vol. 23 (2003), no. 7
DESCRIPTION
Minnesota Herpetological Society NewsletterTRANSCRIPT
THE NEWSLETTER OF THE
s o c I E T y
JUL'i 2003 VOLUME 23 NUMBER 7
Board of Directors President Randy Blasus 952.925.4237
Vice President Tony Gamble
tgambla@attbLcom
Recording Secretary Barb Buzicky
Membership Secretary
763.424.2803
Nancy Hakomaki 651.341.5707 [email protected]
Treasurer
Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church Street Southeast, Minneapolis Minnesota 55455-0104
The Minnesota Herpetological
s • 1 t y o c e
MHS We bpage: http://www.belimuseum.org/herpetology/Main.html
MHS Group Email: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/mnherpsoc.
Voice Mail: 612.624.7065 Marilyn Blasus 952.925.4237 .... _ .. _ .... _ ................... _ .......... _ ........ _ .............. _
Newsletter Editor Bill Moss 651.488.1383
Members at large Heather Clayton 612.788.4664
[email protected] Brian Ingbretson 763.572.0487
[email protected] Philip Woutat 952.924.9128
[email protected] Heather Ingbretson 763.572.0487
Immediate Past President Jodi L. Aherns 612.588.9329
Adoption Sarah Richard
~
Committees
612.781.9544 [email protected]
Jan larson 507.263.4391 [email protected]
Northern Minnesota Jeff Korbel
Lib.rruy Beth Girard
Webmaster
218.586.2588
763.691.1650
Anke ReInders [email protected]
AmphibIans Greg Kvanbek John Meltzer John Moriarty
Chameleons
Herp Assistance
Vern & laurie Grassel
CrocodiHans Jeff lang Bill Moss
lizards Nancy Hafg Heather Matson
large Boas P}1bQns TIna Cisewski
Other Snakes Jeff leclere John Meltzer
Aquatic Turtles Gary Ash John Levell
Terrestrial TYdJes: Fred Bosman John levell
651.388.0305 763.263.7880 651.482.8109
763-428-4625
701.772.0227 651.488.1383
763.434.8684 612.554.8446
612.856.2865
651.488.6388 763.263.7880
763.753.0218 507.467.3076
763.476.0306 507.467.3076
July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7 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.
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 Minnesota Herpetological Society Newsletter is published monthly to provide its members with information concerning the society's activities and a media for exchanging informationl opinions and resources.
General Meetings are held at Borlaug Hall, Room 335 on the SI. 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.
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 and should be in electronic file format if possible. The business card rate is $5/month. Submissions rnay be sent to:
The Minnesota Herpetological Society Attn: Newsletter Editor Bell rnuseum of Natural History 10 Church SI. SE. Minneapolis, MN 55455.0104
-or-Bill Moss 75 Geraniurn Ave East Saint Paul, MN 55117 -or· [email protected]
Copyright 2003. Minnesota Herpetological Society. Except where noted, contents may be reproduced for nonprom. non-commercial use only. All matelial must be reproduced viilhout change. Proper credit will be given
including the author/photographer and the MHS Newsletter citing: volume. number and date.
The Newsletter of the Minnesota HelvetologicaJ Society July 2003 Volume 23 Number?
The Vice-presidents report
By Tony Gamble
July General Meeting Friday, July 11th, 2003
Program:
Reptiles Underground: Systematics and Evolution of Amphisbaenians
Guest Speaker: Maureen Kearney
Amphisbaenians, or worm-lizards, are perhaps the most poorly known group of reptiles. This is due to the fact that all of the 150 or so species are fossorial, spending their whole lives underground Amphisbaenians have long, snakelike bodies and, with the exception of the genus Bipes from Mexico, have no limbs. The evolutionary history of this group has presented a problem for taxonomists and herpetologists for well over a century and has also contributed significantly to the conflict surrounding higher-level relationships among squamate reptiles, the reptile Order that contains
Cover: Oxybelis aeneusj Brown Vine Snake photo by John White
lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians. Despite decades of descriptive, functional, and taxonomic work on this group, no hypothesis of relationships based on an explicit phylogenetic analysis was available until very recently. The first cladistic analysis of amphisbaenian relationships was recently completed on the basis of morphological characters and this resulted in a revised classification of the group. However, several interesting problems persist, including conflict with
order to test previous morphologybased hypotheses.
