BULLETIN = of the Chicago Herpetological Society

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1 BULLETIN = of the Chicago Herpetological Society Volume 29, Number 7 July 1994 ' 5%. The odd-scaled snake, Xenodermus javanicus, shows a highly unusual pattern of scalation. This is one of 36 species of snakes found by John C. Murphy, Harold K. Voris and Daryl R. Kams in the course of 166 field days at the Danum Valley Conservation Area in Borneo. Photograph by John C. Murphy.

2 BULLETIN OF THE CHICAGO HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY Volume 29, Number 7 July 1994 A Field Guide and Key to the Snakes of the Danum Valley, A Bornean Tropical Forest Ecosystem,,.... John C. Murphy, Harold K. Voris and Daryl R. Karns 133 HerPET-POURRI Ellin Beltz 152 Helpfiil Herp Hints Dennis Engler 155 NEWTLINE Debi Hatchett 156 The Tympanum Marcia Rybak; Jill Horwich 158 Herpetology Advertisements 161 News and Announcements 164 EDITORS Michael A. DIoogatch Joan F. Moore John C. Murphy Copy editor: Jill Horwich Advertising Manager: Ralph Shepstone CHS OFFICERS 1994 Marcia Rybak, President Anthony Ratlin, Vice-President Gary Fogel, Treasurer Jill Horwich, Recording Secretary Brian Jones, Corresponding Secretary Michael A. DIoogatch, Publications Secretary Steve Spitzer, Membership Secretary Stacy Miller, Sergeant-at-Arms Jim Caspar, Member-at-Large Jack Schoenfelder, Member-at-Large Claus Sutor, Member-at-Large Ron Humbert, Immediate Past President The Chicago Herpetological Society is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the state of Illinois. Its purposes are education, conservation and the advancement of herpetology. Meetings are announced in this publication, and are normally held at 7:30 p.m., the last Wednesday of each month. Membership in the CHS includes a subscription to the monthly Bulletin. Annual dues are: Individual Membership, $22.00; Family Membership, $25.00; Sustaining Membership, $50.00; Contributing Membership, $100.00; Instimtional Membership, $ Remittance must be made in U.S. funds. Subscribers outside the U.S. must add $12.00 for postage. Send membership dues or address changes to: Chicago Herpetological Society, Membership Secretary, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL Publications are sent to U.S. members via third class bulk mail; the post office does not forward such mail, even if a special request is made to forward magazines. Manuscripts should be submitted in duplicate, typewritten and double spaced. Alternatively, submission of manuscripts in the form of IBM PC-compatible or Macintosh format diskettes is encouraged. Manuscripts and letters concerning editorial business should be sent to: Chicago Herpetological Society, Publications Secretary, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL Back issues are limited but are available from the Publications Secretary for $2.50 per issue postpaid. The BULLETIN of the Chicago Herpetological Society (ISSN ) is published monthly by the Chicago Herpetological Society. Copyright 1994.

3 Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 29(7): , 1994 A Field Guide and Key to the Snakes of the Danum Valley, A Bornean Tropical Forest Ecosystem John C. Murphy', Harold K. Voris and Daryl R. Karns^ Division of Amphibians and Reptiles Field Museum of Natural History Chicago, Illinois 60605, USA Introduction The Danum Valley is in northern Borneo, in the Malaysian state of Sabah. This article is designed to help visitors to the Danum Valley identiiy snakes that they may encounter. It is by no means intended to be a complete list of the snakes found in this area, but it does include all of the snake species found by field workers from the Division of Amphibians and Reptiles of the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH). The key has been designed for use by anyone who takes the time to read the instructions, and it does not require extensive prior knowledge of snake anatomy. As this field station becomes more frequently used by rainforest ecologists as well as casual visitors, human-snake encounters will increase. These encounters should not lead to the snake's death; rather they should act to increase interest and aesthetic appreciation of limbless reptiles as an integral part of Earth's biodiversity. This study is the result of a collection made on four trips to the Danum Valley (17 October to 3 December 1986; 9 December to 20 December 1987; 21 October to 10 December 1989; and 13 October to 6 December 1990). A total of 166 field days were spent collecting amphibians and reptiles during these four trips and they produced 161 snakes representing 36 species. A minimum of one and a maximum of eight people were in the field per day. Snakes were collected as they were encountered, and the visitors and staff of the Danum Valley Field Center contributed specimens to this collection. The collection is housed at the FMNH. The Danum Valley Conservation Area (Figure 1), latitude 5" 12' N, longitude ' E, is 438 km^' of mostly undisturbed lowland and hill dipterocarp forest in southeastern Sabah. It is bounded to the east and south by the Segama River, and the northern boundary lies near the Danum River. It is one of the few remaining large expanses of undisturbed mixed dipterocarp forests in Borneo. Its topography rises from 150 m above sea level to 1093 m above sea level. The area has had limited numbers of forest-dwelling people living within its borders, and none are currently living there. Al- T7 J7 Figure Address for correspondence: Plainfield High School, Plainfield School District 202, Plainfield IL Address for correspondence: Department of Biology, Hanover College, Hanover IN

4 though the headwaters of the Segama have been logged, commercial logging has not occurred within the area. Adjacent to the Conservation Area are secondary forests of various ages. Study sites in these secondary forest areas were examined. During the four trips we have concentrated our study sites into five macrohabitats: primary forest streams, secondary forest streams, edge, primary forest and secondary forest. Each specimen collected was recorded as being from one of these macrohabitats. Some Important Characters Used in the Key We have made an effort to reduce technical terms and questionable characteristics, but for the sake of accuracy, it will be necessary to recognize and use some simple scale conditions found on snakes. A hand lens or stereomicroscope will be very usefiil. Heat Sensing Pits: These are special sensory structures that allow snakes to locate prey; they occur in two major groups of snakes, the vipers and the pythons. They are visible as small holes in or between the scales. Many vipers have them located between the eye and the nostril one on each side of the face. The pythons have them located on the scales around the lips, and on the rostral scale the scale at the very front of the upper lip. Anal Plate: This is a scale which covers the snake's cloaca the chamber that contains the openings for the snake's digestive, urinary and reproductive systems. The back edge of this scale is considered to be the end of the body and the start of the tail. The plate may be composed of one scale in which case it is said to be single or entire, or it may be composed of two scales in which case it is said to be divided. Single Figure 4. Anal plate. Divided Vertebral Scales: These are the scales that run along the midline of the back. In some snakes they are larger than the scales on each side of the middle row. Pit Viper Figure 2. Heat-sensing pits. Python Smooth and Keeled Scales: Scales have different kinds of ornamentation. Often, they are simply smooth and lack any kind of ornamentation. One of the more common and most easily seen ornaments is a keel. This is a ridge or a fold in the scale that raises it above the rest of the scale's surface. In some species keels are very obvious and can be seen without a microscope or lens, in others, the keels tend to be weak and difficult to see. Sometimes the keels may have toothlike edges these are said to be serrated. Normal Figure 5. Vertebral scale row. Enlarged Dorsal Scale Row Count: Of all the characters this key uses, this will be one of the most important and one of the most difficult. The figure below shows how scale rows should be counted. Counting these on a live snake is difficult and should never be attempted on a snake that is poisonous, or suspected of being poisonous. Obtaining an accurate count is important. All counts should be taken at midbody, and all scale row counts used here are midbody counts. 134 Smooth Figure 3. Smooth and keeled scales. Keeled Figure 6. Dorsal scale row count.

5 Subcaudals: These scales are located on the underside of the tail. They can be composed of single scales that extend across the entire width of the tail or they can be composed of pairs of scales. When pairs are present, the subcaudals are said to be divided. In some snakes the subcaudals may be single near the vent and become divided at some point toward the tail tip. Some Other Suggestions: After you are familiar with these scale conditions and structures, you are ready to use the key. Keep in mind that you may have found a snake not covered by the key. After it has been identified, you should compare the snake to the written description in the species accounts. If it does not fit the written description, take it to a museum or university for identification. But, before giving up, check the specimen against other sections of the key and the written species descriptions in the accounts. Single Divided Figure 7. Subcaudal scales. I Mixed Key to the Snakes of the Danum Valley la. Heat-sensing pits on face 2 lb. No heat-sensing pits on face 5 2a. Heat-sensing pits between eye and nostril 3 2b. Heat-sensing pits on scales bordering mouth 4 3a. Scales on crown of head smooth Trimeresurus sumatranus (Venomous) 3b. Scales on crown of head keeled Tropidolaemus wagleri {Venomous) 4a. Pits on first two upper labials Python curtus 4b. Pits on first four upper labials Python reticulatus 5a. Dorsal scales smooth 6 5b. Dorsal scales keeled 25 6a. Single anal plate 7 6b. Divided anal plate 20 7a. All subcaudal scales single Aplopeltura boa 7b. Some or all subcaudal scales divided 8 8a. Subcaudal scales single near base of tail; subcaudal scales paired near tip Ophiophagus hannah (Venomous) 8b. All subcaudal scales paired 9 9a. Cuneate scale present; third upper labial borders eye and nasal scale Naja sumatrana (Venomous) 9b. Not as above 10 10a. Vertebral scale row not enlarged 11 10b. Vertebral scale row enlarged 17 11a. Dorsal scales at midbody in 13 rows 12 1 lb. Dorsal scales at midbody in more than 13 rows 13 12a. Black bars on belly Calamaria grabowskyi 12b. Dark collar present Calamaria leucogaster 12c. No collar or bars on belly Calamaria suluensis 13a. Dorsal scales at midbody in 15 rows 14 13b. Dorsal scales at midbody in more than 15 rows

6 14a. 14b. A thin-bodied, green snake; head distinct from body Ahaetullaprasina Not as above 15 15a. No middle chin groove Pareas laevis 15b. Middle chin groove present 16 16a. Cream-colored middorsal stripe Dryocalamus tristigatus 16b. Red-orange belly Oligodon everetti 16c. A small ( < 250 mm snout-vent length), black snake Pseudorabdion coltaris 17a. Dorsal scales in 19 rows at midbody Boiga drapiezii (Venomous) 17b. Dorsal scales in more than 19 rows at midbody 18 18a. Body with yellow rings or bands Boiga dendrophila (Wenomous) 18b. Not as above 19 19a. Belly more or less uniform; no large blotches Boiga nigriceps (Venomous) 19b. Belly and sides with numerous blotches and mottling Boiga jaspidea 20a. Dorsal scales in 13 rows at midbody 21 20b. Dorsal scales in 15 rows at midbody 22 20c. Dorsal scales in more than 15 rows 23 21a. Ventral scales keeled; seven light dorsal stripes Dendrelaphis caudolineatus 21b. Collar; five stripes Liopeltis longicauda 21c. No collar; 75 or fewer subcaudal scales Liopeltis baliodeira 22a. Scales in vertebral row greatly enlarged Dendrelaphis formosus 22b. Scales in vertebral row same size as other dorsal scales Xenopeltis unicolor 23a. Dorsal scales in 16 rows at midbody Zaocysfuscus 23b. Dorsal scales in 17 rows at midbody 24 23c. Dorsal scales in rows at midbody Gonyosoma oxycephala 24a. Belly uniform; two rows of spots on each side of each ventral scale Sibynophis melanocephalus 24b. Third lower labial touches middle chin groove Psammodynastes pictus 24c. Third lower labial does not touch middle chin groove Psammodynastes putverulentus 25a. Vertebral scales large and in three rows; scales lateral to these small and granular. Xenodermus javanicus 25b, Dorsal scales in 17 rows at midbody 26 25c. Dorsal scales in more than 17 rows at midbody 27 26a. Dorsum uniform black; keels on dorsal scales serrated Lepturophis borneensis 26b. Dorsum uniform black; keels not serrated Lycodon subcinctus 26c. Dorsum black with white bands 4-5 scale rows wide Lycodon subcinctus 26d. Dorsum black with white bands 1-2 scale rows wide Lycodon albofuscus 27a. Dorsal scales in 19 rows at midbody 28 27b. Dorsal scales in rows at midbody; tail distinctly different color from body Gonyosoma oxycephala 28a. Middorsal stripe Macropisthodon rhodomelas 28b. Venter with two or three rows of spots Rhabdophis chrysargus 28c. Ventral scales with dark edges on corners Xenochrophis trianguligera 136

7 Family Colubridae Snakes in this family occur on all land masses that have cold-temperate to tropical climates. They range in size from 0.1 m to 3.5 m in total length. The eyes usually have round pupils, but the pupil may be horizontally or vertically elliptical in some species. All lack a ftinctional left lung. All have ventral scales that are wider than the dorsal scales. The forward maxillary teeth are solid; if fangs are present diey are in the rear of the mouth and contain an open groove. While most of these snakes are harmless to humans, a few do produce venom and pose a threat to human health. Twenty-nine of the 36 snake species known from Danum are in this family. Oriental Whip Snake Ahaetulla prasina Figure 8 Adult A. prasina reach a total length of almost 2 m and have a tail that is 55-63% of the body length. Young are about 240 mm at birth. This is a very distinctive snake. Its bright green, elongated body, thin neck, and large, pointed head make it impossible to misidentify. The only odier bright green snakes collected at Danum are pit vipers in the genera Trimeresurus and Tropidolaemus; both of these have a relatively stout body and large triangular head when compared to this whip snake. This species has large platelike scales on the top of the head. In contrast, the green pit vipers have small scales on top of the head, similar to those found on their body. The smooth scales are in 15 rows at midbody. The skin between the scales is black and white, and this gives the snake the appearance of having very thin white and black bars. The belly is green with a cream stripe on the outer edge of each ventral. The anal plate is divided, and the subcaudals are paired. Males have keeled scales above the vent. We found this arboreal snake both during the day and at night in the following macrohabitats: one along a primary forest stream, six along secondary forest streams, nine in primary forest and four in secondary forest; none were taken at the edges of forests. "A very gentle snake, quite unafraid and easily handled... has the habit of putting its tongue out and keeping it out, almost motionless, for a considerable time" (Smith, 1943). However, when the snake is threatened, "It inflates itself vertically and curves the fore part of the body ready for defense... The green scales become separated and the fear-inspiring black and bluish-white color of the interstices becomes visible" (Van Hoesel, 1959). Our behavioral observations were similar. Food includes frogs and lizards. Live birth of 4-10 young has been reported (Cox, 1991; Smith, 1943). Blunt-headed Tree Snake Aplopeltura boa Figure 9 Adults reach a total length of 835 mm. Hatchlings are mm in total length. The tail is 44-60% of the body length. This very distinctive snake has a thin body and large Species Accounts blunt head with a mottled brown dorsum and sides with indistinct dark brown blotches. It is one of only two snakes at Danum known to lack a middle chin groove, the other being Pareas laevis. A. boa has smooth scales in 13 rows, with the vertebral scale row enlarged. There is a subocular scale between the orbit of die eye and the labial scales. The anal plate is single as are the subcaudals. It can be readily distinguished from P. laevis by the 13 scale rows, the lack of distinct narrow crossbars on the dorsum, and the conditions of the anal plate and subcaudals. We collected three specimens along secondary forest streams, seven specimens in primary forest and three specimens in secondary forest. This is a nocmrnal, arboreal snake that is cryptically colored. Taylor (1965) writes that it mimics lichen-covered twigs, and he reports that one fell to the ground and remained motionless in a semirigid condition as part of its effort at camouflage. Snails, slugs and lizards are eaten (Lim and Lee, 1989; Cox, 1991). Clutches of four and five eggs have been reported. Yellow-ringed Cat Snake, Mangrove Snake Boiga dendrophila Figure 10 This is a large snake, reaching at least 2.5 m, with a tail that is about 28% of the body length. Hatchlings are about mm in total length. The body is black with yellow rings that are about one-half a scale in width, and extend to the edge of the ventral scales. The belly is grey. The head is black with indistinct yellow markings on the crown and yellow bars on the labial scales. Dorsal scales are smooth and in 21 or 23 rows and the vertebral scale row is enlarged. The anal plate is single and the subcaudals are paired. The numerous, narrow, yellow rings will readily distinguish this snake from almost all other Danum snakes. However, at least some juvenile king cobras, Ophiophagus Hannah, have a very similar pattern. Upon close inspection, Boiga dendrophila lacks the yellow snout, the preocular band, and the two postocular yellow bands found in the cobra. Also, the first yellow band of 0. hannah forms a "V" with the apex pointing forward. The Boiga has a simple circular band in one plane. The juvenile equatorial spitting cobra, Naja sumatrana, sometimes has a black and yellow pattern, but the yellow bands are very wide, 2-5 scales, and the first band on the body forms a "V" with the apex pointing posteriorly. The banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus, another venomous snake known from Sabah but not yet collected by us at Danum, has a dark pattern with yellow bands, but these bands are much wider than one-half a scale row and not as numerous. Other banded snakes at Danum include two species of wolf snakes, Lycodon, but these tend to be brown with white bands, and have 17 rows of keeled scales. We found two specimens associated with primary forest streams and two associated with secondary forest streams. All specimens were collected at night. Reitinger and Lee (1978) write, "... a tropical tree snake... which spends most of its 137

