:

Membership

library Fines

Donation

Ratfle

T-shirt Sales (Net)

Small Items Sales

Cage Salils (Nel)

Book Sales (Net)

Rodeflt Sales (Nel)

Mise

white Snake Sale

HoMay Banquet

AdvertiSing

TOTAL INCOME:

EXPENSES:

Newsletter Printing

Other Printing & Postage

Program

Library Books

Supplies Refreshments

Mise

Oonations

Service Charges

Bulk Mall Permit

Horoday Banquet

Insurance

Frog Tapes Purchase -Survey

Supphes{Bus Card, EnvolopeS)

TOTAl EXPENSES:

NETlNCOME:

3.525.00

34.00 2,662.58

491.25

355.00 408.06

155.00

132.45 1,670.00

22.00

834.50 460.00 150.00

10,899.83

4,573.08 1,128.31

950.00

277.75 281.14

227.45

994.19

564.98 25.00

75.00 497.81

724.65

150.00

300.00 10,769.36

130.471

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGIAl SOCEITY Statement of Changes in Finanical Postilion

For Year 1993

Begmnmy Balance. January 1 2501.94

Add: Income

Subtract Expense

Not Incroase (Docroase)

End'ng Balarn:e. December 31

10899.83 __ 10769.36

130.47

__ 2_6~_~

MINNESOTA HERPETOlOGIAl SOCEITY

CaSh Holdmgs:

Cash on Hand

Checkll1g Account

Saving AccOunt

CD

Total

Placement 01 Cash Ho!dings For Year 1993

50.00

2582.41

PAGE 3

ELECTIONS!!

ELECTIONS!!

ELECTIONS!!

ELECTIOf\JS!! At the March 1994 general meeting, MHS will be holding the board member elections. Many of the positions will need to be filled. It's a great way to get more involved in you society, be instrumental in decision making, and get to know members better. When I first joined the board, I knew only one person in the society. I've met a great many people and made some new friends in the last two years on the board and it has been a rewarding experience.

Each position has different duties that are vital to the society. See the following descriptions (incomplete) below and let a board member know if you are interested or would like to nominate someone else. If you would like a complete description of board member responsibilities contact this years election committee chairs Fred and Liz Bosman (476-0306) after February 5th.

There are also a number of non board related committees you can join: Newsletter Folding, Hands-On, Adoption, etc. These three in particular desperately need new committee chairs and members for 1994.

OFFICE POSITIONS

President: Chair meetings, appoint chairpersons, schedule meeting room, act as the public spokesman, concentrate on long range planning, etc.

Vice President: Take over president's duties in his absence, coordinate speakers for monthly meetings, introduce speakers, critter of the month and any other presentations.

Treasurer: Maintain bookkeeping, checking account, balance statements, collect fines, raffle money, merchandise sales from volunteer members at meeting.

MHSNEWSLETfER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 4

Secretary: Records minutes of board meetings, general meetings, compiling speaker review for newsletter, send out necessary correspondence when required.

Newsletter Editor: Edit and assemble newsletter.

Member at Large: Help make decisions at monthly board meetings, assisting with sales, raffle, refreshments, and other aspects of monthly general meeting as required, volunteer for special projects and committees as they arise.

Some of the election candidates were discussed at the board meeting. A partial list follows:

President: John Meltzer and Bill Moss Vice President: John Levell Treasurer: Marilyn Brooks Recording Secretary: Randy Blasus Membership Secretary: Ruth Meltzer and George Richard Newsletter Editor: Michele Stillinger Members at Large: Donna Cal ander, Sarah Richard and Barb Radanke

This list is not complete. Once again, please contact Fred and Liz Bosman if you would like to run. Candidate names will also be taken at the last minute at the March meeting.

The ballot will also have the amendment to the constitution to be voted on.

MHS NEWSLE'ITER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 5

Proposed Change to the Constitution

Where: Room 335, Borlaug Hall, U of M st. Paul Campus When: 7:00 pm, Friday, March 4 th, 1994 Who: All active members of MHS in attendance

March is our election month. It is the time to vote for candidates to the various Board positions for the next year. Also this same month there will be a resolution presented on the ballot for a change to the MHS Constitution. This was briefly mentioned in the November newsletter in the Board meeting minutes section. It is the position of the Board that this change should be considered as a means to help prevent problems that may arise in future years; therefore the board is placing the final decision on the membership.