Dr. Kearney's talk will provide an excellent introduction to this mysterious, under appreciated reptile group and provide an overview of higher-level squamate taxonomy. This is a perfect chance to learn about amphisbaenians, a group of reptiles most herpetoculturists have never heard of let alone seen. Don't miss it.
the fossil record, and questions Maureen Kearney is an Assistant surrounding amphisbaenian ori- Curator in the Division of
gins. This :I~:ro~U:P~O:f ~a:n:im~a;les::::t:~~~ Amphibians and poses a classic Reptiles at the Field pro b - Museum of Natural
History in Chicago. She is also a lecturer for the Committee on Evolutionary Biology at the University of Chicago. Her research interests include sys
tematics and evolution of reptiles (especially amphisbaenians and snakes), conceptual issues in phylogenetics (philosophical and theo
retical issues related to systematics; morphological
character coding; homology; :---~-=::=;:;:;:::C:::£:::::;;~t.J.7. combined analyses), and the
I e m comparative anatomy and to phylogeny reconstruction due to development of reptiles (morphoextreme morphological transforma- logical evolution; development of tion. There is widespread morpho- skeleton; limb reduction/loss and logical convergence associated body elongation in various squawith a burrowing lifestyle in squa- mate groups). mates (such as snakes and sever-al varieties of limbless lizards). Therefore, separate sources of evi-dence such as molecular and behavioral data are needed in
Page 3
TIle Newsletter of the Minnesota HelpctoI~gical Society July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
News, Notes & Announcements
July Adoption Report by Sarah Richard, Adoption Chair
Critter of the Month
The following critters made it to the A total of 15 animals came in for a June meeting. total of 82 for the year. The totals at June of last year were 20 for the Jody L. Aherns month and 168 ytd. The 168 includ- Ball python morphs ed over 100 animals from two col-lections, so if you remove those Alfie van Gildep (?) blips we are actually up from last Corn snake and Jungle car year. pet python
At this time we have 10 Iguanas in foster homes. If you know anyone who would like one please contact Raffle Donors Liz Redmond or Jamie Pajak. A big thank you to these guys for taking in Thanks the following people for these hapless Herps! generously donating items to the
We also have two Sulcattas in foster monthly raffle.
right now, with another possible Marilyn Blasus three coming in within the next Gator lights month. Please let me know if you are interested. Heather Matson
Chameleon book and Thank you all for your support. stuffed critter
Page 4
Lisa Haider Box turtle boxes
Dan Monson, Blue Lagoon Mosscloth, Hyggrometer, Reptical (2)
Dave Asleson Reptiles Magazine
MHS Tortoise food
Is That a Snake in Your Pants, Or ..... ?
HONOLULU -- A United Airlines flight attendant made an unusual discovery in a passenger's pants pocket Wednesday. In the man's pants was a 20-inch rosy boa constrictor. The man declared the snake on his plant and animal declaration form. The 23-year-old was not aware that snakes are illegal in Hawaii. The man said he carried the snake in a zippered pocket of his pants. Officials said the man was cooperative when the plane landed at Honolulu International Airport and was met by agricultural inspectors and deputy sheriffs. The man told officials he was moving to Hawaii and declined the opportunity to send the snake back to the mainland. The rosy boa will be handed over to the Honolulu Zoo, where it will most likely be sent out of the state.
article submitted by Sean Hewitt §
The Newslctter of the :Minncsota HellJctoiogical Society July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
Retul'n to the Renaissance by Nancy Hakomaki
Well, it's that time of year
September 13 & 14 Highland Fling
again ... Renaissance Festival. Heavy Games event, Highland When men prance around in tights Dance competition and Scottish dog waving swords and corseted exhibit women are worshipped for their personality.
Festival starts August 16th and runs every weekend
through September 28th. Volunteers can sign up for one day or as many days as you want.