8 time coiled in bushes and shrubs near or over water, though seldom entering it." Van Hoesel (1959) describes the defense behavior as "... flattening the body vertically and like a living spring darting upon its enemy." The species is oviparous, and incubation is days (Van Hoesel, 1959). We have found this snake to be relatively gentle when handled carefully. Lim and Lee (1989) write that it, "... rests coiled up among the branches which span over streams or rivers, and becomes active at dusk when it hunts for birds and eggs as well as rodents... About 4 to 15 eggs are laid per clutch, and the incubation period is about 3 months." They also report that one captive deposited three clutches totaling 25 eggs over a 12- month period. White-spotted Cat Snake Boiga drapiezii Adults reach 2.1 m or more in total length and have a tail that is 30-35% of the body length. Hatchlings are about 300 mm in total length. This is the only Danum snake that has stripes on the ventral scales and smooth scales in 19 rows. This snake has a grey-green or grey-brown dorsum with dark crossbars that have a white spot on each side where the ventrals and the first two scale rows meet. The crossbars may be reduced to small saddlelike blotches but the white spots are still present on die first two scale rows. On the posterior dorsal surface of the body near the vent and the tail there is a midline stripe that is not obvious. This is the only Danum species that has this mid-dorsal stripe on the posterior body and tail. The head is much larger than the neck, and the eyes are large. The anal plate is single and the subcaudals are paired. We found one specimen along a secondary forest stream and another in primary forest. This species can be expected to be found climbing in vegetation at night. Food items include birds and their eggs, and lizards (Lim and Lee, 1989; Cox, 1991). It lays its eggs in nests of tree-dwelling termites. Clutches of four and 10 eggs have been reported, and the incubation time is days (Kopstein, 1938; Cox, 1991). Jasper Cat Snake Boiga jaspidea Adults reach a total length of 1.4 m with a tail that is 33-36% of the body length. Hatchlings are mm in total length. The pattern and coloration of this snake are a complex of dark and light crossbars. It can be readily identified by a symmetrical pattern of black spots outlined in yellow on the top of the head. No other Danum snake has this pattern. The eyes are very large and are about equal in diameter to the distance between the front border of the orbit and the nostril. The vertebral scale row is enlarged, and the scale rows on both sides of it have about 80 black spots. The venter also has numerous black blotches and mottling. The smooth scales are in 21 rows, the anal is single and the subcaudals are paired. We found one of these snakes along a secondary forest stream, two in primary forest and two in secondary forest. This snake can be expected to forage in vegetation at dusk and at night. It feeds on birds and rodents; Lim (1967) reports a tree mouse, Chiropodomys, in the stomach of a specimen from the Malayan peninsula. Photos on page 79 in Lim and Lee (1989) show a defense display with a dorsal-ventral expansion of the neck and anterior body. Kopstein (1929) reports that eggs are laid in tree-dwelling termite nests, with a clutch size of six eggs, and an incubation period of at least 101 days. Dark-headed Cat Snake Boiga nigriceps Adults attain a total length of at least 1.75 m, with a tail that is 29-33% of the body length. Hatchlings measure about 390 mm in total length. Adults and juveniles have different patterns and colors. Adults are uniform brown with each scale having dark edges that give the back and sides of the snake a braided appearance. As the name implies, the head is a dark brown-green, or brown-grey. The ventrals are white or cream, as are the lower parts of the head, including the upper labial scales. Adults may have two rows of indistinct spots on both sides of the enlarged vertebral scales. No other snakes with a uniform pattern known from Danum have these spots. The spots are more pronounced in young animals and accompanied by incomplete crossbars. The juvenile ventral scales are speckled on the outer edge; the speckles form two rows of tiny dots that run the length of the body. Juveniles also tend to be a light red-brown. The smooth scales are in 21 rows, the anal plate is entire, and the subcaudals are paired. We collected one of these in secondary forest. Like odier members of the genus it feeds upon vertebrates and can be expected to be found foraging in vegetation above the ground. Kopstein (1938) reports a clutch of three eggs that were about 48 X 17 mm and requu-ed a 136-day incubation period. Cox (1991) reports a case of a human being seriously envenomated by this species. It should be handled with care and precautions should be taken to avoid its bite. Grabowsky's Reed Snake Calamaria grabowskyi Aduh males reach 365 mm, females attain 468 mm in total length, and the tail is about 12% of the body length. Like other members of the genus, this species has smooth scales in 13 rows. Each scale is light brown with dark markings. All three species found at Danum have dark brown backs and sides. This species can be readily distinguished from C. leucogaster and C. suluensis by black bars that extend across the ventral scales. C. grabowskyi also has a light stripe on the first scale row which will separate it from C. leucogaster. All three species known firom Danum have a dark stripe on the underside of the tail. C. grabowskyi may have two rows of dark spots on the anterior of the body and a dark postocular streak that extends into an irregular dark brown stripe on the neck and the anterior sides of the body. We found one specimen along a forest edge. This is a forest leaf-litter, fossorial snake that is poorly known. Other members of this genus have been reported to feed on earthworms, arthropods, and elongated, fossorial skinks. 138

9 White-bellied Reed Snake Calamaria leucogaster Adult males reach a total length of 219 mm, and females attain 223 mm. The tail is about 6% of the body length. The dorsum is brown and the Danum specimen has six indistinct dark stripes (this snake appears to have a uniform dorsum) and a light stripe on the second row of scales. A black collar is present, and this character will readily separate this species from the other two Calamaria known from Danum when it is present. The venter is cream-colored and there is a dark stripe under the tail. There is also a distinctive postocular white streak, a black blotch just posterior to the vent and a second one just anterior to the tail tip. C. grabowskyi has black bars on the ventral scales, whereas this species has a uniform cream venter. C. suluensis has a uniform venter but it has the side stripe on the first row of scales. The smooth scales are in 13 rows, the anal is single, and the subcaudals are paired. We found one of these snakes in primary forest. It is a forest leaf-litter, fossorial snake. Oflier members of the genus have been reported to feed on earthworms, arthropods and elongated fossorial skinks. This species is poorly known. Sulu Reed Snake Calamaria suluensis Adult males reach 138 mm, and females attain 168 mm. The tail is about 9% of the body length. Like the other two species of Calamaria from Danum, this dark brown snake has smooth scales in 13 rows. Each scale is dark brown with light markings, and there is a light stripe on the first row of scales which will immediately separate it from C. leucogaster. The belly in all of the Danum specimens we have seen is a uniform cream, except for a dark stripe on the underside of the tail. However some populations are known to have a broad stripe down the belly; in either case the ventral pattern will separate this species from C. grabowskyi. This species also has a tail that tapers gradually to a blunt tip, whereas the other two species tend to have sharply pointed tail tips. We collected five specimens in primary forest and two specimens in secondary forest. One specimen was being devoured by ants. This is a fossorial, leaf-litter snake that is poorly known. Other members of the genus are known to feed on earthworms, arthropods and small, elongated skinks. Striped Bronzeback Dendrelaphis caudolineatus Adults approach or reach 2 m in total length. Hatchlings are about 340 mm. The tail is about 37% of the body length. This snake's dorsum is dominated by stripes that start a short distance behind the neck. There are nine dark stripes and seven light stripes. There is a dark brown stripe on the ventrals and first scale row bordered by a bright white stripe on the first and second scale rows. This stripe is in turn bordered by a dark brown stripe on the second and third scale rows. The top of the back has alternating dark brown and bronze stripes (hence the name) with some patches of white scales. The head is dark brown, the chin white, and the belly is green-yellow to white. The underside of the tail has a medial stripe. The smooth scales are in 13 rows, the anal plate is divided, and the subcaudals are paired. Another strongly marked, muhi-striped snake at Danum is Dryocalamus tristigatus, which has 15 scale rows, four brown stripes, lacks the medial stripe under the tail, and has an entire anal plate. Male Psammodynastes are also striped and have 17 scale rows. We found five specimens in forest-edge situations and two in secondary forests. This is a diurnal snake fliat is an expert climber. It feeds on lizards, frogs and birds. Clutches of five and eight eggs are reported (Lim and Lee, 1989). Elegant Bronzeback Dendrelaphis formosus Adults reach at least 1,2 m in total length. Hatchlings are mm. The tail is about 54% of the body lengdi. This is a very distinctive snake with a complex pattern and coloration. The head is brown with yellow upper labials, chin and throat. There is a brick-red patch on the neck which fades into blue and eventually green posteriorly. The scales have black edges diat form narrow black lines on most of the scales on the posterior body. The vertebral scales are greatly enlarged and each is bronze in color. Dorsal scales are smooth and in 15 rows. The anal is divided, and the subcaudal scales are paired. All of the ventral scales are notched and keeled. The color pattern of the adult snake will quickly separate it from all other snakes. Juveniles are a dark brown-blue with alternating light blue and black crossbars toward the posterior of the body. We collected one juvenile in primary forest. This is a diurnal, arboreal snake that feeds on lizards and other vertebrate prey. When alarmed, this snake will inflate its neck and forebody to expand die red patch. Clutches of up to 6-8 eggs, X mm, that require days of incubation were reported by Kopstein (1938) and Lim and Lee (1989). Striped Slender Tree Snake Dryocalamus tristigatus Figure 11 Adults reach a total length of at least 655 mm; the smallest specimen we measured was 385 mm. The tail is about 28% of the body length. This snake has three white-cream stripes (mid-dorsal and one on each side) and four dark brown stripes on scale rows 2-3 and scale rows 5-7. The belly is a uniform white-cream. The vertebral scales are cream with some dark brown pigmentation. The only other similarly striped snakes known from Danum are Dendrelaphis caudolineatus and male Psammodynastes. D. tristigatus has 15 rows of smooth scales, whereas D. caudolineatus has 13 rows of scales and Psammodynastes has 17 rows of scales. D. tristigatus also lacks the medial stripe on the underside of the tail seen in D. caudolineatus. The ventrals are notched and keeled. We collected one specimen in secondary forest. This is a nocturnal, arboreal snake that is poorly known. Food for other members of the genus includes a variety of arthropods and vertebrates.

10 Figure 8. The oriental whip snake, Ahaetulla prasina, is a frequently encountered snake in the Danum Valley. It is usually found in bushes and small trees where it hunts for lizards. Specimen from the Danum Valley. Photograph by John C. Murphy. Figure 9. The blunt-headed tree snake, Aplopeltura boa, is well camouflaged in bushes or tangles of vines. It feeds on a variety of prey, including snails, slugs and lizards. Specimen from the Danum Valley. Photograph by John C. Murphy. Figure 10. The mangrove snake or yellow-ringed cat snake, Boiga dendrophila, is closely associated with stream margins. A large, readily identifiable snake, but small individuals may be confused with juvenile cobras. Specimen from Labang, Sarawak. Photograph by Robert F. Inger. Figure 11. The striped slender tree snake, Dryocalamus tristigatus, is a poorly known arboreal snake. Specimen from Sarawak. Photograph by John C. Murphy, Figure 12. The slender wolf snake, Lepturophis borneensis, is relalively common at Danum. It is probably conspecific with Lycodon albofuscus; the only external distinguishing character we can fmd is the absence of white bands in this form. Specimen from the Danum Valley. Photograph by John C. Murphy. Figure 13. The spotted smooth-skin snake, Liopeltis baliodeira, is a poorly known leaf-litter species that feeds on arthropods. Specimen from the Danum Valley. Photograph by John C. Murphy, I ( 140