The resolution is to make the position of Treasurer one with an unlimited term. Currently the position has a two year limit. The only other position to currently have this status is that of Newsletter Editor.

Current Constitution: Section 4.02 Term of Office. The Officers and Members-at­Large elected at the Annual Meeting of MHS as hereafter provided, shall serve for a period of one (1) year. Officers may serve only two (2) terms consecutively. Newsletter Editor will have no limit to term length.

Proposed Change as it will appear on ballot: Amended Section 4.02 Term of Office. The Officers and Members-at-Large elected at the Annual Meeting of MHS as hereafter prOVided, shall serve for a period of one (1) year. Officers may serve only two (2) terms consecutively. Newsletter Editor and Treasurer will have no limit to term length. (Amended 3/8/94)

This change will be permanent and is worthy of consideration by the members of the Society. This resolution will be on the ballot separately. To vote on the resolution and on the Board positions, you must be in attendance at the general meeting in Boriaug Han .

The November Newsletter stated that you would be voting on the proposed change of making the Immediate Past President a one year term. Issues were not fully resolved with the Board in time to meet the deadline of notification to the general membership. This is required in order for it to be voted on. Therefore it will not be on the ballot at the March meeting.

Lastly, copies of the current Constitution can be picked up from the Membership Secretary or Treasurer at the next two meetings. If you have any questions, please call a member of the Board for further information.

MKB

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 6

Well, the Annual MHS White Snake Sale was a great success. There were 174 items donated from members and various corporations. The sale earned MHS a record $798.00!!! Thank you to all who attended and spent your hard earned money to those who donated merchandise, and to members who helped with the smooth running of the sale.

A very special thanks to Delvin Jones who according to Marilyn went through brain damage changing the computer program to get the bills to print out faster. I'm sure this was much appreciated by everyone. Delvin also hauled his entire computer system to the University for this event. THANKS AGAIN DELVIN!!!

TIMBER RATTLESNAKE - LIMITED EDITION PRINT By DAN KEYLER

This print is from an original pen & ink drawing and is limited to an edition of 141 signed and numbered prints. Each print will cost $15.00 and can be personalized upon request. MRS members interested in purchasing a print should contact the artist at MRS meetings or by calling 347-8760 (w) or 933-2055 (h). Proceeds will be used to recover printing costs and further Timber Rattlesnake research in Minnesota. So place your order soon - they won't last long.

MRS NEWSLETrER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE?

HFVI

Calendar of Events

Event Type March 1994 . April 1994

Hands - on * Sun. 3/6 Bell Museum * University of Minnesota 12:00 to 3:30 Vet School Open House

I (date and time to be announced next month)

I Conferences * 17th annual all Florida

Herp Conference 4/9 see Feb. MHS newsletter for

I info and registration.

I Seminars

Other events

* A special reminder, we are still looking for someone to be the new hands - on chairperson. Contact a board member for details. (see Feb. MHS newsletter for info.)

MHSNEWSLETfER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 8

REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OF CHEYENNE BOTTOMS

by Joseph T. and Suzanne L. Collins

The state of Kansas has a large and diversified herpetofauna, with over 90 species being recorded from the state. It is also fortunate to have a prolific writer who has done an admirable job of reporting this herpetofauna. There are 3 editions of Amphibians and Reptiles in Kansas, with the latest published just last year. These replaced an earlier work by Hobart Smith. Recently (along with his wife, Suzanne) he has written Reptiles and Amphibians of the Cimarron Grasslands (1991) and now this guide. While there may be plenty of books available that cover the herps of Cheyenne Bottoms, it is always nice to have one like this that is specific to the area and fits in the pocket.

Cheyenne bottoms sits almost exactly in the middle of Kansas, in Barton Co. It is an area best known for its birds, but it also is home to 27 species of amphibians and reptiles. There are also 11 more species that may likely be found there in the future.

This book is well organized and easy to use. There are no keys but the descriptions and especially th~ excellent photographs by the junior author will make identification easy. All of the photos are of typical specimens, and not atypical ones as too many books like to use. While the unusual morphs may be more spectacular, they don't help a lot with identification!