Weekend themes this year:
August 16 & 17 Royal Ale Festival
Free beer tastings & Battle of the Bartenders
August 23 & 24 Mid East Mirage
Belly dancing & Arabian Horse show
August 30, 31 & September 1 I t a I ian Carnivale
Pasta-Eating contest & mask making in the Children's Realm
September 6 & 7 Irish Heritage Festival
September 20 & 21 Wine Gala
Wine tastings & charity wine auction
Traditional dancing, Celtic story- September 26, 27 & 28 telling & Hot Potato contest Chocolate and Romance
WOOing & pie-eating contests
All volunteers are expected to be in period costume during your shift hours. Our Cottage has costumes available for people to borrow. The
only thing we don't have to lend is footwear. Depending on the weather, simple leather sandals or a plain boot are usually acceptable. Not acceptable are platforms, Dr. Martens, sandals with nylon straps, or brand name sports shoes (Nike, Adidias.) Check Goodwill, Savers, or Unique Thrift stores for cheap footwear. Or you can buy china flats at the costume shop when you arrive for you shift. The cost is approximately $6 - 8. However, if you expect to join us for multiple days, you may want to consider a costume of your own. Before you buy or build your costume, please check with "Gatorgal," a.k.a. Nancy Hakomaki for costume ideas & taboos. We are expected to follow official Renaissance cos
tume guidelines in terms of appropriate and inappropriate fabrics, colors, styles & accessories. A brief guideline will be available at the July meeting. Should you need or want more information, a copy of the official Renaissance Costume Guide will be available to look at.
( ... renaissance continued on page 9)
Page 5
The Newsletter of the "Minnesota Herpetologica1 Society July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
BRECK Walter John Breckenridge past on May 23, 2003 at the age of 100. Breck, as he was known to his friends and colleagues, was Minnesota's premier naturalist. He was born on March 22, 1903 in Brooklyn, Iowa. After graduating from The University of Iowa in 1926, he moved to Minneapolis to work for Thomas Roberts at the Bell Museum of Natural History as a preparator/taxidermist. Breck's influence can be found in many of the dioramas. He received his MA in 1937 for doing research on Marsh Hawks and his PhD in 1941. He became the director in 1946 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1969.
Breck is survived by his wife of almost seventy years, Dorothy. Daughter Barbara Franklin, son Thomas, five grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren
DIE S AT 100 for 50 years and was in print for 40 years. Breck's first herpetological paper was published in 1937 and over the next 30 years
tiles of Minnesota He also did in depth studies on Black-banded (Northern Prairie) Skinks, Canadian Toads, and Spiny Softshells. The
Northern Prairie Skink work was the first detailed study on the life history of this lizard. This work was done as part of his dissertation and was later published in American Midland Naturalist. The softshell turtle work was done on the island in the Mississippi River that was his backyard.
Breck was best known in amphibian
Walter Breckenridge at his 100th birthday in March, 2003 Photo by daughter Barbara Franklin
Professionally Breck was more closely associated with the ornithological community. He was a life member of the Minnesota Ornithologist's Union. He published a number of papers on Minnesota birds and served as the President of the W i Iso n Ornithological Society. His ornithological accomplishments were honored by the creation of the
and reptile circles for his book, Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota, which was published in 1944. The book was a popularized edition of his 1941 Ph.D. of the same title. His book was the only reference for Minnesota
Page 6
he authored or co-authored 29 more articles. The accompanying bibliography lists all of Breck's amphibian and reptile papers.
A number of Breck's articles were on the general amphibians and rep-
Breckenridge Chair in Ornithology at the Bell Museum.
From the beginning of his career to the present Dr. Breckenridge has been a well-known artist and illustrator. He drew all of the line drawings in his books and articles. His
The Newsletter of the Minnesota Helpetologicai Society July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
As a Naturalist, the outdoors was home to Breck Courtesy of the Bell Museum of Natural History
paintings were published in many books, including Thomas Robert's Birds of Minnesota. He was also active with the Minnesota Wildlife Heritage Foundation participating in their annual art show into the early 1990s. Breck only did two reptile paintings during his career. He painted a Six-lined Racerunner
Frog illustratlon Reptiles and Amphibians of Minnesota (1944)
in 1986 and a Spiny Softshell in 1995.
Breck was a pioneer in wildlife photography. Some of his earliest work included the last nesting Peregrines on the northshore and caribou in the peatlands. He went on the make a number of popular films including
Wood Duck Ways, Spring Comes to the Subarctic, and Migration Mysteries. Breck traveled the country presenting these films as part of the Audubon film series. The Bell Museum has recently restored these classic nature films.