11 Red-tailed Racer Gonyosoma oxycephala Adults reach a total length of at least 2.1 m. Hatchlings are about 240 mm. The tail is about 36% of the body length. The two specimens we have seen at Danum had a solid olive-green dorsum with a blue-grey tail. Elsewhere this snake may be bright green with a red or light brown tail. Juveniles have black spots. At Danum each scale was edged with black pigment on the dorsal and anterior edges, giving the snake the appearance of having been covered with a net and spray painted. The dorsal scales are smoodi or weakly keeled and are in rows. The ventrals are keeled and notched. The body is compressed laterally. The anal plate is divided and the subcaudals are paired. The belly is a uniform yellow-cream. The only other green snakes at Danum are Ahaetulla prasina, which is bright green widi a very thin body, and two species of pit vipers, both of which have heat-sensing pits located between the eye and nostril. One specimen we collected was in primary forest, the other was in a forest-edge situation. This is species is an arboreal, diurnal snake that feeds on small mammals and birds. When dismrbed or annoyed, the neck and forebody are compressed laterally. Clutches of 5-12 eggs have been reported with incubation periods as long as four months (Lim and Lee, 1989) and as short as 45 days (Cox, 1991). Slender Wolf Snake Lepturophis borneensis Figure 12 Adults reach 1.5 m in total length, and the tail is about 64% of the body length. This snake is a uniform black above, with white skin between the scales; the belly is uniformly white. The only other solid black snakes we have found at Danum are the black reed snake, Pseudorabdion collaris, the equatorial cobra, Naja sumatrana, and an old adult Lycodon subcinctus. It can be readily distinguished from the reed snake on the basis of size (the reed snake is less than 300 nun). The equatorial cobra has a yellow chin and black belly. L. borneensis has 17 rows of dorsal scales that have serrated keels, and the cobra has smooth scales in more than 17 rows on the body's anterior. L. borneensis has a long tail, more than 60% of the body length; the cobra has a relatively short tail, about 13-18% of the body length. L. borneensis has a large loreal scale that extends to the eye; the cobra lacks the loreal scale. Viewed under a microscope, the head plates of L. borneensis have tiny bumps that follow the margins of the scales; cobras do not have these. Adult Lycodon subcinctus that have lost their bands may be mistaken for this species. However, L. subcinctus lacks the tiny bumps on the head plates and the serrations on keels. We collected three specimens along primary forest streams, two specimens along secondary forest streams, and one specimen in primary forest. This is a poorly known nocturnal snake. Note: McDowell (1987) has suggested that this species is conspecific with Lycodon albofuscus but has not clarified the situation. In examining the Danum material it is apparent that McDowell is probably correct, the only external morphological difference being thatl. albofuscus has white bands. We have retained both species until the issue is resolved. Spotted Smooth-skin Snake, Orange-bellied Snake Liopeltis baliodeira Figure 13 Adults reach 45 cm in total length with a tail that is about 41% of the body length. This snake has a variable pattern. It may be almost uniform brown; it may have white crossbars, spots, or three stripes on the anterior of the body. The head is dark brown and has a velvety appearance. It may be confused with Liopeltis longicauda; however that species usually has a collar and five stripes on the anterior of the body. It can be separated from collarless specimens of L. longicauda by the presence of small pigmented areas on the ventral scales (these are best viewed using a microscope). There are 13 rows of smooth scales which will immediately separate it from most other small brown snakes except the three species of Calamaria. All species of Calamaria have reduced head scales and lack the loreal and preocular scales found m Liopeltis. We collected one specimen in a forest-edge situation, three in primary forest and two in secondary forest. Its food habits are unknown, but other members of the genus have been reported to feed on snakes, frogs and arthropods. Similarly, its reproductive habits are unknown, but it does lay eggs. Striped Smooth-skin Snake Liopeltis longicauda Adults reach 45 cm, and the tail is about 44-55% of the body length, hence the name "longicauda." This small brown snake is usually readily identifiable due to the presence of a collar and five stripes on the anterior of the body. But some specimens lack the collar and stripes. Some specimens of L. baliodeira may have three stripes on the neck and anterior body. The two species can be separated on the basis of small spots of pigmentation on the ventral scales, which are absent in L. longicauda (when present they are best seen using a microscope). L. longicauda may also be confused with Calamaria, but it can be separated quickly from that genus by the presence of preocular and loreal scales. The scales are smooth and in 13 rows; the anal and subcaudals are divided. The belly is uniform yellow or cream. We collected one specimen of this ground-dwelling snake in primary forest leaf litter. The food habits of this species are unknown, however other members of the genus have been reported to feed on snakes, frogs and arthropods. It is an egg layer. Narrow-banded Wolf Snake Lycodon albofuscus Adults may reach a total length of 1.7 m with a tail that is 45-50% of the body length. This is a dark brown snake with about 40 white bands on the body that are evenly spaced and about 1-2 scales wide. The narrow and numerous white bands 141

12 will readily distinguish it from Lycodon subcinctus which has fewer, wider bands. The belly is uniform cream in color. The keeled scales are in 17 rows, the anal plate and subcaudals are divided. Other snakes that superficially resemble this snake are juvenile cobras {Naja and Ophiophagus); both species have smooth scales, and the markings are yellow in die specimens we have examined. Also, Boiga dendrophila has yellow rings, but the belly is grey and the scales are in 21 or 23 rows. We collected one specimen in secondary forest. This is a poorly known snake, but it is nocturnal. Other members of the genus feed on lizards, snakes and arthropods and are known to lay clutches of 2-8 eggs. Note: McDowell (1987) has suggested that this species is conspecific with Lepturophis borneensis but has not clarified die situation. In examining the material from Danum it is clear to us that McDowell is probably correct, the only external morphological difference being the white bands. We have chosen to retain both species until the issue is formally resolved. Banded Wolf Snake Lycodon subcinctus Figure 14 Adults reach a total length of about 1 m with a tail that is about % of the body length. Hatchlings are about 240 mm. This is a brown-black snake with widely separated white bands on the body that are 4-5 scales wide. Young specimens may have has many as 20 bands, but the specimens we have seen have about eight bands. All but the more anterior bands disappear with age, and old adults may show almost no banding at all. The belly is a uniform tan or grey. The 17 rows of keeled scales will quickly separate this snake from others at Danum. Lycodon albofuscus* has white bands that are only 1-2 scales wide and they may number 40. Older adults of L. subcinctus may be almost black and may superficially resemble a small Naja sumatrana, but that species has smooth scales. L. subcinctus might also be mistaken for the wolf snake, Lepturophis, which also has keeled scales, but m Lepturophis the keels are serrated. The blue krait, Bungarus candidus, has not been reported at Danum; however this snake has a similar pattern, but smooth scales, a single anal plate and single subcaudals. We collected one specimen in primary forest and one in secondary forest. This is a nocmrnal, ground-dwelling snake. Its food habits are not well known, but like other members of the genus it probably feeds on lizards, snakes and arthropods. Clutches of 5-11 eggs have been reported and require days of incubation (Kopstein, 1938; Cox, 1991). *See note in the Lycodon albofuscus or Lepturophis account. Blue-necked Keelback Macropisthodon rhodomelas borneensis Adults reach 60 cm in total length with a tail that is about 28% of the body length. This distinctive, brown-red snake has a dark brown vertebral stripe that widens to form a blotch on the neck. Below this is a blue area. There is a series of very thin dark lines that extend from the vertebral stripe to the ventrals and angle forward. The venter is a uniform pink or yellow with a row of small spots on the outer edge of each ventral, and this coloration continues onto the tail. There are naked areas of skin on the neck, 4-5 scales in length and separated by three rows of scales (extending to the 7th or 8th ventral). These areas contain glands diat secrete an irritating white chemical. Juveniles may be lighter in color, even orange. The keeled scales are in 19 rows; the anal and subcaudals are divided. The only other snakes that have 19 rows of keeled scales are Rhabdophis chrysargus and Xenochrophis trianguligera; both lack the brown vertebral stripe and the blue patch. Some specimens of Zaocys fuscus have a brown vertebral stripe, but that species has 16 rows of smooth scales. We collected four blue-necked keelbacks: one in a forest situation and three in primary forest. It feeds on frogs and tadpoles at night. When dismrbed it may rear up and spread a hood like a cobra. The secretion released by the dorso-nuchal glands is reportedly irritating to mucus membranes (Smith, 1938). Clutches of 25 eggs have been reported. Red-bellied Kukri Snake Oligodon everetti Figure 15 Adults reach a total length of at least 420 mm with a tail that can be 25-50% of the body length (males have much longer tails). It is a very distinctive brown snake with a red belly. There is a wide vertebral stripe that may contain evenly spaced white spots (or white stripes) anteriorly, and these spots may become ocelli posteriorly. There is a dark brown stripe on each side which may also contain white pigmentation. On the top of the head is a "V" mark with the apex pointing forward, and there is a dark brown stripe across the snout and extending through the eye to form a subocular blotch. Scales are smooth and in 15 rows; the anal is entire and the subcaudals are paired. This snake may be conflised with Liopeltis or Sibynophis; but both of those species have different numbers of scale rows (13 and 17 respectively). This is a diurnal snake. We collected one in a forest-edge situation and three in primary forest. Two of the specimens were collected at night apparently sleeping above the ground about 0.5 m up in the vegetation. Other members of the genus are known to eat frogs and lizards and produce clutches of 3-6 eggs. Smooth Slug Snake Pareas laevis Adults reach 60 cm with a tail that is 16-24% of the body length. The smallest individual we measured was 131 mm. This small brown snake has crossbands that may be incomplete. The bands are about one scale wide and may extend onto the yellow or tan ventral scales. The anal is entire and the subcaudals are paired. This is only one of two snakes known from Danum that lacks a middle groove under the chin; the other is Aplopeltura boa. The latter species has scales in 13 rows with the vertebral scale greatly enlarged; P. laevis has its vertebral scales only slightly enlarged. 142

13 We collected one ol these snakes along a primary t'oresi stream, tive in primary forest and three in secondary forest. It feeds upon slugs and snails. OUier members of this genus are known to lay clutches of 3-8 eggs. Painted Mock Viper Psammodynastes pictus Figure 16 Adults may reach 50 cm with a tail diat is 28-38% of the body length (males have longer tails). The smallest individual we measured was 193 mm. This is a highly variable snake and one diat is sexually dimorphic in color and pattern. Males have a distinct mid-dorsal stripe on scale rows The stripe is interrupted by light spots, and diere appears to be a lighter stripe bordering the dark one. Females have an indistinct stripe and will be blotched or almost uniform in pattern. Both sexes tend to have a well developed streak extending from the snout through the eye and onto the neck. The smooth scales are in 17 rows, the anal is single, and die subcaudals are paired. The only other Danum snake with 17 rows of smooth scales is Psammodynastes pulverulentus. These two species are best separated by comparing the arrangements of the chin scales. We collected one along a primary forest stream and six along secondary forest streams. Tweedie (1983) reports an individual hanging firom a branch over a stream catching prawns. We have seen gravid females with 5-7 eggs or embryos. Mock Viper Psammodynastes pulverulentus Adults reach a total length of 62.5 cm with a tail that is about 24-26% of the body length in males and 18-20% of die body length ui females. Neonates are mm in total length. This highly variable snake is sexually dimorphic in color and pattern. Males have a mid-dorsal stripe on scale rows 8-10; females have an indistinct stripe, a series of alternating transverse blotches, and tend to be darker than males. The venter may be heavily mottled or almost uniform widi a row of dark spots on each side of the ventrals. A stripe from the snout through the eye and onto the neck may be present. The smooth scales are in 17 rows. The only odier Danum snake with 17 rows of smooth scales is Psammodynastes pictus. The two species are best distinguished on the basis of the arrangement of the chin shields. We collected two specimens in primary forest. This snake feeds on frogs and lizards (Pope, 1935; Kopstein, 1938; Campden-Main, 1970; Cox, 1991). Litters of 3-10 young have been reported (Pope, 1935). Black Reed Snake Pseudorabdion collaris Adults may reach 240 mm in total length with a tail that is 8-13% of the female's body length and 19-22% of the male's body length. The largest specimen we measured was 206 mm, the smallest 116 mm. This diminutive snake is uniformly black-brown or black-grey with a very pointed snout. Head.scales are reduced; a loreal and preocular are absent. The smooth scales are in 15 rows, the anal is single, and the subcaudals are paired. The eyes are easily seen from a dorsal view. This species cannot be confused with any other Danum snake because of its small size and uniform black coloration. We collected one specimen in a forest-edge situation, 16 in primary forest and 11 in secondary forest. All of these snakes were in the leaf litter or under rocks or logs. Other members of fliis fossorial genus have been reported to feed upon earthworms. Speckled-bellied Keelback Rhabdophis chrysargus Adults may reach 80 cm in total length widi a tail that is about 25% of die body length. Hatchlings are mm. This is a green or green-brown snake with about 21 white spots on each side of the body. The yellow venter has three rows (sometimes 2) of spots with the middle row somewhat indistinct. The scales are heavily keeled and in 19 rows, the anal is divided, and die subcaudals are paired. Of die species with 19 rows of keeled scales that occur at Danum, this one can be readily distinguished from Macropisthodon because it lacks a vertebral stripe. It can be distinguished from Xenochrophis on the basis of the ventral rows of spots instead of dark ventral seams on the ventral scales. Both specimens we collected were in primary forest. However, it has been collected near human habitation (Dring, 1979). It has been reported to feed on rodents, birds, frogs and lizards (Batchelor, 1958; Campden-Main, 1970; Cox, 1991). Clutches of 3-10 eggs fliat require days of incubation were described by Kopstein (1938). Black-headed Collared Snake, Black-headed Spear Snake Sibynophis melanocephalus Adults reach 60 cm in total length with a tail that is 59-64% of the body length. This is a brown snake with a middorsal stripe that may be indistinct and a lateral stripe on each side. The head is dark brown and there are about 50 dark brown or black spots or crossbars on each side of die vertebral stripe. Each of these dark spots has a white anterior and posterior edge. The outer edge of each ventral has a dark spot on an otherwise yellow or cream ventral scale. Superficially, fliis snake may be mistaken for Liopeltis baliodeira or Oligodon everetti, but the 17 rows of smooth scales, black spots and ventral coloration will quickly separate it from Uiose species. The anal is divided and the subcaudals paired in this species. We collected one of these snakes in primary forest. Batchelor (1958) reports a captive feeding on grasshoppers, but states that they may also feed on tadpoles and frogs. Lim and Lee (1989) record it feeding on skinks. It is diurnal and an egg layer. Triangle Keelback Xenochrophis trianguligera Adults may reach 1.2 m in total length with a tail that is