The section on the history of reptile and amphibians discov­eries at the Bottoms is very interesting. The area was not "recorded" with a herp until 1942. Since that time more work has been done, including a major survey in 1986. This was done in the spring and summer, and brought the species count to the present 27. As noted above, more species will likely b~ added to this count. In this present day, it is nice to have a protected area that still has discoveries to be made.

One problem with this guide is in the use of scientific names. The book follows Collins (1990) Standard Common and Current Scientific Names for North American Amphibians and Reptiles. This is supposed to be the bottom line. However, in 2 cases, these names are different from those used by Conant and Col­lins (1991) Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America. It would be nice if these disagree­ments could be settled. Collins (1990) uses pituophis catenifer and Spea bombifrons while Conant and Collins (1991) use E. mel­anoleucus and Scaphiopus bombifrons.

MRS NEWSLETfER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 9

A nice touch is the use of quotes from well known herpetolo­gists and naturalists to begin each section of the species accounts. I found myself skipping ahead to read these!

The species accounts are well written and include a lot of natural history along with good descriptions. Sizes are given for the maximum known specimen from the Bottoms, as well as the maximum known for the species. Of course our very own "Minne­sota Fats" is the 19 3/8 inch giant listed for the Snapping Turtle!

All in all, this is a great little book. The problems noted are minor and by all means, if you plan to visit Kanasa in the future, this is one you should have. Even if you don't plan to visit Kansas, you should still have it. A copy is available in the MRS Library for your use.

Reviewed by Jim Gerholdt

fF:::::::=::;;;;-;~~:'===:=====~- ---, ___ --~·I \ I I,

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2

J i

, • j

. I I I

PAGE 10

Artic~e D~ Interest

Reprinted with permission of Raymond T. Hoser and Herpetofauna Volume 23 #1 1993. pages 32-35.

NOTES ON FEEDING INTERACTIONS IN AUSTRALIAN REPTILES

by Raymond T. Hoser 41 Village Avenue

Doncaster VIC 3108

INTRODUCTION Feeding interactions by reptiles may be the result of:

Two reptiles (usually snakes) attempting to eat the same food item with one reptile also eating the other attached reptile. This type of accidental predation is commonly observed and documented for captive snakes .

. Severe hunger confinement or some other stressful situation causing a reptile to depart from normal behaviour and eat another. This may be a smaller member of the same species or another species.

Normal behaviour in the feeding on other members of the same species, which is demonstrated in both wild and captive animals.

Cannibalistic behaviour has been reported in a number of Australian reptiles. Specific cases and species previously documented include:

Sand Goanna Varanus gouldii, Johnson (1976) Black-headed Python Aspidites melanocephalus, McPhee (1979) Spotted Python Liasis maculosus, Maguire (1990) Desert Death Adder Acanthophis pyrrhus, Fyfe and Munday (1998) Gow (1981), Hoser (1989) Highland Copperhead Austrelaps ramsayi, Jenkins and Bartell (1980) Copperhead Austrelaps sp., Gow, (1982, 1983, 1989), McPhee (1979), Shine (1977) Small-eyed Snake Cryptophis nigrescens, McPhee (1979) Swamp Snake Hemiaspis signata, McPhee (1979) Tiger Snake Notechis scutatus, McPhee (1979) Black Tiger Snake Notechis ater, Gow (1983, 1989) King Island Tiger Snake Notechis ater humphreysi, Worrell (1970) King Brown Snake Pseudechis australis, Gow (1982,1983, 1989), McPhee (1979) Blue-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis gutta/us, McPhee (1979) Eastern Brown Snake Pseudonaja textilis, McPhee (1979) Myall Sn<:Jke Suta suta, McPhee (1979) Little Whip Snake Unechis flagellum, Turner (1987)

. Gould's Snoke Unechis gouldii, Shine (1977)

MHS NEWSLETI"ER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 11

Cases of cannibalistic and similar feeding behaviour is documented here for the Lace Monitor Varanus varius. Desert Death Adder Acantnophis pyrrhus; Swamp Snake Hemiaspis signata; Yellow-faced Whip Snake Oemansia psammophis, Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus.