A longer biography on Breck's interesting career can be found in an article by Gayle Crampton and Don Luce 1987, entitled A Life in Natural History, in Bell Museum Imprint (Vol. 4, No.1).
John J. Moriarty
HERPETOLOGICAL BIBLIOGRAPHY OF WALTER J. BRECKENRIDGE
Compiled by John J. Moriarty
Breckenridge, W.J. 1937. A correction in the range of Potamophis striatulus. Copeia 1937:231.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1937. Watch for reptiles. Flicker 37:3.
Breckenridge, w.J. 1938. Additions to the herpetology of Minnesota. Copeia 1938:47.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1938. Minnesota Lizards. Minneapolis Pub. Lib. Mus. Nat. Note 1:10-12.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1940. Reptile and amphibians of Minnesota. Minneapolis Pub. Lib. Mus. Nat. Note 3:411-418.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1940. Reptiles
Spiny Softshellillustralion. Cover of Reptiles of Minnesota (MNDNR 1943)
and amphibians of Minnesota. Minn. Wildl. Cons. 1 st Short Course Proc. pp36-40.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1941. Minnesota turtles. Cons. Vol. 2(7):11-16.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1941. Minnesota rattlesnakes. Cons. Vol. 1(6):10-12.
Breck n;;;'~~"'nn play Courtesy of the Bell Museum of Natural History
Breckenridge, W.J. 1941. Amphibians and reptiles of Minnesota. Proc. Minn. Acad. Sci. 9:67-68 (abstract).
Page 7
Breckenridge, w.J. 1941. Snake myths versus facts. Cons. Vol. 3(13):11-14.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1941. The amphibians and reptiles of Minnesota with special reference to the black-banded skink, Eumeces septentriona/is (Baird). Ph.D. Thesis. Univ. of Minnesota, Minneapolis. 398pp.
Breckenridge, w.J. 1942. Frogs and toads of Minnesota. Cons. Vol. 5(27):32-36.
Breckenridge, w.J. necked Minnesota. 1942:128.
1942. Ring-snakes in
Copeia
Breckenridge, W.J. 1942. Minnesota's non-poisonous snakes. Cons. Vol. 4(21):10-15.
Breckenridge, w.J. hognosed Minnesota. 1942:128.
1942. A large snake from
Copeia
Breckenridge, W.J. 1942. Amphibians and reptiles of Minnesota. Proc. Minn. Acad. Sci. 9:67-68.
Breckenridge, w.J. 1943. Do you recognize Minnesota's lizards? Cons. Vol. 6(33):21-24.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1943. The life history of the black-banded skink, Eumeces septentrionalis (Baird). Am. MidI. Nat. 29:591-606.
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July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
Breckenridge, W.J. 1943. Those puzzling salamanders. Cons. Vol. 6(31):9-12.
Breckenridge, w.J. 1943. Reptiles of Minnesota. MN. Dept. Cons., Cons. Bull. No.3. 24pp.
Breckenridge, W.J., and J.R. Tester. 1961. Growth, local movements and hibernation of the Manitoba toad, Buto hemiophrys. Ecology 42:637-646.
Ross, B.A., J.R. Tester, and W.J. Breckenridge 1968. Ecology of
Breckenridge, w.J. 1944. The pilot mima-type mounds in north-black snake in Minnesota. western Minnesota. Ecology Copeia 1944:64. 49:172-177.
Breckenridge, w.J. 1944. Reptiles Tester, J.R., and w.J. Breckenridge. and amphibians of 1964. Winter behavior patterns of Minnesota. Univ. of the Manitoba Minnesota Press, Toad, Buto hemiophrys, in Minneapolis, 202pp. northwestern Minnesota. Ann. Acad.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1955. Observations on the life history of the softshell turtle Trionyx terox, with especial reference to growth. Copeia 1955:5-9.
Sci. Fenn. Ser. IV BioI. 71 :423-431
Tester, J.R., and W.J. Breckenridge. 1964. Population Dynarnics of the Manitoba Toad, Buto hemiophrys, in northwestern Minnesota. Ecology 45:592-601.
Breckenridge, w.J. 1957. A large spiny soft-shelled turtle. § Copeia 1957:232.