14 41-44% of the body length. This is an olive-brown or brownblack snake with white and red mottling on the anterior of the body that fades posteriorly. There are dark triangular blotches with the apex pointing downward and extending onto the ventrals; these are particularly distinctive on the neck and anterior body. The black pigment extends onto the seams of the ventral scales which are otherwise white or yellow. The anal is divided and the subcaudals are paired. The black pigment from the dark triangles is the best characteristic to separate this species from Rhabdophis chrysargus which has three rows of dots on the ventral scales. This species and R. chrysargus and Macropisthodon rhodomelas have keeled scales in 19 rows. M. rhodomelas has a uniform venter with small spots on the outer edge of each scale. We collected one specimen along a primary forest stream, one specimen along a secondary forest stream and one specimen in a forest-edge situation. Batchelor (1958) notes this species feeding on rodents, birds and frogs; Kopstein (1936) reports it feeding on a ranid frog. Clutches of 5-8 eggs, x nun, require days of incubation (Kopstein, 1938). Odd-scaled Snake Xenodermus javanicus Figure 17 Adults reach 67 cm in total length with a tail that is 57-60% of the body length. Hatchlings are mm. This is a highly distinctive snake that is a uniform dark brown in color. It has three rows of enlarged scales. The row on the vertebral line contains three scale rows and on each side of the vertebral line is a row composed of just one row of enlarged scales. The scales covering the upper surface of the body are granules embedded in skin and become larger as they approach the ventrals. It has no large head plates. All head scales are granular, although it has enlarged scales around the nostrils which form fiiimel-shaped strucmres that flare outward. The ventral scales are distinct, but very narrow. The anal plate is single; die subcaudals are paired. We collected one specimen in a forest-edge situation and one in primary forest. Kopstein (1938) describes this snake as nocturnal, living in wet habitats, including cuhivated fields. Taylor (1965) reports one "...found coiled in a soggy rotten log in a stream." It is known to feed on frogs and lay clutches of 2-4 eggs that require days of incubation (Kopstein, 1938). White-bellied Rat Snake Zaocys fuscus AduUs reach a total length of about 3 m with a tail that is about 55% of the body lengdi. This is the only snake known from Danum with an even number of scale rows 16 rows of smooth scales. Some individuals have a red or red-brown vertebral stripe; the Danum specimens we have seen lack diis stripe or have only a trace of it. The most distinguishing marking on diis animal is a black stripe on each side of the last half or thu-d of the body and tail. The black stripe involves the first two scale rows and part of the belly scales. Each ventral has a white tip which gives the black stripe the appearance of having a series of white spots. The anterior of the snake is a blue-gray which becomes brown posteriorly. The anal is divided and the subcaudals are paired. The 16 rows of scales and posterior black side stripe will separate this large snake from all others known to occur at Danum. It does bear a superficial resemblance to Ophiophagus hannah, but it will not spread a hood when confronted. We collected one along a primary forest stream and one in secondary forest. Batchelor (1958) reports one feeding on a chicken. Family Elapidae Elapids are mostly Eastern Hemisphere snakes that inhabit temperate through tropical climates. They have fixed, hollow fangs that are not preceded by any solid maxillary teeth. The fangs are used to deliver venom for subduing prey, and some have modifications for spraying venom in defense. They are convergent with many of the colubrids in overall appearance and habits. Equatorial Spitting Cobra Naja sumatrana Adults slightly exceed 1 m in total length, with a tail that is 13-18% of the body length. The smallest specimen we measured was 328 nun in total length. Adults are jet black above and below with a yellow chin and yellow on Uie sides of die face. Juveniles may have a pattern similar to that of the adult or they may have yellow bands, yellow spots or ocelli, or both yellow bands and yellow spots. This species of cobra lacks a hood pattern. Juveniles may be mistaken for small yellowringed cat snakes, Boiga dendrophila. However, the bands on a small cobra are 2-5 scales wide and number fewer than 19 on the four specimens we have examined; while B. dendrophila has yellow bands that are one-half scale wide and number Juveniles of Uiis species may also be confused with juvenile king cobras, Ophiophagus hannah, which have a yellow snout, a preocular yellow band, and two postocular yellow bands on the head. The first yellow band on the body of O. hannah forms a "V" with the apex pointing toward the head, while N. sumatrana has the first "V"-shaped band with die apex pointing toward the tail (one of our four specunens lacked bands). N. sumatrana has scales in rows (usually 23-25) if counted at the 10th ventral plate. These are reduced to at midbody. The only other black snake we found at Danum was Lepturophis borneensis*, which is a harmless nocturnal snake with 17 rows of serrated, keeled scales and a white belly that will readily distinguish it from this cobra. Two banded snakes that may also be confused with the cobra are Lycodon albofitscus* and Lycodon subcinctus, both of which have white bellies, and are brown-black widi white bands above. These species may lose the bands with age. Cobras are not antagonistic toward humans and will usually flee long before a close encounter. However, cornered cobras will defend themselves and their bite can have serious medical consequences, even though it may not be fatal. Additionally, 144

15 Figure 14. The banded wolf snake, Lycodon subcinctus, is a nocturnal ground-dwelling snake. The white bands disappear with age from posterior to anterior. Specimen from the Danum Valley. Photograph by Daryl Kams. Figure 15. The red-bellied kukri snake, Oligodon everetti, occurs in primary forest and at forest edges. Specimen from the Danum Valley. Photograph by John C. Murphy. Figure 16. A juvenile painted mock viper, Psammodynastes pictus, from the Danum Valley. Photograph by John C. Murphy. Figure 17. The odd-scaled snake, Xenodermus javanicus, has an unusual scale pattern that makes it readily recognizable. Specimen from Sabah. Photograph by John C. Murphy. Figure 18. The king cobra or hamadryad, Ophiophagus hannah. Specimen of unknown origin. Photograph by Robert P. Inger. 145

16 this species has its fangs modified for spitting a venom which is capable of causing temporary or permanent blindness. Most of our observations of fliis snake at Danum have been of specimens crossing roads. Wuster and Thorpe (1989) note fliat this species' distribution corresponds to semi-evergreen or evergreen forests, which occur in slightly seasonal or aseasonal climates, but that in parts of Borneo and Sumatra it may be found in more seasonal habitats. *See notes in the accounts for these two species. King Cobra, Hamadryad Ophiophagus hannah Figure 18 Adults may reach a total length of 5.6 m wifli a tail that is 15-20% of flie body lengdi. Hatchlings are mm in total lengdi. Adults are olive-brown above with flie head lighter in color than the rest of the body; and the tail may be almost black in color. Hatchlings are black wifli yellow, tan or white bands each of which forms a chevron and points forward. The first band has the strongest chevron shape. The head of the hatchling has a yellow snout, a preocular yellow band, and two postocular yellow bands that may be incomplete. The smooth scales are in 15 rows at midbody. The anal is single, and the subcaudals are single near the vent but become paired toward the tail tip. Juveniles are marked with distinct yellow bands on a black background and may be mistaken for small Boiga dendrophila. However, in B. dendrophila the yellow bands are perpendicular to the backbone; they do not form the chevrons seen in both species of cobra. Juvenile Ophiophagus can be easily distinguished from juvenile Naja sumatrana. The latter has the first yellow chevron pointing backward and the yellow bands are 4-5 scales wide; while juvenile Ophiophagus have bands fliat are about one scale wide. Adult Naja are a uniform black and do not exceed much more than 1 m in total length; they also have 17 rows of scales at midbody. In the field an Ophiophagus will rear and spread a relatively narrow hood; whereas Naja will spread a much wider hood. A harmless snake found at Danum that may be mistaken for an adult Ophiophagus is the rat snake, Zaocys fuscus. This large snake has smooth scales in 16 rows. Some specimens will have a red-brown vertebral stripe, and a black stripe on the posterior sides of flie body and tail. We collected one specimen of fliis diurnal snake along a primary stream. It feeds primarily on other snakes and occasionally lizards. It is the only snake known to construct a nest by gathering leaf litter with coils of its body. The female will guard the eggs, and there is some evidence fliat the male may also attend the nest. Unprovoked attacks on humans by this snake have not been supported by documentation and it is unlikely that they occur. It will generally retreat as humans approach. However, fatalities from the bite of this snake have been documented. Family Pythonidae Pythons are Eastern Hemisphere snakes found in temperate and tropical climates. They range in lengdi from under 1 m to more than 9 m. The dorsal scales are small and numerous; the ventral scutes are reduced in width. Some species (including both Danum species) have infrared sensing pits on their labial scales. All have a supraorbital bone and teeth on the premaxilla. The vestiges of the hind limbs are visible externally as a small, clawlike structure on each side of the body just above the vent. The eyes have vertically elliptical pupils. All species lay eggs, some species demonstrate parental care. Short Pyflion, Blood Pyflion Python curtus Figure 19 Adults reach a length of 3 m; hatchlings are about 40 cm. The tail is about 9% of the body length. This is a python with a very stout body and red, tan or brown transverse blotches. There is a dark brown to black preocular streak fliat widens behind the eye and is edged with white. The ventrals are uniform wifli some of the blotches intruding on the outer edges. The thick body combined wifli the small head, red coloration, and pits on upper labials 1 and 2 will readily distinguish this species from Python reticulatus and all other snakes at Danum. The smoofli scales are in rows; the anal is entire and flie subcaudals are paired. We collected one of these snakes from a road construction site. Tweedie (1983) states that this species is, "... even more attached to water than the reticulated [pyflion]." This snake feeds on rodents in captivity. Clutches of eggs require about 70 days of incubation (Cox, 1991). Reticulated Pyflion Python reticulatus Figure 20 Aduhs of this snake approach 10 m in total length and have a tail fliat is about 14% of flie body lengfli. Hatchlings are mm in total length. This light brown or yellow snake has a series of dark brown blotches that are circular, oval or rhomboidal and may be fijsed to each other. Each blotch is edged wifli black, and the black is edged in yellow. The black and yellow extend onto flie sides to form bars or V-shaped markings that enclose a white spot. The head has a black streak on the midline and another on each side of flie head from the eye to the angle of the jaw. The smooth scales are in rows; flie anal plate is single; and the subcaudals are mostly paired. Vestigial spurs are located near the vent; they are larger in males. The color, pattern and the labial pits on upper labials 1-4 will readily distinguish diis snake from all other Danum snakes. The other python at Danum has a red pattern, very stout body, and pits on upper labials 1-2. We collected fliree of fliese snakes along primary forest streams. It has also been reported to use human-modified environments (Wall, 1926). Birds and mammals are killed by constriction and eaten. It has been reported to prey on humans, but it should not be considered a serious threat to human life. Clutches of eggs are attended by the female during a 75- to 90-day incubation period. 146

17 Family Viperidae Vipers are snakes widi folding, front fangs that inject venom. They range in length from 0.2 to 3.6 m. The family is widespread in both hemispheres, and some species have invaded cold-temperate climates at high latimdes and high elevations. Members of one subfamily, the Crotalinae, have a deep loreal pit that senses heat. Snakes of this subfamily are commonly called pit vipers and both Danum species are in this group. Figure 19. The blood python or short python. Python curtus, is widespread in Southeast Asia. The specimen shown is a captive animal of unknown origin. Photograph by David Lawrence. Figure 20. The reticulated python. Python reticulatus, is a very large, distinctive snake that we found associated with forest streams. Specimen of unknown origin. Photograph by John C. Murphy. Figure 21. The Sumatran pit viper, Trimeresurus sumatranus, is a dangerously venomous snake. Specimen from Marak-Parak, Sabah. Photograph by Robert Steubing. Figure 22. Wagler's pit viper, Tropidolaemus wagleri, is a frontfanged, venomous snake. Specimen from the Danum Valley. Photograph by John C. Muiphy. 147

18 Sumatran Pit Viper Trimeresurus sumatranus Figure 21 Adults reach 1.1 m in total length with a tail that is 16-17% of the body length. This is a distinctive, green pit viper with black crossbars numbering that may be reduced to black vertebral spots posteriorly. The ventrals are yellow and each has a fine black line near the free margin. The scales are in 21 rows and mostly keeled except on the head and neck. This will readily distinguish this species from the only other pit viper known at Danum, Tropidolaemus wagleri, which has smooth or weakly keeled scales on the body and strongly keeled scales atop the head. The black bands on the neck may run together on some individuals of T. sumatranus. And on some specimens the posterior margin of each scale is tipped in black. The tail is prehensile and each scale has a yellow center surrounded by black. The anal is entire; the subcaudals paired. We collected two in primary forest, Dring (1979) reports collecting six specimens during the day in primary forest. This is a venomous snake and should not be handled. If bitten by diis snake, seek medical aid immediately. Wagler's Pit Viper Tropidolaemus wagleri Figure 22 Adults reach 90 cm in total length with a tail that is 17-20% of the body length. This is a green pit viper widi white bars on each side of the body in Danum specimens. Each white bar is less than one-half a scale wide. There is an indistinct dark green vertebral region with lighter green toward the ventrals. This pattern is the juvenile coloration and pattern found in other populations. At other locations adults may be black with scattered green spots. A yellow stripe starts at the nostril and extends through the eye to a point just past the angle of the jaw. The ventrals are a yellow-green and are uniform in color. The tail tip is yellow. Some scales are smooth, others are weakly keeled. The scales on top of the head are strongly keeled and this will readily distinguish this species from Trimeresurus sumatranus. We collected two along secondary forest streams, one in primary forest and two in secondary forest. Reitinger and Lee (1978) describe diis species as preferring low bushes, Leviton (1964) reports skinks (Mabuya and Sphenomorphus) from the stomachs of Philippine specimens. Its food habits are undoubtedly more general; it probably also feeds on birds and rodents. Litters of up to 16 have been reported (Lim and Lee, 1989). This is a venomous snake and should not be handled. Literature reports suggest the adults are mild tempered and that juveniles are more likely to bite. The literature also suggests that the toxicity of this species is mild. However, all pit vipers are capable of causing medical problems, avoid them. Family Xenopeltidae The sunbeam snake is in a monotypic family that inhabits Indo-China, Malaysia and Indonesia to Sulawesi. It has two lungs and a primitive, inflexible skull, but a very flexible lower jaw. It lacks the vestigial hind limbs present in the pythons and boas. The common name is derived from the iridescent properties of the scales. Sunbeam Snake Xenopeltis unicolor Adults slightly exceed 1 m in total length widi a tail that is 12-12% of the body length. Adults are brown with a uniform cream belly. The subcaudals have brown pigmentation on about half of each scale. On the head the parietal scales are separated by a large occipital which also touches the frontals. This arrangement of head scales is very distinctive and is unique among Danum snakes. The young are black or grey above with a white head, neck and belly. The area from the eyes forward may be black or brown. The scales are smooth, iridescent, and in 15 rows. The anal is divided and the subcaudals paired. The white head blotch and uniform cream belly will readily separate it from the small, burrowing Pseudorabdion collaris and juvenile cobras, both of which are black. We collected one of these in a forest-edge simation and two in primary forest, one of which was taken from litter in a tree buttress. This nocturnal snake feeds on amphibians, rodents and other snakes (Lim and Lee, 1989). Clutches of three eggs have been reported. Species Richness and Abundance in Tropical Forest Snake Communities Despite the large number of snake species inhabiting tropical latitudes, snakes are notoriously difficult to fmd in tropical forest habitats. At Danum we spent 166 days in the field and produced 161 specimens of snakes, or about one snake per day. It is interesting to note diat seven of die 36 species comprised 56 percent of all the snakes we collected, and three of these Pseudorabdion collaris, Ahaetulla prasina and Aplopeltura Aoa make up 38 percent of the snakes collected (Figure 23). Relatively few studies have been conducted on tropical forest snake communities, and those are difficult to compare because of differences in the methods of data collection. Additionally, study areas may include secondary forests, savannas, aquatic habitats and edge environments that further complicate determining exactly how many kinds of snakes mhabit a particular piece of tropical forest. This study is no exception. Encounters with snakes in the Danum Valley are relatively rare, and the number of species actually present is undoubtedly much higher than we found, as suggested by Figure 24. It is entirely possible, even probable, that die next snake collected in the area will be a species not covered in this paper. What follows is a summary of some studies of other tropical forest snake communities for a rough comparison. Note that the values for snakes/day are not direcfly comparable because effort varies (man-days). Beebe (1925) describes the results of 36 monflis of field work carried out by numerous researchers at Kartabo, Guiana. The study site was restricted to one square mile of lowland 148