OBSERVATIONS Lace Monitor Varanus varius

During the period 1975-83, I held seven adult Lace Monitors Varanus varius in two interccn­nected outdoor pits some 15 metres lona and 6 metres wide in near natural conditions in a Sydney suburb (Hoser, 1989. p.182).

On separate occasions, at least five adult Blue-tongued Lizards Trliqua scincoides and two adult Eastern Water Dragons Physignathus lesueurii were placed inside the pit and were immediately eaten (swallowed whole) by one of the dominant male V. varius.

During January 1978, two sand monitors Varanus gouldiiboth measuring in excess of 1000mm total length were housed with the V. varius. A single 1500mm Heath Monitor V. rosenbergi had been kept with the V. varius for some years without incident.

About two weeks following the introduction of the two V. gouldii into the pit one of the male V. varius was found with the tail of the smaller V. gouldii protruding from its mouth. It was forced to regurgitate the V. gouldii, which was dead. The male V. varius measured 1760mm in to:al length, Neither it nor any other monitor in the cage was underfed although all were kept hungry (in warmer months), unlike some captive V. varius which tend to become excessively obese.

The second, larger Varanus gouldii was left in the cage with the V. varius as its substantially larger bulk would, it was thought make it more ccmpatible with the V. varius

A week later the same male V. varius was found with the second V. gouldii protruding from its mouth. The V. varius had only managed to swallow the anterior half of the body. It was again forced to regurgitate the V. gouldiiwhich was already dead.

On at least two occasions in the pit, a female V. varius excavated a hole and deposited eggs. These eggs were dug up and eaten by one or more monitors in the pit. On one occasion, only V. varius were resident in the pit.

Desert Death Adder Acanthophis pyrrhus

During the period 1976-84, I held a number of Death Adders Acanthophis antarcticus, Desert Death Adders A pyrrhus and Northern Death Adders A praelongus. All were kept indoors in glass cages with an average of 2 snakes per cage, although these numbers varied as the snakes were moved between identical cages. On some occasions, different species were caged together, virtually always without incident.

On two separate occasions an adult male Apyrrhuswas found to have eaten a cage cohabitant of the same species and sex. The eaten snakes were subsequently found regurgitated and dead. No food had been in the cages at the times of the incidents and neither snake was in a state of undue leaness.

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 12

On another occasion an adult (approx. 550mm) male A. pyrrhus ate a female A. antarcticus (approx. 320mm) that was in the same cage. The snake was subsequently regurgitated in a

largely undigested state.

No behaviour that could be construed as cannibalistic was ever observed in A. antarcticus or

A. praelongus.

Yellow-faced Whip Snake Demansia psammophis

A large captive adult male D. psammophis, 1000mm in length, was observed feeding on a juvenile of the same species. At a later date, the same snake fed on a Green Tree Snake (Dendre/aphis punctu/ata) of similar length. Both incidents occurred in the spring of 1976

(Robert Croft, pers. comm.).

Swamp Snake Hemiaspis signata

In late spring 1976, one adult Swamp Snake Hemiaspis signata, one juvenile of the same species, estimated at about 9 months of age and two adult Copper-tailed Skinks Ctenotus taeniolatus were caught and placed in a single bag. Later the bag was opened and found to contain only the adult H. signata. Inspection of the snake revealed that it had fed on the three other reptiles placed in the same bag (Robert Croft, pers. comm.).

Red-bellied Black Snake Pseudechis porphyriacus

In 1973, I held a 1200m Red-bellied Black Snake P. porphyriacus and a 900mm Freshwater Snake Tropidonophis mairii in the same 1300mm cage. The Black Snake ate and later regurgitated the Freshwater Snake which failed to survive. Both snakes had been together in the cage for several months without incident and both were in good health feeding exclusively on frogs. No frogs were in the cage at the time of the incident.

DISCUSSION The saurophagous nature of V. variusis well known and further documented here. The incidents detailed here indicate that V. varius is a potentially cannibalistic species. Smaller specimens certainly run the risk of being eaten by members of the same species.

To my knowledge, the only Australian varanid documented to date as being potentially cannibalistic is Varanus gouldii (Johnson 1976, Polis and Myers 1985).

That Desert Death Adders Acanthophis pyrrhus are apparently prone to cannibalism, while A. antarcticus and A. praelongus are not may have something to do with the dietary preferences of the three species.