Breckenridge, w.J. 1957. Specirnens of toads wanted. Minn. J. Sci. 1 :38.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1960. A spiny soft-shelled turtle nest study. Herpetologica 16:284-285.
Breckenridge, W.J. 1981. Minnesota herpetology -Ecological and historical perspective. Page 1 in Ecology of Reptiles and Amphibians in Minnesota: Proc. of a Syrnp., Cass Lake, MN. Elwell, L., K. Cram, and C. Johnson (eds.) 64pp.
The Newsletter of the Minnesota HC1vetoiogicai Society July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
( .... renaissance - continued from page 5) Themed menus are planned for
When you arrive, we will schedule you for two shifts of two hours (out of a lO-hour day.) Between those shifts you are free wander around to see the shows and shops. Unfortunately, your animals GANNOT go with you while you wander away from the Cottage per festival rules.
For anyone coming for the first time, it is important to remember it is a long day and multiple animals may be needed so as not to overuse or stress an animal. This is probably not a good time to break in a new animal or bring in a young one. If
you suspect any dis-
each weekend so just ask what is needed when you sign up.
In order to participate, call or email Ellen Heck at (763) 593-5414 or [email protected] by the
eases . or Tuesday before the weekend you par a Sit e s want to participate. On the day you (S.UCh) as have volunteered to attend, arrive at mites DO Festival by 8: 15 am with your ani-NOT BRING mals CONTAINED IN BAGS OR A TO I FEST!- CARRIER. Go in what is normally VAL. For the exit and head for the booth outthose of you side "C" gate to get a daily pass, who want to which allows you to get onto the v 0 I u n t e e,r Festival grounds at no cost. Once but do~ t inside the gate head for Como have a cnt- Cottage' just past the Washing
ter to bring. o~t, don't let that stop Wenche~ stage. § you from slgmng up. We usually have critters to lend or you can work in the turtle pen.
MHS has a tent available if you want to work both days in a weekend. Just bring your own sleeping bag. Please check availability when you sign up!
Saturday night after gate is closed we have a potluck. If you are working on Saturday and would like to join us, bring a dish to share.
Don't Mess With Texas Toads: The Houston toad has found an unlikely friend in a "gun-toting, redneck, Texas Republican preacher," and local GOP chairman who has "volunteered to make his 550-acre ranch a 'safe harbor' for the palm-
sized amphibian" in exchange for "more control over his property in the future - provided that the toad population there doesn't decline from current levels" says the Houston Chronicle 5/31. The preacher will plant native grasses, reduce the size of his cattle herd and fence off ponds where the endangered toad breeds. With 94% of the state in private ownership, safe harbor agreements and other voluntary conservation programs are crucial to the survival of imperiled species such as the Houston toad. Before the preacher met the toad he "couldn't spell 'environmentalist.' Now I am one," he said. (GREENLines, Wednesday June 4, 2003,
Issue 1878)§
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July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
Twin Cities Reptiles Celebrates a Quarte ..... Century bringing Reptiles and Amphibians to the Region
by Bill Moss (staff writer)
Twin Cities Reptiles, and owner Bruce Delles, have just passed the 25 year milestone as a major reptile breeder and supplier not only this Twin Cities area, but in the entire Midwestern region of the country.
As with most businesses, TCR had modest beginnings born of an interest Bruce always had in reptiles. Growing up in Northern California, he hung around at a pet shop that piqued his growing interest in these critters. Some years later, in the middle '70's Bruce got out of the service and moved to Minnesota. He began to frequent the only reptile store in the area at that time, a place called "The Pet Dragon". Bruce found himself spending more and more time there and eventually went to work part time at the store.
Some years later, the owner of The Pet Dragon decided to leave the business and Bruce bought the mail order lists. Thus
ex-wife Connie then moved to Hopkins and opened their first retail store - a miniscule 300 square foot storefront with a second floor that
the retail business. Bruce is quick to point out that if it wasn't for Connie, the Twin Cities Reptiles would not have succeeded.