19 Snake Species Dendrelaphis formosus Ophiophagus hannah Sibynophis melanocephalus Dryocalamus tristigatus Naja sumatrana Calamaria leucogaster Python curtus Lycodon albofuscus Liopeltis longicauda Calamaria grabowskyi Boiga nigriceps Gonyosoma oxycephala Lycodon subcinctus Psammodynastes pulverulentus Trimeresurus sumatranus Zaocys fuscus Boiga drapiezii Xenodermus javanicus Rhabdophis chrysargus Xenopeltis unicolor Python reticulatus Xenochrophis trianguligera Boiga dendrophila Oligodon everetti Macropisthodon rhodomelas Boiga jaspidea Tropidolaemus wagleri Liopeltis baliodeira Lepturophis borneensis Calamaria suluensis Psammodynastes pictus Dendrelaphis caudolineatus Pareas laevis Aplopeltura boa Ahaetulla prasina Pseudorabdion collaris Number of Individuals Figure 23. Number of specimens collected of each of 36 species of snakes as a result of 166 days in the field at the Danum Valley Field Center. tropical forest. He reports the collection of 52 species of snakes. His snake data from Kartabo, published in 1946, are not as detailed in numbers of specimens collected as could be; our tally/estimate shows he collected a minimum of 425 snakes at this location over 1080 days, or 0.39 snakes per day. Dunn (1949) lists 69 snake species from die Panama Canal Zone and adjacent Panamanian provinces. Most of the data was collected from 1933 to 1945 by many people, and specimens collected were from a relatively large area. However, within the paper smaller areas are identified and he gives the following numbers: Sabanas - 58 species; Chagres - 60 species; Agua Clara - 47 species; and Yavisa - 40 species. The last three of these are villages and presumably people collected the snakes in the vicinity of the villages. Duim describes a collection of snakes amassed by Dr. H. C. Clark. Clark paid residents of various areas to collect snakes, and his project lasted 13 years (4745 days). Thus, the average snakes encountered per day during the study period were However, keep in mind that for all practical purposes this was a commercial venture and involved an untold number of people over a very large geographic area. Dixon and Soini (1977) list 88 species of snakes from the Iquitos region of Peru. However, their collection sites covered several hundred kilometers of rivers and at least 13 different locations. Using these sites and tallying the number of snake species occurring at each we produced the following counts: Moropon - 57 species; Mishana - 53 species; Centro Union - 52 species; and Iquitos - 44 species, the other localities had 27 or fewer species recorded from them. Dixon and Soini (1975) give a general overview of the habitats found in the Iquitos region, but they are not specific by study site, dius it is likely that several different kinds of forest, as well as aquatic and disturbed habitats were present at each of their study sites. Duellman (1978) reports on 48 man-mondis (1440 days) of field work at Santa Cecilia, Ecuador, and four other nearby localities. His data shows that 51 species of snakes were uken at Santa Cecilia, a study site that covered 3 km^. If the other four sites are added the number jumps to 53. He collected 564 snakes during this study, or about 0.38 snakes per day. Unpublished data collected by one of us (JCM) in die Arima Valley of Trinidad suggests that the 18 km^ area con- 149

20 200 LU DC Z) I- Q_ < O h- co I El 0 i-c \ J r t T}-iotor-ooc7 ) O T-ojcr)^ intor^coooy - c u m T r i n t D i^oocnot-cvjcotj-inus T - ' ^ T - ^. - T-cjcgcviojcvicvjcjojcvjojcocococococon SPECIES ACCUMULATION Figure 24. Cumulative number of species collected at the Danum Valley Field Center as a function of die number of days of effort. tains at least 36 species of snakes. This number is based upon the literature, museum specimens and field work, that have resulted in die area's serpent fauna being relatively well known. The Arima Valley was completely covered with forest when Columbus sighted the island in 1498 (Beard, 1946). It is now a mosaic of mostly secondary forest, tree crops, human habitations and other human modified landscapes. The number of species at this site is striking in that the entire 4828 km^ island of Trinidad is known to have only 40 species of snakes. That is to say, 90% of the species on the island occur in this relatively small area. Seventy-four days of field work produced 171 snakes representing 29 species. Thus, the frequency of snake encounters was 2.3 snakes per day. Most of the field work was done in the Arima Valley, but other areas are included in diis data. All of the studies above were done in the Neotropics. For comparison to Southeast Asia, Inger and Colwell (1977) examined a forest in Thailand, their study area was approximately 20 km^, and die study ran between February and December. The number of days spent in die field is not available, but subtracting 90 days (the total days of January, February and December) from 365 suggests a possible 275-day study period. They found 267 snakes representing 47 different species. Thus they produced 0.97 snakes per day, a number very similar to what we found for the Danum study. In conclusion, visitors to tropical forests are likely to see no more than one to diree snakes per day, if they are in fact spending time looking for them. As for the number of snake species found at any given location in the tropics: in the Western Hemisphere the maximum number would appear to be close to 60 species; the very limited information for the Eastern Hemisphere suggests diat fewer species can be expected there. Acknowledgements The audiors thank the National Geographic Society, and the Field Museum of Natoral History for financial support. The field work was accomplished only widi the help of Robert F. Inger, Sharon Emerson, Paul Yanbun, Freddie Paulus, Frederic Francis, Dansan Kandaung, and Dennis Ekun. Robert Steubing provided invaluable logistical support. Yayasan 150

21 Sabah and the staff and personnel of die Danum Valley Field were done by Jason Coley and Clara Simpson. DRK would Centre made the field work comfortable. Alan Resetar provid- like to thaijc the Biology Department of Hanover College for ed important laboratory assistance. Molly Ozaki and Janet making it possible to do die 1990 field work, and JCM would Ujvari typed the manuscript. Art work was redrawn from a like to thank the administration and school board of Plainfield variety of sources and new drawings were made by Lisa School District 202 for the release time needed to do the 1989 Clarizio, Judy Erwin and David Smiskol. Computer graphics field work. Literature Cited Batchelor, D. M Some notes on the snakes of Asaham, Malacca. Malaysian Nature Journal 12: Beard, J. S The natural vegetation of Trinidad. Oxford Forest Mem. (20): Beebe, W Studies of a tropical jungle, one quarter of a square mile of jungle at Kartabo, British Guiana. Zoologica 6(1): Field notes on the snakes of Kartabo, British Guiana, and Caripito, Venezuela. Zoologica 31(1): Bourret, R Les Serpentes de LTndochine. Vols. 1 and 2. Toulouse: Henri Basqgau and Ciy. Campden-Main, S. M A field guide to the snakes of South Vietnam. Washington, D.C.: USNM, Smithsonian Institotion. Cox, M Snakes of Thailand and their husbandry. Malabar, FL: Kreiger Publishing. Dixon, J. R., and P. Soini The reptiles of the upper Amazon basin, Iquitos Region, Peru. I. Lizards and Amphisbaenians. Contrib. Biol, and Geol. (4): Dixon, J. R., and P. Soini The reptiles of the upper Amazon basin, Iquitos region, Peru. 11. Crocodilians, turdes, and snakes. Contrib. Biol, and Geol. (12):1-91. Dring, J. C. M Amphibians and reptiles from northern Trengganu, Malaysia with descriptions of two new geckos: Cnemaspis and Cyrtodactylus. Bull. British Museum Natural History (Zool.) 34: Duellman, W. E The biology of an Equatorial herpetofauna in Amazonia Ecuador. University of Kansas, Misc. Publ. (65): Dunn, E. R Relative abundance of some Panamanian snakes. Ecology 30(l): Inger, R. F., and R. K. Colwell Organization of contiguous communities of amphibians and reptiles in Thailand. Ecol. Monogr. 47: Kopstein, F Herpetologische notizen, I. De Treubia 10(l): Ein Beitrag zur Morphologic, Biologic und Oekologie von Xenodermus javanicus (witti summary in English). Bull. Raffles Museum 14: Leviton, A. E Contribution to a review of Philippine snakes V. The snakes of tiie genus Trimeresurus. Philippine J. of Science 93(2): Lim, F Snakes collected in Gunong Brinchang, Cameron Highlands, Pahang. Malaysian Nature Journal 20: Lim, F., and M. Lee Fascinating snakes of southeast Asia - an introduction. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Tropical Press Snd. Bhd. McDowell, S. B Systematics. Pp In: R. A. Seigel, J. T. CoUms and S. S. Novak, editors. Snakes: ecology and evolutionary biology. St. Louis: McGraw Hill Publishing Co. Pope, C. H The reptiles of China. Natural History of Central Asia. Vol. 10. New York: American Museum of Natural History. Reitinger, F. F., and J. K. S. Lee Common snakes of South East Asia and Hong Kong. Heinemann Educational Books, Asia Ltd. Smidi, M. A The nucho-dorsal glands of snakes. Proc. Zool. Soc. London, Series B 100, ~ The fauna of British India, Reptilia and Amphibia. Vol. 3. Serpentes. London: Taylor and Francis. Taylor, E. H The serpents of Thailand and adjacent waters. University of Kansas Science Bulletin 55(6): Tweedie, M The snakes of Malaya. Singapore: Singapore National Printers. Van Hoesel, J. K. P Ophidia Javanica. Museum Zoologicum Bogoriense. Wall, F The reticulated pydion. Python reticulatus (Schneider). Journal of die Bombay Natoral History Society 31: Wuster, W., and R. S. Thorpe Population affinities of die Asiatic cobra (Naja naja) species complex in southeast Asia: reliability and random resampling. Biol. Journal of the Linnean Society 36:39M

22 Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 29(7): Congratulations! Dr. Michael W. Klemens has joined the staff of the Wildlife Conservation Society (New York Zoological Society) as Director for Program Development. Michael will continue heading the Turtie Recovery Program which was formerly at the American Museum of Natural History. CHS member Dee Pick has started the Florida Keys Herpetological Society. Their first meeting was July 7. She writes, "Wish us luck... [our society will be] for people of all ages who have an interest in reptiles and amphibians. Any tips or suggestions are welcome; my number is (305) " But did he swallow? While jogging, President Bill Clinton wore a shirt which showed a toad and the inscription "Toad Suck Arkansas." When questioned by the ever-alert Washington press corps, he explained the shnt publicizes an annual fair in Conway, Arkansas, where toads compete on a 50-yard course. He said, "You've got to keep the toad both going and within your lane, and if the toad gets out of the lane, you get disqualified." Toad Suck Daze is one of the state's largest festivals and includes toad-related games, jumping frog contests, and offers toad-related bric-a-brac for sale. [The Times-Picayune, March 14, 1994, from Ernie Liner] Toad Smoke Daze, Phase Two The couple arrested in California for "smoking toad," which was reported in newspapers from coast to coast have had their day in court. The judge ordered them to take a drug-abuse course, which if they complete it and remain drug-free, will enable them to avoid jail. A writer for the New York Times Magazine [June 5, 1994, from P. L. Beltz] tried smoking toad juice. Anyone interested in his descriptions of the experience is referred to a library to read it for themselves. This writer feels that it would be a highly unpleasant experience and wishes to give the matter no fiirther publicity. Speaking of highly unpleasant experiences... A 42-year-old Florida resident was bitten by an alligator while hunting for golf balls in a water hazard on a West Palm Beach golf course. The man was treated and released. The gator was destroyed.' \The Times-Picayune, April 16, 1994, from Ernie Liner] A visitor to Arizona was bitten by a rattlesnake while hiking. He did the right thing and went to a hospital immediately. Forty-eight hours later he was discharged. His three-page bill totalled $16, The man has no medical insurance. [Tucson Weekly, March 30 - April 5, 1994, from David L. Hardy, Sr.] A 9-foot alligator attacked a police car, removing a 10-inch chunk of plastic from the front bumper. The alligator was destroyed. [Gainesville FL Sun, May 3, 1994, from Dan Pearson] A Nile crocodile attacked an American woman while she was washing her hair in the Epulu River in Zaire. After a HerPET-POURRI by Ellin Beltz protracted straggle, die crocodile was forced to let go, but die woman lost her arm. The 28-year old Missouri woman plans to return to her job in Africa later this year. She said, "I have to [go] that crocodile still has my watch." She does have a sense of humor about it. She tried to get "HOOK" and "LEFTY" license plates for her car, but had to settle for "BITN" as the odier words were already in use. [Las Vegas Review-Journal/Sun, May 7, 1994, from Bob Pierson] The story is told in "chilling detail" in this month's Readers' Digest for those who like that sort of thing. A Myrtle Beach, Soufli Carolina, woman received a ticket with a $60 fme for stopping in the middle of a highway to help a turtle cross the road. She plans to appeal. [Concord, NH Monitor, May 18, 1994, from Brian Carter] The Deja Vu on Lincoln Avenue in Chicago is holding biweekly turtle races. The club owner says he got die idea from turtle races held on die Ray Raynor children's television show. [Chicago Sun-Times, April 8, 1994, from Debi Hatchett] China Daily reports diat "The Cantonese have a reputation for eating anything and everything... They eat everything diat flies except airplanes, and everything in the ocean except boats... And among die exotic fare served up... the snake dish is the most renowned... Autumn is thought to be the best time... since snake meat is the most tender at that time of year... hundreds of thousands of snakes are consumed m [the provincial capital] Guangzhou... You need to have a strong stomach to enter a Guangzhou snake restaurant. The snakes are kept alive in glass tanks. Waitresses invite die customers to select one... The creature is killed and skinned in front of die diners " [May 1994, from P. L. Beltz] A Eustis, Florida, man said he wasn't sorry for hacking an alligator to deadi with a machete. A police dog tracked a trail of blood from a local lake to the house where the man's wife had hidden the meat in a child's room when she saw the officers approaching. The remainder of the animal was buried in die back yard. The man claimed die gator had eaten his bait and bobber every time he'd cast into die lake. [Leesburg, FL Daily Commercial and Orlando, FL Sentinel, April 2, 1994, from Bill Burnett's mom] An alligator which sunned itself on an island in Lake Alice on the University of Florida campus was removed after several complaints. However, some of the children in die neighborhood were "upset and outraged" when the creature was taken. The animal was destroyed. [Gainesville, FL Sun, April 20, 1994, from Dan Pearson] Poetic justice During a WWF wresding match in Zapopan, Mexico, Jake (the Snake) Roberts was doing his usual bit with a "gigantic snake," chasing people, making faces, attempting to scare people, and putting the critter around his neck. Wrestling Observer Newsletter [May 26, 1994, from Bill Burnett] reports that the snake "suddenly started constricting around Roberts' neck and had him nearly choked out and he collapsed backstage and they had to pull die snake off him and try to revive 152