Fyfe and Munday (1988) commented that newborn A. pyrrhus had to be separated after the first slough to prevent cannibalism. In natural conditions, neonates would be unlikely to come into contact with one another shortly after birth, consequently the risk of cannibalism would be slight. However captive conditions could be a catalyst for cannibalistic behaviour in young of the species. Gow (1981) also recorded cannibalism in this species.

D. psammophis aggregates and is commonly found in pairs (Hoser 1980, 1990). Cannibalism by this species in the wild would be unlikely and it would seem that the cases observed by Croft in 1976 were abnormal behaviour.

McPhee (1979), noted that Hemiaspis signata is "prone to cannibalism" and the circumstances in the case described here were such as to induce cannibalism

MRS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 13

Red·bellied Black Snakes Pseudechis porphynacus aggregate for breeding purposes, (Hoser 1980, 1990). Therefore the case documented here could not be interpreted to imply that cannibalism is normal for this species. Worrell (1970), plate 59, shows a photo of this species consuming an eel, a long creature of similar form to a snake. It is possible and likely that P. porphyriacus will feed on suitably sized snakes of other species should the opportunity arise.

In relation to the Blue·bellied Black Snake Pseudechis gutta Ius, McPhee (1979), states "It is almost certainly cannibalistic." He also makes a similar comment for the Small-eyed Snake Cryplophis nigrescens. He quotes a large number of snakes as having cannibalistic tendencies Including a species which Worrell (1970) makes a point of stressing is not cannibalistic, namely Notechis scuta Ius. Gow (1983,1989) not does not note cannibalistic behaviour in N. sculatus, but does in N. aler. Worrell (1970) also documents cannibalism in N. aler.

I question some of the cannibalism records cccumented by McPhee (1959, 1979), although comments made by Polis and Myers (1985), stress that physically at least, most reptiles are capable of cannibalism.

Globally, Polis and Myers (1985) found repo~ts of cannibalism and/or oophagy in over 100 species of reptile and amphibian, They concluced that "since few reptiles and amphibians are morphologically incapable of cannibalism, we expect the number of known cannibalistic species will increase as more research is completed,"

Wilson (1975), noted the correlation between mose species most studied as those most likely to have cases of intraspecific predation recorded or observed, Such is certainly true for Australian species, With more people keeping snakes in captivity it is not surprising that there

are more cases of cannibalism recorded for snakes than lizards, and relatively few cases of cannibalism recorded for Australian frogs.

Cases of alleged cannibalism in many species of snake or other reptile may be induced by captive conditions, and therefore may not realty indicate the natural behaviour of the species 'in question,

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS Thanks to Gerry Swan and the anonymous reviewer for helping to revise the final draft of this paper.

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MRS NEWSLETfER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2

SEC01U)' S EXOTIC AJIllMAL HOUSE BILLY SECORD (612)-920-4502

SPECIALIZES IN CAPTIVE BREEDING OF FINE EXOTIC MAMMALS. HEDGEHOGS, FENNEC FOX,

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PAGE 14

REFERENCES Fyfe. G. and Munday. B. (1988). "Captive breeding of the Desert Death Adder (Acanthophis

pyrrhus)." Herpetofauna 18 (2). p.21.

Gow. G.F. (1ge2). Australia's Dangerous Snakes. Angus and Robertson. Sydney. Australia. 103pp.

Gow. G.F. (1 ge3). Snakes of Australia (Revised edition). Angus and Robertson. Sydney, Australia. 140 pp.

Gow, G.F. (1981), "Notes on the Desert Death Adder (Acanthophis pyrrhus) Boulenger lege. with the first reproductive reccrd .... Northern Territory Naturalist 4, pp.21-22.

Gow. G.F. (1989). Graeme Gow's Complete Guide to Australian Snakes, Angus and Robertson, Sydney, Australia. 171 pp.

Hoser. R.T. (1geO), "Further records of aggregations of various species of Australian Snake.", Herpetofauna, 12 (1), pp.16-22.

Hoser, R.T. (1ge9). Australian Reptiles and Frogs, Pierson and Co., Sydney, A.ustralia. 240 pp.

Hoser. R.T. (1990). "Pairing behaviour in Australian Snakes .... Herptile 15 (3), pp 84-93.