began Twin Cities Bruce Delles, owner of Twin Cities Reptiles with two of the lat-
About a year later -approximately 1981, TCR moved to a larger retail store in a strip mall on Excelsior Boulevard, still in Hopkins. This new store almost doubled their retail space corning in at a whopping 500 square feet. This was home for about another year at which time TCR moved to the basement of "Down in the Valley records" located on Highway 55 and Winnetka in Golden Valley. This store provided over 1200 square feet of retail space for Bruce's growing business. The emphasis of this store was strictly reptiles and amphibians, all fish and general pet store goods where discontinued. In addition to a retail outlet, Bruce (as you may or may not know, was a founding member and former President of MHS) volunteered his store for use after hours as the meeting place for the monthly MHS newsletter folding. TCR remained at Reptiles. est ball python color phases
For about the first year or two, the business consisted entirely as a mail-order business. Bruce and his
Page 10
served as the Delles residence. At that time, Bruce was working fulltime at another job and Connie ran
this location from 1982 till late 1991 when the city of Golden Valley decided to raze and redevelop the entire northeast corner so
TIle NeloysJetter of the Minnesota Herpetological Society July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
TCR was forced to move yet again. San Francisco (but they are on the third set of owners).
This move took TCR to Richfield where he joined forces with Over the years Bruce has seen the Vivarium Pets, a store owned and peaks and valleys and then someoperated by Gloria Anton. Bruce times second peaks in popularity of moved his retail reptile business into a commodity that is govemed by this store while he continued to supply and demand as well as the operate the reptile breeding side of whatever the current "hot" species the business out of a warehouse or color morph might be. He has that remained in Golden Valley. seen animals go from 'mortgage the
Time to move again .... house' expensive to 'can't give them away' status a few years later. Bruce recollected that years ago,
In February 1994, after about a year emerald tree boas were $200 and to a year and a half in that location, you couldn't get a green tree Bruce and Gloria decided to move python. Now the situation is their businesses to TCR's present reversed and you can get the green location on University Avenue, just tree python for a couple hundred off 280 in Saint Paul. The current and the emeralds are $700 and store, which later absorbed over. Bearded dragons were priced Vivarium Pets under the Twin Cities and $100 when they first came in
three thousand dollars each. By the time Bruce made the investment in the babies, grew them for three
Reptiles name, is now 7000 square and nobody wanted them, now their years and had babies, the price had feet (or approximately 23 times that popularity has made them a main- dropped to $2500/pair. The next of TCR's humble beginnings). In stream reptile pet. TCR was the year they were $1000, then $700
The current store on University Avenue in SI. Paul
first in and as recently as a couple years Minnesota to ago, they were basically worthless handle baby from a retail standpoint. That price v e i led made the big breeders move on to chameleons, the more profitable animals causing a first out-of-the- market shortage. Now the price is egg babies for up again to the $100-$150 range. $600 a pair -now they retail The popularity of reptiles seemed to for $35-$50 begin to take off in the late 80's -each. At one early 90's and it hit with a boom as time, albino opposed to a subtitle increase in leopard geckos popularity. The keepers of reptiles sold for $1000 to were more mainstream, not the $1500 each, stereotypical seedy, underworld now they are characters that many people per
addition to reptiles and amphibians, $45 to $75 animal. The first albino ceived to be the only types to be the store features a full line small California Kingsnakes that Bruce interested in such a thing. The animals, fish and general pet sup- bought cost him $700, after many wave of popularity continued to plies. TCR is, as far as Bruce is generations of captive bred animals grow, peaking in about 1998 or aware, the second oldest pet store they are now around $35 each o~ 1999. The popularity, and resulting specializing in Reptiles in the USA - the retail market. In 1997, baby sales, flat-lined for a couple years the first being East Bay Vivarium in albino Burmese pythons sold for and has now begun to wane a bit,
Page 11
July 2003· Volume 23 Number 7
quite possibly due to economic condi- US were raided and arrested, all withtions as much as anything else. Bruce in 20 minutes of one another - includthinks the people who are really sup- ing Bruce. But TCR survived the fines porting the hobby today are the more and embarrassment of this situation to serious collectors rather than the peo- continue to be run years later by an pie who are or were into it for the 'cool' older, wiser businessman. factor.