23 him." My personal three cheers for the snake; perhaps it should have won the match! Deputy gators? A 34-year old Mississippi woman was heading home, stopped at a McDonald's and looked up to see a man pointing a gun at her. He demanded money, she tried to drive away, the man fired at the car. Two Slidell police officers chased the suspects along an interstate. One officer said, "They bailed out of the automobile... and jumped into a canal. It was a bit of a surprise for them, diough. They were sharing that part of die canal with a 10-foot alligator and some of its offspring." The gator family was given partial credit for the arrest by the officers who booked two teens for attempted armed robbery and attempted murder. [Baton Rouge, LA Sunday Advocate, March 20, 1994, from Ernie Liner] Snake smuggler pleads guilty A Parma, Ohio, man pleaded guilty to charges of smuggling 226 snakes and 64 lizards into die U.S. by carrying them past customs in suitcases. The man and friends went to Papua, New Guinea and collected wild pythons. Customs seized 73 animals in March Eighteen were Boelen's pythons, Morelia boeleni, which authorities said were worth $3,000 each. The man was also caught in December 1987 with 20 pythons in his lug'gage and again in May 1989 widi 61 reptiles. His companion was charged widi bringing 81 ringed pydions from New Guinea in August Beacon-Journal [May 27, 1994, from Jim Zimmerman] states, "some of the snakes... were so rare that zoo curators had never seen live ones before." All of the animals listed in the indictment were designated as protected animals under CITES. The man may spend as much as 15 months in prison and has agreed to cooperate with wildlife officials in their investigation of international reptile smuggling. [Jim also sent an article about diis from the Cleveland Plain Dealer, May 24, 1994, which had die value of Boelen's pydions at $10,000 each.] Incidentally, WWF Traffic USA [January 1994, from Karen Furnweger] reported that the management authority of wildlife on Papua New Guinea has notified die CITES Secretariat that it has been tagging saltwater and New Guinea crocodiles with various color/number tags to permit identification of legally collected skins. Updating previous stories A Chicago-area man who took baby loggerhead turtles from their hatching beach in Venice, Florida, decided he couldn't care for them, and dropped them off at the Shedd Aquarium was sentenced to 70 days in federal prison and ordered to pay $14,455 restitution. The judge said, "The only reason I'm not giving you more time is because you did bring the turtles into the Shedd when they became ill. The history I see before me is of a person who totally disregards the law. Apparently you don't believe the rules of society apply to you." The turtles will be retorned to die Gulf of Mexico in August. CHS member and Shedd staff member Karen Furnweger was quoted, "These federal laws protecting them are so important, and that's why so many people wanted to see them applied in force in [this man's] case. We want people to be aware that they should never disturb these animals under any circumstances." [Chicago Tribune, June 10, 1994, from K. S. Mierzwa] Galapagos tortoises have been having a rough year. First there was a massive wildfire, and now individual tortoises are being killed and eaten. Workers found the remains of at least 42 giant tortoises on die island of Isabela which had been butchered. About 1,000 humans live on that island, and more live on nearby islands. Only about 6,000 tortoises live on die island; 400 are being moved to special reserves to protect them from hunters. [Science, April 29, 1994; Orlando, FL Sentinel, May 12, 1994, from Bill Burnett; The Times-Picayune, April 23, 1994, and die Houma, LA Courier, April 27, 1994, from Ernie Liner] The Streamwood, Illinois, Reptile Swap held monthly on die farm of long-time member Lee Watson was featured in a front page Chicago Tribune article on June 22, After detailing the hot market for exotic animals, the article stated that law-enforcement agents say that swaps are "the next phase of our investigation." They feel that there is an underground network of illicit animal traders. Last year 22 reptile vendors were charged with more than 40 violations, although most were misdemeanors. Fines ranged from $50 to $900 and one case remains to be settled. Watson was quoted "I diought it was all a lot of bunk. That was die biggest travesty of justice I've ever seen...." Enforcement agents fek diey "could only scratch the surface in the six or seven months [they] were there." In addition a Department of Conservation official said that reptile trading in Streamwood is not currently being investigated because diey were forced to mm to other cases. (Note: The Streamwood Swap Meet is not sponsored by or connected with the CHS in any way except fliat a lot of our members attend. EB) "I was interested to see in your April [column] fliat someone in Austin is producing those plastic stick-on Darwin fishes. Evidently through convergent evolution, a similar or identical decoration is being produced by a group... in L.A. [The Darwiimers, 6671 Sunset Blvd. #1525, Los Angeles, CA]... By flie way, I used my WordPerfect spell-checker on die word 'creationist' as you suggested and learned a new verb in the process. Keep up the good work! James N. Smart" Mark Bell, a CHS member who moved from Michigan to Golden Gate Estates, Florida, will be permitted to build a snake breeding facility after a case against him was dismissed. Bell said fliat the ruling was what "we were looking for. The whole thing was blown out of proportion." He said he did not understand why people were concerned about his snakes getting loose, since the area already has a substantial native snake population, including venomous snakes. [Naples Daily News, May 13, 1994, from Alan W. Rigerman] "I enjoy your colunm... I really look forward to reading, and yes, re-reading. I sincerely hope that the Beltz that had the surgery is doing very well... Please let us know. E. A. Zorn." Finally (I hope) we can say that P. L. Beltz is recovering from cancer surgeries and will be continuing as a regular contributor! The biggest toad in die world [Guiness Book of Records] has died at the age of 12 in the southern Swedish town of Karlstad. [Memphis, TN Commercial Appeal, March 21, 1994, from Bill Burnett] Dear Abby received a letter concerning the iguana in the 153

24 fast-food "restaurant" from a member of the Georgia Herp Society. "If you take an iguana out in pubhc, you should never force your presence on anyone let them come to you... I think it was tacky and smpid of diat writer to take his reptile into an eating establishment." [Many sources: first received from Ernie Liner, Houma, LA Courier, June 7, 1994] Some Nevada old-timers have suggested an alternate reason for what they consider to be an apparent decline in the desert tortoise. They agree that the tortoises were more common in the 1920s through the 1950s, but suggest that the government poisoning of coyotes and ravens may have led to an artificial increase of population. Coyotes and ravens prey upon the relatively vulnerable juveniles; the more young that survived they reason the more adult tortoises there would have been. In addition, one rancher claims that cattle are actually beneficial since they crop the grasses down, providing the tender shoots favored by the tortoises. [Las Vegas Review-Journal, April 24, 1994, from Bob Pierson] Researchers at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, found that a substance extracted from the skin of a frog, Epipedobates tricolor, shows promise as a nonaddicting pain blocker. Low doses of epibatidine are more potent that morphine, but act differently from opiate painkillers. [Albuquerque Journal, May 15, 1994, from James N. Stuart] Turtles, turtles, turtles A Kemp's ridley turtle was taken to Jack Rudloe's Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratories in the Florida panhandle town of Panacea with a fishhook imbedded in its gullet. Rudloe said that sea turdes are threatened by monofilament fish line, hooks and electronic detection gear in addition to commercial fishing operations. "It's time to put the fairness back into fishing... Stainless steel hooks and monofdament line and monofdament nets should be baimed, and fishing gear should be biodegradable," he said. The turtle may not survive the surgery necessary to remove the hook. [Orlando, FL Sentinel, May 13, 1994, from Bill Burnett] A suit was filed in U.S. Customs Court in New York asking the federal government to ban imports of shrimp from countries that have not reduced sea turtle deaths m nets. At stake is a $1.8 billion trade in shrimp conducted by 80 nations. The U.S. is the world's largest shrimp-consuming nation. [Houma, LA Courier, June 8, 1994, from Ernie Liner] Field work on the transmission of a virus which debilitates sea mrtles is being conducted at The Turtle Hospital of Marathon, Florida. Green turtles are at risk of the disease which is characterized by fibrous tumors. Researchers estimate that 75 percent of the green turtles in Earth's oceans may have been exposed or affected by the disease, up from about 7 percent in the early 1980s. Necropsies have revealed that the tumors affect internal organs as well as growuig on the turdes' heads. If the tumors cover the animals' eyes, they stop feeding and starve. [Florida Keys Keynoter, May 18, 1994, from Dee Pick] Some figures being circulated sourced to the National Wilderness Institute are being used in an effort to claim diat the Endangered Species Act as currently stmcmred spends too much money to save species. The top four most expensive species on diis list are die Atlantic green hirtle $88,236,000, die loggerhead sea turde $85,947,000, die blunt-nosed leopard lizard $70,252,000, and die Kemp's ridley sea ttirtle $63,600,000. These numbers are from 1973 to die present. [The Wall Street Journal, June 3, 1994, from P. L. Beltz] Science [April 29, 1994] reports a marine biologist at die University of Nordi Carolina-Chapel Hill has found that loggerhead sea turtles seem to have a magnetic compass in their heads which lets them use die Earth's magnetic field to navigate. The compass is so sophisticated that they can tell longitude as well as latimde. This feat was first accomplished by human mariners in the early 1800s and required die use of timepieces in addition to compasses. Nowadays we use Global Positioning Satellites, but the turtles just "follow their nose." The experiment used hatchling turtles attached to harnesses tethered to a swivel arm in die center of an upended satellite dish filled with water. The hatchlings could then swim in any direction while die swivel arm, and its attached computer, created a record of their movements. A magnetic coil system surrounded the dish. The coils produced variable fields and the results were recorded. When the north/south direction was reversed, the turtles mrned too. If the field was merely rotated, the tardes turned to compensate. The initial alignment of the mrtle's compass depends on the first light they see and if light was provided from the west, the hatchlings would always swim west. On beaches without human influence, the first light seen by hatchlings is a sky-glow over die ocean. Where people build houses and roads, baby turtles often go the wrong way and die. [Contributed by Bill Burnett] A golfer in Rice, Minnesota, found a two-headed baby mrtle while he was setting up to putt. The hirtle has two front and two back legs, one tail and two heads. The golfer took the turtle home. His wife said, "It likes flies. Both heads eat. Sometimes, diey even fight for food. When it tips over, one turde fights to flip itself up one way and the other fights to flip itself up the odier way." [June 11, 1994: Montgomery, AL Advertiser from Rick Dowling, The Times-Picayune from Ernie Liner] An Indiana man found a 40-pound snapping turtle wedged inside a truck tire in Hudson Lake. He first thought the mrtle was alive, but said, "Then I saw that die poor devil was trapped in diere and was dead. That's die biggest one I ever saw, and I've lived here for 40 years. Somebody didn't realize the consequences what could happen when they threw the tire into die water." [South Bend Tribune, June 7, 1994, from Garrett Kazmierski] No offense intended To briefly respond to die letter from a CHS member who canceled his membership over some things that were in this column in the past, I would merely share with you some things I was taught in Jesuit grammar school: 1.) Among odier freedoms, die U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of the press, Ireedom of speech, and freedom of religion; 2.) The Cadiolic edition of die Bible quotes Jesus as saying "Judge not lest ye be judged," "Let those who are without sin cast the first stone," and "Love thy neighbor as thyself for the love of me." Based on this foundation, it pains me that in the pursuit of political (and other) correcmess we can't maintain open minds! The furdier divided herpetologists, herpetoculuirists, hobbyists, animal lovers, and natural history buffs beconie, the 154

25 easier it is for the people who don't care about animals or nature at all to get laws passed that limit our freedoms. Be glad you live in a country where we are allowed to practice any religion or none; to read any newspaper or book we want; to write columns and publish newsletters representing all sorts of views. I'm sorry if one reader felt diat I put down his beliefs and symbols, or made fiin of an important religious and social figure who is considered the son of God by Christians. That certainly wasn't the intent. Nor did I intend to imply unquestioning support for the organization EarthFirst, its views, or its actions in the January column when I reprinted their request for volunteers. I just thought it was neat they were going to do something constructive for a change and thought our members might like to know about it. If anybody else has any other complaints, comments, or encouragements write to me or to the Editor, CHS Bulletin, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois It's a free country so express yourselves. Thanks to everyone who contributed this month! In addition. Jack Schoenfelder, Garrett Kazmierski, Ernie Liner, Bill Burnett, Tom Taylor, Bob Pierson, James N. Stuart, Claus Sutor, Brian Bankowski (from Costa Rica lucky fellow!), Kathy Bricker, Dee Pick, Karen Furnweger, Mark Witwer, and K. S. Mierzwa contributed photos, stories, cards, and clippings. The file folder is getting skinny though, so your contribution is requested! Please include the date/publication slug and your name firmly attached to the article. Photocopies are the best, tape is preferred to staples. To understand why, staple two pieces of newsprint together and then try to separate them well enough to read both pieces! Tape can be cut through if need be. Send your contributions to: Ellin Beltz, 1647 Nortii Clybourn Avenue, Chicago, IL Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 29(7):155, 1994 As I acquired more herps and so more cages and so more lights and heat sources, I found a real need for extra electrical outlets. I have seen herp rooms widi multiple oudets plugged into multiple outlets and electrical cords with multiple receptacles plugged into these. I did this myself for a while. I think these simations are just inviting trouble. I have tried to spread my electrical use among as many receptacles as possible. I also use portable oudets. These consist of an extension cord with a rectangular box at the end holding four to six outlets and a fuse. The fuse is what's important. I feel that if an overload occurs, the fuse will blow before I have a major problem. The following is a related story from Jack Schoenfelder. On Monday, March 7, 1994, Sandy entered our house at about 1:45 P.M. An unidentifiable, gaslike smell, along with a thin mist, was present. It was immediately obvious, from the silence and darkness in the house, diat there was no electricity on. Her first instinct was to search for die source of the odor, but prudence dictated dialing 911. A thank-you to the Chesterton (Indiana) Fire Department, which arrived in short time. They ended up in die basement of our house, where my herp collection is housed, and found the source of the problem in a 10-gallon aquarium, which had been holding an alligator snapping turtle. The lighting fixture built in to the lid of the aquarium had caught fire. Speculation is that although the aquarium-approved incandescent bulbs were within die prescribed wattage for the lid, the age of the plastic, coupled with day in, day out exposure to die bulbs, may have lowered die flash point of die plastic. (It is not without precedent for aquarium lids to catch fire due to bulbs of too high wattage.) Helpful Herp Hints by Dennis Engler What had taken place (again speculation) was that the lid burned unfil the heat cracked the aquarium, at which point die lid fell into the tank. The melted plastic fused with the gravel and bark decorations. During diat time, smoke from the burning plastic filled the air (but did not trigger any of the three smoke alarms) and entered the furnace air system. The soot was distributed throughout the house. The Chesterton Fire Department extinguished the remaining flame. They also stayed, with fans, to air out the house. Herpwise, this was not a major disaster. The only casualty was a green treefrog, which I assume died rather instantly from die fiimes. The alligator snapping ttirfle somehow managed to escape the flaming aquarium and was found under a mop, about 10 feet away. It appears to be in good health (except for burns on die tip of its nose and tail), as are several box mrdes, which were housed two feet from the fire. Had this episode happened on die main level of the house, with decorations, wood and other flammable items nearby, this could have resulted in a total loss. As it was, die burning of just one lo-gallon aquarium lid resulted in $15,000 (yes diousand) wordi of smoke and soot damage, as it permeated even closed cabmets and drawers. The above is shared with hopes it will help prevent a major disaster for someone. Thanks, Jack. If you too would like to share a bit of knowledge that has helped you in taking care of herps, you can send it to: Chicago Herpetological Society, Helpful Herp Hints, 2001 N. Clark Street, Chicago IL Happy Herping! 155