Jenkins. R. and Bartell, R. (1980), A Field Guide To Reptiles Of The Australian High Country, Inkata Press, Melbourne, Australia. 278 pp.

Johnson, C.R. (1976), "Some behavioural observations on wild and captive sand monitors Varanus gould;i (Sauria: Varanidae). ", Zoological Journal of the Linnaean Society 59, pp.377-80.

Maguire, M. (1990). "Accidental cannibaliam in Children's Pythons (Liasis maculosus). ", Herpetofauna 20 (1), p.33.

McPhee, D.R. (1959), Some Common Snakes and Lizards of Australia, Jacaranda Press. Brisbane. Australia. 125 pp.

McPhee, DR (1979), The Observer's Book of Snakes and Lizards of Australia. Methuen 01 Australia, Sydney, Australia. 157 pp.

Polis. G .A. and Myers, C.A. (1985), "A survey of intraspecific predation among reptiles and amphibians.", Journal of Herpetology 19 (1), pp.99-1 07.

Shine. R. (1977), "Habitats, diets, and sympatry in snakes: a study from Australia.", Candian Journal of Zoology 55, pp.1118-1128.

Turner, G. (1987), "Unusual case of cannibalism.", Herpetofauna 17 (2), p.29.

Wilson, E.O. (1975), Sociobiology: The New SynthesiS, Havard University Press. Cambridge Mass. USA.

Worrell, E. (1970), Reptiles of Australia .. Angus and Robertson, Sydney. Australia. 169 pp.

MRS NEWSLETfER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 15

Frog and Toad Survey Volunteers Needed

The Minnesota Herpetological Society will again be cooperating in a pilot study for a statewide

frog and toad survey. The survey was initiated last year with 24 MHS members signing up. An

additional II non- MHS signed up for routes. Eighteen completed survey routes were returned.

The numbers of frogs heard did not seem to be abnormally high or low, but it will take a number

of years of data in order to show a change. There were several new county records of common

species. The best record goes to Amy Hedlund of Avon who added Bullfrogs to Stearns County.

She included a tape recording of several calling frogs.

The survey is designed as a long-term monitoring program for frog and toad populations in

Minnesota. In order to notice significant changes in population densities the survey routes need to

be run for at least three years. The more years a route is surveyed the better.

What does it take to become a surveyor? An interest in frogs and toads and a commitment to

complete the surveys. The surveys need to be conducted three times a year plus one pre-survey

visit. The surveys routes average 10 miles in length with 10 to 12 stops per route. Each route

takes approximately two hours to complete. The surveys start at dusk. Site description forms and

site visit forms need to be completed for each route. The total time conunitment per year is 10 to

12 hours. It is hoped that surveyors will keep the same routes for a number of years.

Previous knowledge of frog and toad call identification is helpful, but not required. A tape of

Minnesota's frogs and toads will be provided to all surveyors.

Any MHS member interested in signing up should contact John Moriarty at the address mentioned

below. Please include the name of the county in which you want to conduct your survey. Those

persons who have previously signed up will be contacted in early March. Members wanting to

establish new routes, out side of the Metro area should contact John Moriarty, Frog and Toad

Survey Hennepin Parks, 3800 Co. Rd. 24, Maple Plain, MN 55359 (612) 476-4663.

MRS NEWSLETIER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 16

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Neonate /page Can you name all of these herps?

COLOR US!!

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 17

C.a.ss;f;edl Ads 1.0.0 = male. 0.1.0 = female. 0.0.1= unknown

f08 SALE:

0.1.0 8 ft. Burmese python $125, 1.1 colombian red·tailed boas, 2 yr old male, 3 yr old female, $325 for pair. 0.0.1 juvenile boa constrictor $125. 1.1 Bullsnakes, 2 yrs old captive born - $30 pro Eastern ~ilksnakes, 4 yrs old $15. Call (715)425-8888 weekdays & (715) 426-9966 weekends & evenings.

1.0.0 African rock python, 6 ft, feeding on frozen bunnies, $125. 0.1.0 Green anaconda, '93 baby, feeding on adult frozen rats, $325. 1.0.0 12 ft burmese, $200. Contact Karl Hermann (612) 774-1044.

Stainless steel rodent breeding cages with vater bottles, $10 ea. Contact Mike (507) 289-3916.