Current interest at TCR is leaning The joumey has been an interesting toward the various color morphs of o~e for Bruce ~nd TCR, and one not the ball pythons. They are attrac"':Ithout press Inv~lvemen~; B~uce tive as pets not only because of the cited the ~tory of Rambo, a skinny striking colors being produced but 6+foot reticulated python that a cus- because the fill the need for many tomer purchased back around 1990. . . One day the customer opened the people to have a python. In addition, cage to do something with the snake they stay small. enough that 'pe~ple and in struck and constricted on the can keep them In a smaller Vivarium man's hand and arm. The snake as well as stay within the maximum began swallowing this persons hand size guidelines that many city ordiwhile his panicking girlfriend was nances are leaning toward in animal shoving a broomstick down the control regulations. snake's mouth in an attempt to dis-lodge it. In the meantime, the Fire Bruce is concemed about the future Department was called and arrived at health of the hobby because of the the scene to extricate the man's arm lack of an organized effort by herpers from the hungry reptile. Of course the to present a united front. He sees a lot press got involved and made a bid to- of regulations being passed at all levdo about the whole episode. The man els, city, state and national that the later admitted that he had been han- average herper dismisses as not dling rodents and didn't wash his important because of no apparent hands prior to going into the snake's immediate effect on them. cage.
TCR has a reputation as a top level Another one of the sagas of TCR reptile store. Bruce is proud of the fact involve a younger and more naive that he, and his employees, present Bruce Delles being talked into making customers with both the pros and cons a deal with an organization called the of the animal being considered for Atlanta Wildlife Exchange for some purchase. The loss of a potential sale wood turtles and an alligator snapper. is acceptable to him because the posThey told Bruce that the wood turtles itive word-of-mouth that will result. It's originated in Pennsylvania and the alli- a business model that has served him gator snapper was wild caught in well. Georgia. Bruce agreed to buy the ani-mals. It tumed out that the wood tur- Congratulations to TCR for 25 years ties are endangered in PA as were the and here's to many more. alligator snappers in Georgia. The § Atlanta Wildlife Exchange turned out to be a Federal sting operation and in a nationwide bust, people all over the Page 12
KES KINDERGARTENERS GET
A FIRST HAND LOOK AT
REPTILES
John Levell of North Star Herpetological Associates visited Marilyn Erdman's kindergarten classes last Thursday and Friday. He shared information about his spurred tortoise, Pink, with the students.
(Spring Valley Tribune photo by Gretchen Mensink Lovejoy)
ed note: John Levell is an MHS member living in Lanesboro, MN
'I'he Nc,\'sJetter of the :t\1innesota HClllctological Society
English Spot Dutch
Jim's Rabbit Shack "'Vv'here Spots Are Tops"
JIM DALUGE (763) 295·2818
8100 Jaber Ave. NE Monticello. MN 55362
'~12 .. 554.84~6 . ~.H¢MP~OT9G~PHY.(~OM ,-
~~mUM Only $5 Per Month ...... $55 Per Year
July 2003 Volume 23 Number 7
Minnesota Herpetological Society Treasurer's Report Prepared by Marilyn Brooks Blasus, Treasurer
For the Month Ending
Income: Membership Sales (net) Donations Raffle Misc.
Total Income:
Expense: Newsletter Printing and Postage Other Printing and Postage Program Conservation I Donation Supplies and Refreshments Misc.
Total Expense:
Net Gain I (Loss):
$ $ $ $ $ $
$ $ $ $ $ $ $
• RepU~s' Amphibians t Invertebrates' Small Mammals' Fish· Complete Line 01 Cages, Food, Books & Supplies for ALL Animals
Hours: Mon •• Fri. 10-8
Sat. 10.6 Sun. 12-5
REPTILES
The LARGEST, BEST Selection in
the Twin Cities Since 1979
2363 University Ave. W. St. Paul, (1/2 Blk E. of Raymond)
(651) 647·4479 www.twlncHlesreptlles.com
GEl" THI EAOTS III NOT THI H'lRI ~ ~ ----------------
Page 13
The Newsletter ofthc Ivlinncsota HCl])etological Society July 2003 Volumc 23 Numher 7
Classified Advertisements Classified ads are free to the membership. Deadline Is the night of the general meeting for Inclusion In the next newslelter. 1.0.0 = male, 0.1.0 = female, 0.0.1 = unsexed, cb = captive bred, abo = or best offer, + = times run ( ads are run 3 times unless specifically requested to continue).