26 Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 29(7):156-I57, 1994 The May 25, 1994, meeting of the Chicago Herpetological Society was delayed a bit to allow time for visitors to negotiate the notorious Chicago construction barricades and slippery roads, as well as purchase that coveted item from the book store. Off to a smooth start. President Marcia Rybak introduced Vice-President Anthony Rattin. He announced diat he was working on details for die trip to the "state of the art" Louisville Zoo. He also reminded us that all our comments and suggestions were welcome in the "Suggestion Box" (under lock and key) located in die lobby. Adoption Chairperson Ben Entwisle expressed hopes that we were "in a parental mood" as he read a long list of species awaiting adoption. Stressing its importance, Ben encouraged us to bring our reptiles and amphibians to the Expo. Membership Secretary Steve Spitzer reported membership at 1,866. He also urged us to bring even the smallest of critters to the Expo. Marsha reminded us that John DriscoU was in the lobby with a "plethora of items" for the raffle. Show Chairperson Sally Hajek announced diat die CHS annual Show & Tell would be held in July, but offered no further details as to the date or where. She also announced that the show at the Lockport Old Canal Days would be inside an air-conditioned room. No directions were given nor was a date announced. In turtle news, Karen Furnweger of die Shedd Aquarium reminded us of the sentencing of James T. Frainey, who violated the Endangered Species and Lacey acts. She distributed photocopies of a wonderful letter addressed to die presiding Honorable Elaine Bucklo and pleaded with us to personalize tiiem and mail them immediately. To stress the seriousness of diis judgment, she suggested diat we, as rallying sea turtle friends, wear "turde motif T-shirts or jewelry to the courtroom June 9. For those interested in, "seeing die largest alligator snapper collection around," Tony Janowski suggested we attend the Churubusco Turtle Days on June at die Blackwater Turtle Refiige in Churubusco, Indiana. Tony also recapped his announcement from last month on permit applications for baby river cooler turtles. Librarian Lisa Koester encouraged us to visit die library cart with its 300 tides including, "high tech videos." Saving die best for last, Marcia reminded us of die ten short days until the Expo. Flyers were still available as well as direction cards to Triton College. Welcoming diversity, she asked diat we bring even our common species to the show where "lots of neophytes will be attending." Corresponding Secretary Brian Jones was available to help with the Exhibitor's Application Form. Recording Secretary Jill Horwich, provided us widi a long list of needs. Drivers were needed to help with the transportation of animals. Volunteers were needed for the security staff. She asked that, if possible, members arrive Friday evening (June 3) at die Robert Collins Center to help set up tables, tableclodis and posters. On June 4-5, members were needed to staff the information booth and NEWTLINE membership table and to collect money. Triton College has offered to provide decorative plants from its Horticultural Center and "Plant Movers" were needed. Treasurer Gary Fogel encouraged us to purchase a "soon-to-be collector's item" Expo T-Shirt. Gary provided die artwork for the shirt. Waiter, there's only one fly in my soup! After the raffle, Anthony Rattin introduced Sandra Barnett, senior herpetologist at die National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland. Sandra was, "thrilled and honored to be here" to speak about "The Husbandry of Arboreal Iguanids." Currently, the National Aquarium has 100 neotropical iguanids from the rainforests and lowlands of Central and Soutti America, in addition to its collection of Costa Rican frogs. Among the iguanids in the collection are the crested forest lizard, the cone-headed lizard, die spiny-headed tree lizard, the basilisk and 10 species of anoles. Most of these lizards are relatively uncommon among zoos and private collectors due to their high maintenance needs. While the slide presentation leaned toward arboreal lizards, a few terrestrial ones also were shown. Behind the scenes photos of the lizards were shown in addition to detailed construction of screened cages. Cage design is very important for diese lizards. Cages featured doors which opened out for feeding. Sandra prefers this to overhead feeding and believes it is less stressful for the lizard. She reported she has never had an animal run out the front of an enclosure. Proper screening allows for drainage and ventilation and shade cloths provide respite. For outdoor purposes, the cages were equipped with acrylic panels which attach widi velcro for occasional drafts or a sudden drop in temperature. Anodier important feaflire in keeping lizards is climate control and lightmg. An ultrasonic humidifier is recommended to keep die humidity at desired levels. Space heaters on timers keep die temperahire at 80 F during die day and reduce it in die evening. She recommended a ten-hour period of exposure to tungsten-filament spodights for basking. To provide shelter from the light, egg crates are used. She recommended using a fijll-spectrum (UVB-emitting) bulb and warned users to beware that some lights actually stop emitting UV long before they 156

27 actually burn out. She believes artificial light is a poor substitute for sunlight. At the National Aquarium cages are moved outside during the summer for exposure to natural sunlight. One of the challenges for a zoo or aquarium is to allow die cage to resemble the animal's surroundings in the wild, yet keep it functional and simple. Plants are kept inside dieir pots and sheet moss (no soil) is used to enrich the cage. A "3-D cage" is set up to provide a place for the arboreal to eat, drink, perch, sleep and hide widi the help of vertical branches for some lizards and horizontal branches for odier species. This allows for proper camouflage and helps the lizards feel more secure. Widiout the help of the laser pointer, an untrained eye could hardly spot the skillfully disguised lizards in the photos. Sandra did not recommend placing anything on die floor of die cage. Lizards rarely drink from water bowls and improper hydration can lead to deadi. Lizards often use a water bowl on the bottom of the cage for defecation. Bromeliad plants are an alternative to water bowls as well as long fine daily mistings with tempered water (76-77 F). She did not recommend using a trigger action spray botde as it seems unsetding to the smaller and more delicate species. At the zoo, an elaborate overhead irrigation system drips water 24 hours a day into each cage. For an inexpensive "at home" drip watering system, she suggested poking a hole in a 1-gallon milk jug and suspending it above the cage. It will run for approximately 8 hours. She cautioned us to provide proper drainage. The National Aquarium feeds its lizards a wide variety of diet to simulate natural conditions. House and field crickets, wax worms, meal worms, earthworms, praying mantises, Indian walking sticks, long-headed toothpick grasshoppers, differential and red-legged locusts, pinkies, maggots, and common houseflies are bred and cultured for food. Careful to avoid pesticide-sprayed areas, local volunteers help capture katydids, grasshoppers, beades and moths. To increase dieir nutritional content, flesh-fly maggots are fed a diet of Purina Maggot Chow and crickets are fed Zeigler's Cricket Diet. She reminded us diat hungry crickets will eat small anole eggs, making it a good idea to provide chow for crickets on the cage floor. Crickets' hind legs should be removed so they are not free to roam about die cage. For small hatchling lizards, pinhead crickets are provided. Most of the insects are lightly dusted with Nekton-Rep. However, she cautions not to oversupplement with calcium, which can lead to a host of problems. She did not recommend super mealies as diey have a poor calcium/phosphorus ratio and high fat content. For fiimre feedings, she recommended freezing insects in ice cubes. Some of the species kept at the aquarium may include in dieir diets nectar or fruit especially orange-colored fruit. Mangos, peaches, apricots and cantaloupe are often prepared as a special treat for these species. Sandra remarked, "Fussy eaters never turn down a locust dipped in peach puree." Strict records are kept as to type of insect offered, time exposed, and intake quantity. To help in keeping these records, she recommends hand feeding usmg die "Hot Feeder," a rod with a spring clip designed for feeding venomous snakes, or a longnecked retriever claw widi die edges sanded down. While some lizards will eat from dishes on the cage floor, others enjoy the hunt. She found that by placing a stick in a jam jar filled widi crickets, the lizards will snatch die cricket as it crawls up the stick. To help the insect connoisseur, the aquarium publishes the "Food Insects Newsletter." Hopefully Ms. Harnett will return soon to talk about the successftil captive breeding program at the National Aquarium. We stay in touch, so you stay in touch. Respectftilly yours, NEWT THE NEWT THAT ROARED Almost two years ago, I was honored to be asked by the editor of the Chicago Herpetological Society, along widi several of its Board members, to contribute to the Bulletin by writing a column, simply and specifically to report "what happens at monthly meetings". Rather than supplying a list of dry facts in "minute" or "deposition" form, I chose a narrative style. During this time, I have restrained from personal opinion (although difficult at times) and have aimed to portray die society in a positive light (even more difficult at times). I have attended and reported on the Society's extracurricular events and, with the help of the extremely talented Robert P. Sliwinski, contributed entertaining cartoons (allowing for personal comment through artistic license). It has been the editor's prerogative to edit my column. Often, he has chosen to rephrase or substitute words for a more positive meaning. However, in my April column, the editor deleted a particular portion which he considered "not negative enough". He was afraid it would appear as though the CHS was indirectiy supporting the situation. I am not in favor of any form of censorship unless die censored material deliberately violates or discriminates against a person's rights, religion, or heritage. While not one to spread "peace and love" paraphernalia, I will not censor my column when something "good or bad" happens. My column presents the events of the meeting as they happen. 1 have no control over what does or does not occur at the meetings or how these events reflect on the Society or its members in general. I write this column allowing my readers to form their own opinion on matters. The power of the pen can be mighty and influential, however sometimes the plain honest facts say enough by diemselves. Although I have had litde public response to my column, other than Joe Collins* favorable letter to the editor, I am, nevertheless, proud of Newdine and its contribution to the CHS. Respectftilly yours, Debi Hatchett (Newt) 157

28 Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 29(7): , 1994 A LETTER FROM THE CHS PRESIDENT The 1994 Live Reptile and Amphibian Expo was held last month and I am pleased to report that it was a big success for our society and for all those members who participated. The Expo provided a great opportunity to inform die public about the CHS. Paid attendance was about 1600, which was exceptional considering all the other events that took place diat weekend ranging from a mock landing of D-Day troops at Montrose Beach to the BluesFest. Of diose who attended, 29 decided to join the CHS. On display at the Expo were over 200 herps representing 150 different species. Forty-diree CHS members exhibited their herps but many oflier members were on hand to help with security, take money at the door, sell raffle tickets, help set up and clean up afterwards. I would like to take this opportunity to diank all those willing hands. We couldn't have done it without you. The Expo was a rewarding experience for many but it was particularly rewarding to the four prize winners, each of whom took home a cash award of $100. Phil Drajeske won for Best Animal with his mata mata turde (Chelus fimbriatus). Lou Daddono won for Most Unusual Animal with his crocodile monitors (Varanus salvadori). Jim Zaworski took the prize for Most Species. Jim displayed 19 different species of herps. The Best Display award went to Brian Jones. You couldn't miss Brian's iguana display. His iguanas perched in two trees high above die crowds. Brian handed out iguana care sheets and membership applications to the International Iguana Society, and of course made available his own expertise in caring for these beautifiil reptiles. Janice Kucera won first prize at the raffle, a Lyons Electric Reptile Egg Incubator. Jim Caspar won the second prize of driftwood. An Expo T-shirt went to Dottie Humbert as fliird prize. Now we can sit back and enjoy the summer and think about die next Expo. I'm diinkmg about building a desert display or maybe I'll make it a rain-forest display or maybe... Marcia Rybak. At the risk of beating the proverbial dead horse, I feel compelled to respond to Ellin Beltz's response to my recent letter to the editor in which I wondered in print why Ellin (among others) objected to flie consumption of herptiles as food. Apparently, because I disagree wifli one opinion of Ellin's, as expressed in flie "HerPET-POURRI" column, she's decided I'm "unclear on the concept." I assure the readers of this publication that I'm perfectly clear on the concept. My opinion just happens to differ from Ellin's. The Tympanum In her response to my previous letter to the editor, Ellin explained the difference between eating domesticated animals, raised for fliat purpose, and animals "pillaged from the wild." First, I believe my letter clearly referred to our culture's preference for certain types of food animals, both wild and domesticated. Many people in our country regularly eat wild-caught animals such as pheasant and venison. Second, who's to say that eating domesticated animals is morally better than eating wild animals? That attitude sort of smacks of "political correctness," if you ask me. I have a friend who was raised on a farm in soudiern Illinois, and who absolutely refuses to eat any farm-raised animals, including chicken eggs because, he says "I've seen first-hand what fliey do to those animals, and I won't be a party to it." He does, however, eat fish. I have another friend who regularly lectures me on the merits of hunting, arguing that hunted animals live their whole lives free and then are killed in an instant. These animals, my friend contends, don't go through a life of abuse and torture, only to be sliced up, wrapped in plastic and sold in grocery stores. Deer, for example, often starve to death from overpopulation because of a lack of natural predators and habitat encroachment. Isn't it better to die of a bullet wound flian of starvation? Since humans killed all the wolves, shouldn't we also kill the surplus deer? Most people agree that the primary reason for the decline of any species and of herpetofauna in particular is habitat degradation. People indigenous to areas where herps flourish generally don't slaughter large numbers of animals for their personal consumption. It's only been in recent years, with the encroachment of civilization that herp populations have been unable to sustain the ever-increasing annual harvest. Meanwhile, we routinely go to our local grocery stores and pay for beef that may very well have been raised on land from which rainforest was cleared for cattle grazing. In so doing, we pay for the continued destruction of herp habitat, and the resulting loss of herpetofauna, not to mention untold numbers of other animal and plant species. True, we may not be "pillaging animals from die wild" direcdy, but in my view destroying hundreds of acres of prime herp habitat so we can eat more beef is far worse than eating an alligator or a frog once in a while. We find it revolting that in certain parts of the world, people eat dogs and cats. In India, a large percentage of the populace finds it unconscionable that we eat cows. Readers of this publication, who work so hard to keep flieir captive reptiles and amphibians healthy, fmd it distasteful to think of anyone eating them. Yet the one factor that has saved the American alligator from extinction has been its commercial value. We eschew snake-skin boots and belts, but many of us wear fur and even more of us wear leather. We all have to make choices. What changes are we willing to make ui order to stop the seemingly inexorable decline of the natural world. In my opinion, eating a cow is the same as 158

29 eating an iguana or a dog. Meat is meat. For myriad reasons, I choose not to eat meat. Someone else may choose only to eat domesticated animals, or only fish and poultry, or only wildcaught animals. I don't wear fur or reptile skins but I do wear leather. Another person may not wear any animal products. I don't ask that anyone else make the same choices or hold die same opinions as I. I only suggest that everyone think more carefully about his choices. Is it really better to eat a domesticated animal flian a wild-caught one? Is eating salmon morally superior to eating snapping turdes? Is it o.k. to clear away rainforest so we can raise more cows to become McDLTs? Is it o.k. to deprive indigenous populations of the foods they've been eating for centuries, even if diose foods are sea turdes? I don't have the definitive answers to these questions. I only know what I diink, and that a person who disagrees widi me isn't necessarily "unclear on die concept." It is, after all, possible for people of good conscience to disagree. Thank you for your consideration. Jill Horwich, 1618 W. Cornelia Avenue, Chicago IL No dogs, no cats, no fish, no birds. But ivhen you need HERPS, we've got luerds! CALL riglif now - our sfiop is full. Our selection's best, and that's.,., GlADES HmPf P 0. BOX Ft Myers, Florida U.S.A ^jil^hours: 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m Monday - Saturday /PHONE: FAX S