Large selection of lizards and baby snakes avail. nov and expected. Buy breeder direct. Call or write for details, Aaron Hampton, 10252 Marble Arch Ln., St. Louis, MO 63123 (311) 638-6218.

FROZEN RODENTS: Mice pinks 25 cents, adults 35 cents, breeders 50 cents. Rats are 75 cents for veaners, adults start at $1.25 and up. Jumbo occasionally avail. Call or write for info, KJ's Rodents, llR1 Box 266, Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 (218) 439-6999.

0.0.20 red & white candy cane corns x snow corns, $25. 0.0.7 Okatee's $15. Just in time for X-mas. David 612-444-9775.

'lAmp

1.0 yearling or older YHITE albino black ratsnake, eyed lacerta-either sex, ghost corn-either sex. Call Nancy or Dav at 536-9783.

Adult snakes - 0.1 Northern pine, 0.1 Mexican black kingsnake, 0.1 black pine. Contact Mike (507) 289-3916.

Casque-headed horned tree frogs (Hemiphractus probiscideus) or monkey tree frogs, would also like to exchange infor on red eye tree frogs, true chameleons, solomon island skinks. Call Corey Lewellyn (414) 235-8605.

All the shed snakes skins in the world, always, to use at hands-on programs, Bob Duerr 541-9417.

RIse:

SNAKE SKINS TANNED. Call Jane for more info at 124-1431.

BOA SURVEY: Please write for my questionaire on Boa constrictor reproduction. Even if your animals have not reproduced, please respond if they are least 4 yrs old and have had the opportunity. In return for a completed survey you will receive a chart showing the subspecies, their scale counts and range. Willian Joy, P.O. Box 821433, Dallas, TX 75382-1433. INTERNE!: 72223.220@COMPUSERVE.COM

MHS NEWSLETI'ER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2

Largest Selection of Repliles & Amphibians in Minnesola Cages, Books, Feed & Supplies

540 Winnetka Ave. No. Golden Valley, Mn 55427

M-F 10-7 Sal 10-5 Sun 12·5

(612) 593-0298

Featuring ..• lAMS •.. KT .•• ProPlan ••. Science Diet Tetra ... Toppers ..• Other Specialty Foods

VIVARIUM PETS A Full line of Pet Supplies &

Unusual Pets

6519 Nicollet Ave. So. RiChfield. MN 55423

• • '" '" Ol ~

Gloria Anton 6 I 2·86 I -8868

g Sarah M. Richard iii c o

Gall Me for Your Housing Needs REALTOR"

." ! 3 Bus. 'g VM/Pager ~ Fax: ;-:

(6 I 2) 78 H06 I (612) 223-0407 (612) 781·2311

JOHN & RUTH MELTZER (612) 263-7880

Northeast Metro Office 4111 Central Avenue N.E. Columbia Heights, MN 55421

UlMlS@

WE CURREN1LY HAVE A LARGE SELECTION

OF COASTAL AND DESERT ROSY BOAS! \VE ALSO HAVE COM­

MON BOAS! ADULT AND SUB-ADULT!

PICK OF THE LITTER!

PAGE 18

MHS Classified Ads

All proceeds from the sales of MHS merchandise and donated items goes towards the operating costs of the society such as; speaker fees, books for the library, herp related charitable donations, newsletter printing, etc. MHS is a non -profit organization and is volunteer run.

Rat and Mice Sales

MICE

Pinkies - $6.00 Fuzzies - $6.00 Adults - $9.00

RATS

Pups - $10.00 Adults - $12.00

$24.00

doz. doz. doz.

doz. for six doz.

Orders taken by Terry Scheiber only! Must be made at least one week before the general meeting where they will be delivered.

Phone: (612) 440-7482

***** Mice and rats must be purchased by the dozen except for adult rats which can be purchase in allotments of six. Rat pinkies unavailable. ***** Cage Sales

Cages come pre-built but unfinished with the following; laminate interior, hinged mitered door, glass window, latch, incandescent light fixture and cord. A 7.5 watt bulb will be included. Some cages are available for immediate purchase at the meeti ngs.