For Sale
For Sale: Two female orange-glow bearded dragon I got from Weis Reptiles at the Daytona Show. Saved $300 because the tips of their tails are miSSing. $450/0BO for both or trade for Corn snakes. Marty at [email protected] ++
For Sale: Dart frogs. 3 yellow galacts, 3 oyopok tincts, 1 leucomelas. Mark Hauge, 320-202-971 or [email protected] ++
Frozen Rabbits - all sizes. Prices very reasonable - pinkies to adults. Jim Daluge 763.295.2818
Flighlless Frultflies - Excellent food for dart frogs, rnantellas, hatchling geckos, baby chameleons, spiderlings, and other small herps. Two species available: Drosophila melanogaster (srnall) and Drosophila hydei (large). $5/culture or $25/6 cultures. Each culture contains 30 to 50 adult flies and has potential to produce several hundred young. Also, Mealworms, two sizes available -regular and mini. $5/1000. Can be delivered to MHS meetings. Call Tony Gamble 612-747-6682 or email tgam[email protected] +++
Page 14
For Sale: Aquariums w/screen tops: (2) 20 gal tall, $10 ea.; (2) 27 gal hex, $30 ea.; 25 gal tall, $15; 1.0.0 Gian Day Gecko $10 OBO; 0.0.2 Gold Bell Frogs (Litoria aurea) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 White-lipped treefrog (Lito ria infrafenata) $10 OBO; 1.0.0 Fire belly toad $5 OBO. Call Sara at (952) 949-6690 or [email protected] ++
Pinkies
Fuzzies $7/dz
Hoppers $8/dz
Adults $10/dz
Wanted Wanted: All the shed snake skins in the world. Needed for giveaways to kids at educational programs. Call Bob Duerr 651-489-5087
Pinkies Fuzzies $15/dz
~MYlt $18/dz
MedMYlt $24/dz
LgAduit $30/dz
Jumbo $36/dz
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 Jody Holmstrom at 651.224.7212 or [email protected]
•
• •
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:$11 ® [¥l[§~ [j\j]@lfiliJiXI :$1111® [¥l[§~ W[§£!,\~"
'12th month is free on a one year commitment
MHSAD RATES Business card
1/4 Page 1/2 Page Full Page
$5/Month $55Near* $10/Month $110Near* $20/Month $220Near* $40/Month $440Near*
• •
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 are subject to occasional omlssion.
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 resubmitted. CorrespondIng members are allowed a complimentary business card advertisement monthly as space permits. Due to federal restrictions on Non-profit mall· Ing permits, we are not allowed to run ads for travel, credit or Insurance agencies.
Submissions: All advertisements should be submitted to the MHS Editor, Bell :* Note: 12th month is free on a one year commitment Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Deadline
~J~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~;3~~ Is the night of the General Meeting for Inclusion In the next newsletter. Make checks l!II • payable to: Minnesota Herpetological Society.
r-----------------------------------------------, Minnesota Herpetological Society Membership Application :
New Name
Renewal Address
Membership# City, State, Zip,
Type Phone Email List in MHS Directory?
Check # Herp related interests
.. Active MembershIps: Sustaining ($60Iyear) Contributing ($30fyear) BaSIC ($15fyear)
Corresponding Memberships: Commercial ($25fyear 2 Business Card Adsfyear)
Yes No
I I I I I
Required check info. Drivers Lie # State DOB I Please enclose the proper payment with your application. Make Checks Payable To: Minnesota Herpetological SOCiety. I Membership is for 12 months from the date of approval, a receipt will be sent only upon reques!. Mail to: Minnesota I Herpetological Society, Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church SI. SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455. Please allow 6-8 weeks I for processing. I
I L _______________________________________________ J
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~' ~,/ .~ MINNESOTA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY
, • BELL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ~ . 10 CHURCH STREET SE
,s' "'" MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55455-0104 IH->
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Non-Profit Rate U.S. Postage
PAID Mpls, MN
Permit No. 2275
POSTMASTER: DATED MATERIAL PLEASE DELIVER BY JULY 2
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA- ST. PAUL CAMPUS
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Next Meeting: Friday, July 11, 2003 7:00PM Room 335 Borlaug Hall, U of M St. Paul Campus
MHS Voice Mail: 612.624.7065
MHS Web Page: www.bellmuseum.org/herpetology/main.html