*** MHS does not take responsibility for any injuries to animal if purchaser uses a higher wattage bulb or other hardware. *** Specifications 1 x w x h

small: 24 x 18 x 12 $ 50 large: 48 x 18 x 18 $ 75

MHS also offers an assortment of other herp related items for sale at the general meeting. these include:

Books MHS stickers, decal's Posters MHS buttons Note cards Bumper stickers T-shirts, several slyles

Look for sales of MHS merchandise and items at the far right hand side of the meeting room. Items will be for sale during the break and before and after the meeting if time permits. Please have sales final before the meeting begins so as not to disrupt the meeting proceedings.

MHS NEWSLETTER VOLUME XIV NUMBER 2 PAGE 19

At last! Three irts that really express your n re are 100% white cotton with vivid 10-color designs filled with asst. reptiles.

This Anniversary design is also available in a 24" x 33" print for $20 + $4 8tH. (Unframed). ~ T-Shirt sizes are: M, L, XL, XXL. $15ea + $3 S/H. Add $1 S/H each additional shirt. International

orders add $5 S/H per shirt. U.S. funds ONLY. V\ihite Tank Sizes L & XL ~ T-Shirts not sold to general public in California.

California residents call for store in your area. ~ California Zoological Supply does not sell

reptiles to the general public. Reptiles only sold to retail pet shops & zoos.

We are always interested in buying all of your captive-raised reptiles. Please send or call with your availability list. Ask for [yrone.

1615 Saint Gertrude I Santa Ana, CA 92705·5311 USA

Phone: 714/641-1597 Fax: 714/549-8859 PAGE 20

CLASSIFIED AD INSTRUCTIONS: Ads are run as a free service to paid members. MHS takes NO responsibility for legality or health of animal advertised here. Ads may be run for three consecutive months at which time ads may be re-submitted. The editor reserves the right to omit ads when space is limited so as to allow all members a chance to advertise. Size of ad is limited to four (4) typed lines or one (l) standard size business card. DEADLINE for all newsletter items is one week before the general meeting.

NON MEMBER & EXPANDED SIZE ADS: Line ads:$.10 per word. Business Cards: $5.00 per month.

Quarter page ads: Half page ads: Full page ads:

One month only $10.00 per month $20.00 per month $40.00 per month

Three or more months $7.50 per month $15.00 per month $25.00 per month

Six or more months $5.00 per month $10.00 per month $15.00 per month

Send all newsletter items to: Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter Editor, 234 West George Street, SI. Paul, MN 55107.

MEMBERSHIP AND T-SHIRT ORDER FORM

MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

NAME(S) ______________________________________________________________ __

ADDRESS~ ________________________________________________________________ _

CITY --________________________ __ STATE ______ __ ZIP CODE

PHONE __________________________ __ LIST IN MHSDIRECTORY? YES NO __ __

HERPRELATEDINTERESTS: ________________________ ~-------------------------------

TYPE OF MEMBERSHIP? NEW ____ RENEWAL __ __

MEMBERSHIP LEVEL? ~--SUSTAINING ..... $60.00

____ CONTRIBUTING ..... $30.00

~-INSTITUTION .... $25.00

____ BASIC .... $15.00

Are you currently (or will be ) a University of Minnesota student? __ (check if yes)

HOW DID YOU HEAR OF MHS? ______________________________________________________ _

Newest T-Shirts Two Designs ($17.00 includes postage)

Circle Choice North American Turtles Iguana (Head Shot)

Indicate how many of each size

ADULTS: SMALL___ LARGE __ _ MEDIUM_ X-LARGE_

NEW POISON DART FROG T-SHIRT

($14.00 postage included) Indicate how many of each size

KIDS_ ADULTS: SMALL_

MEDIUM

LARGE __ _

X-LARGE __ _

Please enclose payment. MAKE CHECKS PAY ABLE TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society. Membership is for 12 months li'om date of joining. A receipt will be sent only on request. Allow 6-8 weeks for processing. MAIL TO: Minnesota Herpetological Society, Bell Museum Of Natural History, 10 Church Street South East, Minneapolis, MN 55455-0104

MINNESOTA

HERPETOLOGICAL

SOCIETY

BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

10 CHURCH STREET S. E. MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104

+

+

DELIVER BY FEBRUARY 23, 1994

+

+

Non-Profit Rate U. S. Postage

PAID Mpls.MN

Pennit No. 2'l:75