30 Bull. Chicago Herp. Soc. 29(7}:160, 1994 Herpetology 1994 In this column the editorial staff presents short abstracts of herpetological articles we have found of interest. This is not an attempt to sunmiarize all of the research papers being published; it is an attempt to increase the reader's awareness of what herpetologists have been doing and publishing. The editors assume full responsibility for any errors or misleading statements. JCM GIANT PACIFIC GEHYRA GECKOS W. N. Beckon [1992, Copeia (2): ] reassesses the grounds for the synonymization of Gehyra vorax and G. oceanica on the basis of external morphology measurements made on specimens from throughout the known ranges of these geckos. Ample justification is found for distinguishing die two species. In addition, three morphologically distinct forms are recognized witiiin each species. The closely related Moluccan gecko, G. marginata, is provisionally treated as a fourth form of G. vorax. The distribution of die forms of G. oceanica may provide some evidence of patterns of prehistoric human immigration and commerce in the Pacific, because this species evidently was occasionally transported inadvertently aboard the sailing craft of early Pacific settlers. G. vorax is generally more wary of humans and, therefore, was probably less frequently transported in this manner. Thus, its distribution may reflect more ancient patterns of human traffic. Alternatively it may have colonized Melanesia unassisted by such transport within the last 6-8 million years. NEST PLACEMENT BY FEMALE LOGGERHEADS G. C. Hays and J. R. Speakman [1993, Animal Behavior 45: 47-53] examine nest placement by loggerhead sea turdes, Caretta caretta, on the Greek island of Cephalonia. The spatial distribution of nests was not uniform (N=27 nests); diey tended to be laid away from the sea, but not in vegetation that backed die beach. Hatchling success (recorded for eight nests) increased significantly for nests laid further from the sea. Hence most nests were laid in positions where hatchling success was high. Six individuals were observed to nest more dian once. Each of these multiple nesters showed little consistency in the distance that they nested from the sea (i.e., withinindividual variation was high), and hence no significant differences in nest positioning between individuals were detected. Digging attempts in the vegetation behind the beach were frequently aborted (71% of attempts), but attempts in the open sand between die vegetation and the sea were aborted less often (11 % of attempts). Sand temperatures at the depths where eggs incubated were higher further from the sea. A NEW POISON DART FROG FROM PERU L. Rodriguez and C. W. Myers [1993, American Mus. Novitates 3068:1-15] describe Epipedobates macero, a new species of dendrobatid poison-dart frog from the lowland rain forest of Manu National Park, in the upper Madre de Dios drainage of soudieastem Peru. It is most similar to a few odier species occurring along the Andean front in eastern Peru. The species name, macero, is a noun in apposition, and is the Machiguenga Indian word for frog. The mm frog has a red head with very granular skin, and an electric-blue belly mottled with black. This is a terrestrial frog with crepuscular calling habits. FORAGING BEHAVIOR OF THE BROWN TREE SNAKE G. H. Rodda[1992, The Herpetological Journal 2: ] reports Boiga irregularis is a nocturnal, primarily arboreal, rear-fanged colubrid that is believed to have eliminated most of die native forest vertebrates on the island of Guam. On Guam it usually eats birds, rats, and lizards, including both day and night active species. To determine where the snakes forage, die author tabulated 398 sightings of foraging snakes, recording dieir perch height and perches where likely prey items are seen. Snakes were seen at heights from 2 to 5 m above the ground less often than would be expected based on search effort. The modal height for foraging snakes was less dian 0.5 m and diey exhibited no preference for perch diameter. To determine how die snake locates its prey the audior watched 26 snakes for a total of hours using a nightvision device. Both active search and ambush foraging modes were evident, with many snakes using bodi tactics within an evening. The postures adopted by immobile snakes suggest diat they could detect the odor tracks of geckos. The author also observed one medium-sized snake consume a sleeping adult columbid bird, which it found by active search. A NEW AND RARE SPECIES OF LERISTA SKINK P. J. Cooper and G. J. Ingram [1992, Mem. Queensland Mus. 32(l):55-59] find thatlerista colliveri has been long confiised widi L. allanae. However, L. colliveri has a strikingly different color pattern and small nubs remain as remnants of the degenerated front legs, whereas L. allanae has no trace of forelegs. The new species is known only from die area between Clermont and Capella, Queensland, and none have been collected since MALE RAUCOUS TOADS: SEXUAL SELECTION AND WEIGHT LOSS M. I. Cherry [1993, Animal Behavior 45: ] sttidied die raucous toad, Bufo rangeri, mate choice in a three-year smdy. Mate choice was always determined by the female; males competed only to maintain exclusive acoustic zones around themselves. An important factor influencing male mating success, which was the number of nights an individual male was present at the breeding site during the breeding season, which lasted for approximately four months. Males lost weight while calling at the site, and gained weight during foraging trips away from it. Mating success was not related to male size, nor was there any evidence of assortative mating by size. In mate-choice experiments, females preferred synthetic calls with a fast repetition rate, a trait that both varied between males and correlated with male mating success, in the population studied. Furthermore, die higher the mean call rate of an individual male, the greater was his mean daily weight loss. 160

31 Advertisements Accrae more herpetological knowledge: Connect with your peers throughout North America and abroad. The HERPETOLOGY ONLINE NETWORK is active 24 hours/day. Any computer modem can access Herp-Net via (215) (30O-I200 baud 8-N-l) or (215) (9600+ V32, V42bis.) Submit news via FAX: (215) any time. Attention: the Varanid Information exchange is a society of herpetoculturists sharing an interest in MONITOR LIZARDS. Members receive the bimonthly newsletter, VaraNews. Annual membership is: U.S., $10; foreign, $12 surface/$15 air. For a free copy, send a legal-size SASE to: Varanix, 8726D S. Sepulveda Boulevard, #243, Los Angeles CA BOA SURVEY: Please write for my questionnaire on Boa constrictor reproduction. Even if your animals have not reproduced, please respond if they are at least four years 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. William Joy, P.O. Box , Arlington TX INTERNET: @COMPUSERVE.COM Fauna classifieds: monthly classified publication for reptiles, amphibians, food items & supplies, literawre and more. Excellent information source, worldwide circulation. Subscription $14/year. Free sample & info. Write: FAUNA, 2379 Maggio Circle Unit C, Lodi CA For sale: WILLARD'S RODENT RANCH-tsW 'em Ben sent ya! Live or fresh-frozen mice and rats-mice; pinks to hoppers $.35 each or 3/$1.00; weanlings to adults $.50 each; jumbos $.75 each rats; pinkies to chubbies $.50 each; fiizzies $1.00 each; small $1.50 each; medium $2.25 each; large $3.00 each; jumbo $4.00 each. Discounts available on large one-time orders. Prices subject to change widiout notice, availability may vary. Pick-up or delivery at the CHS meeting, shipping available for large frozen orders. Contact Mike Miller (days) at (708) For sale: HIGH QUALITY FEEDER ANIMALS PRODUCED FROM THE BEST LAB DIETS AVAILABLE. Tenth year of production and supply of frozen feeder animals. All feeders can be removed one at a time from the bag; they are not frozen together. All orders will arrive frozen. Now offering seven sizes of mice: small newborn pinks, medium size pinks, large fuzzy pmks, extra large fiizzies/small hoppers, juvenile mice, young adults, and large adults. Also available are pinkie rats, baby chicks, and quail chicks. Orders sent special delivery, postage extta. Free pricelist. Kelly Haller, 4236 SE 25th Street, Topeka KS 66605, (913) , after 6 P.M. Central Time on weekdays, all day Saturday and Sunday. For sale: THE GOURMET RODENT: rate and mice-pinkies, fiizzies and adults. Quantity discounte. Please send a SASE for pricelist or call Bill Biant, 6115 SW 137th Avenue, Archer FL 32618, (904) For sale: top quality mice, rats and Chinese dwarf hamsters. All sizes at competitive prices. Gary W. Allison, 919 Wyandotte Street, Bethlehem PA 18015, (215) For sale: murine-pathogen-free rate and mice available in all sizes, live or frozen: pinkies, fuzzies, crawlers, small, medium and large. Frozen crawler mice in lots of 2000, $.17 each. Also available, full grown hairless mice. FOB shipping point. Master Card accepted. Call (518) between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. or write SAS Corporation, 273 Hover Avenue, Germantown NY for prices and additional information. For sale: high quality feeder mice. Shipped UPS Next Day Air. All mice are properly processed to insure a quality product. Fourth year of production and supply of frozen feeder mice. Prices: pinks, $25/100; fuzzies, $30/100; weanlings, $35/100. Also available are 4 oz.-i-rate, $100/100. Quantity discounts available. The Mouse Factory, P.O. Box 85, Alpine TX 79831, (915) , Ray Queen. For sale: rodente and reptiles, Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. J.R.'s Cowtown Critters, 1002 Harrison Avenue, Arlington TX 76011, (817) 460-RATS. For sale: live or frozen feeder mice and rats, all sizes available, from pinkies to adults. Quantity discounts. Lowe Labs, (708) 749-RATS. For sale: Pearlco ceramic heating elements, come in 60w, loow and 150w, $25 each or 2/$48 plus shipping; drip systems for reptile and amphibian enclosures, two styles, $10-12 plus shipping. Frozen rodents always available. Mice: pinks-weanlings, 3/$l; subadult, 50C; adults, 60C; large adults, 75c. Rate: small, ; medium, $ ; large, $ ; jumbo, $ Call on quantity discounts [note: discount on orders picked up at CHS meetings]. Live rodents available at a higher price catalog finally finished send SASE. Scott J. Michaels, D.V.M, Serpent City, P.O. Box 657, Island Lake IL 60042, (815) For sale: mice and rate of all sizes. Also frozen toads. Call or write for price sheet. Keith Simpson, Rt. 3, Box 903, Knox IN 46534, (219) For sale: I'm back, Steve's Rodent Farm. Rate only, small and medium, live or frozen, quantity discounte. Shipping available. Call or write for price list. Steve Waldrop, c/o Steve's Rodent Farm, Rt. 7, Box 1154, Haleyville AL 35565, (205) For sale: mice, $.25; rate, $.25. Steve, (312) , 5 P.M. - 9 P.M. For sale: FROZEN RODENTS. Mice pinks, $25/100; adults, $35/100; breeders, $55/100; rate, $75/100 and up, jumbo available occasionally. KJ's Rodente, R.R. 1, Box 266, Detroit Lakes MN 56501, (218) For sale: frozen rate, quaner-pound rats, $1 each. Steven Bostwick, 901 4th Street SW, Altoona la 50009, (515) For sale: 42 frozen pinky mice, $15. I expected hatchlings but they never arrived. For pickup in Lakcview or River North areas. Austin, (312) , leave message. For sale: SUPERWORMS, Zopliobias morio, ultimate food for reptiles, birds, fish; $18.95/lb., plus $3 shipping. Keeps 8-10 months at room temperature, far less chitin for complete digestability. Send SASE for information to Joe Sutter, P.O. Box 59119, Birmingham AL 35259, (205) , 4 P.M. - 7 P.M. Central Time. For sale: large selection of captive bom reptiles and amphibians, books and supplies. Send S.A.S. business-size envelope for complimentary price list or $5 for a 1 year subscription (bi-monthly), to Twin Cities Reptiles, 540 Winnedca Avenue North, Golden Valley MN 55427, (612) For sale: turtle and tortoise chow, excellent food 1 lb., $5; 3 lb., $10; 5 lb., $15 (postage paid). Send cash, check or money order to Herps Delight, Department C, 20 Ablett Avenue, Whitesboro NY For sale: reptile cage disinfectant and deodorant. Kills many types of infectious disease detrimental to herps. $3,91 for 2 oz (makes 1 gallon). Wholesale and quantity prices available. Make checks payable to Bengal Pete, Inc., 1088 Chapman Road, Jesup GA 31545, (912) For sale: Tired of getting bitten while collecting, feeding or maneuvering animals? Try my Whitney tongs 10% discount to herp society members 2', $65 each; I'A', $66 each; 3', $67 each; 3'/i', $68 each; 4', $69 each, 5', $85 each; 6', $90 each. Will ship U.P.S. extra. Send money order or cashier's check to Don Lunsford, 5661 Walkerton Drive, Cincinnati OH For sale: reptile supplies. Large selection of professional herpetological producte. For FREE price hst call Lorio Reptile Supplies Inc., (800) SNAKES2 or (800) For sale: overstock sale. Phillips plastic boxes (aka Wilson; Wilhold; Stillwell). Shoe boxes, $2.00 each; high sweater boxes, $6.15. Serpent City, (815)

32 162 Advertisements (cont'd) For sale: set of five posters first published by Army Air Forces Tactical Center for easy identification and habits of venomous snakes of the world, $9 postpaid; Field Guide to the Snakes of South Vietnam by Simon Campden Main, $10 postpaid; Batrachia of North America by E, D. Cope, $16 postpaid; Laboratory Anatomy of the Iguana by J. C. Oldham and H. M. Smith, $17 postpaid; Time of the Turtle by i. Rudloe, $5 postpaid; Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles of New Zealand by C. P. Pickard and D. R. Towns, $18 postpaid. Catalog of over 4000 herpetological titles sent free upon request. Herpetological Search Service & Exchange, 117 E. Santa Barbara Road, Lindenhursi NY 11757, (516) For sale: collection of 120 different outdated antivenom/snakebite kits from all over the world, $600. Also, collector's item snake catching box made and used by Carl Kauffeld. This is the box Carl used on his collecting trips to South Carolina, 30"l x 20"h x 12"w, three compartments, top opens and two side compartments. Box was never cleaned out and still has (unsoiled) Staten Island Sunday Advance newspapers dated April 17, See book Snakes and Snake Hunting for picture of box, $500. Steve, (516) [NY] For sale: Rattlesnake Hunting, a 60-minute video by a 30-year veteran collector. Don't miss this one! It's as close to being in the field as you can get. (Not a slick commercial production.) Send check or money order for $19.95 plus $3 postage & handling to: D. Wheeler, 2705 Sunset Trail, Riverwoods IL Allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. For sale: herp books. Snakes and Snake Hunting by Kauffeld, $23, and Reptiles Round the World by Pope, $21, both ex-library copies but good condition; Poisonous Snakes of the World by Minton, Dowling and Russell (1966), revised hardbound edition, $21; Dangerous Snakes of Australia by Mirtschin and Davis (1992 revised edition), 208 pp., 47 pp. of color photos, softbound, cover and top half of first 100 pp. warped, $26. Prices postpaid. Send SASE for complete list. Australia books a specialty. William R. Turner, 7395 S. Downing Circle W., Littleton CO For sale: large mahogany showcase, needs refinishing, $50. Also, two South African hingeback tortoises, $40 each; one large Solomon Islands boa, $80; one small and one medium redtail boas, $50 & up; 6' male albino Burmese python, $250; medium green iguana. Jim Truly, (312) For sale: Chinese water dragons (Physignathus concincinus), c.b. '93, $55, c.b. '94, $35; bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), red morphs, c.b. '94, $90. Marcia Rybak, 736 N. Western Avenue, #315, Lake Forest IL 60045, (708) For sale: baby African fat-tailed geckos, c.b. spring '94, all extremely hardy and eating well, $40. Taz Pfefer, (314) evenings. [MO] For sale: 5' male green iguana, 3 years old, very friendly, with cage, $200. (708) For sale: rhinoceros iguanas; Cuban iguanas; green iguanas; Geochelone sulcata; G. elephantopus (Florida sales only). D. J. or Sam, (305) [FL] For sale: leopard tortoise pair, bom wild, male and female, 6W and TA", sold as pair only to caring handler, $200. Colin, (312) For sale; pair of Siebenrock's snake-necked hirdes from New Guinea, female 4", male 5", $350/pair. Wayne Roepke, (708) For sale: one male and one female Russian tortoises, flawless, $100/pair; c.h. Barbour's map turdes, 2-3" males, tame not nervous like most Graptemys, $50 each; red-footed tortoise babies, $100 each; leopard tortoises, well started, 3-inch size, $100 each. Also, male Chinese box mrde (Cuora flavomarginata); female Gulf Coast box turtle; two male spotted turtles [permit required in Illinois]; juvenile Chinese thread-heads (Ocadia); Florida redbelly mules; Suwannee River coolers [permit required in Illinois]; hieroglyphic coolers [permit required in Illinois]; juvenile Reeves hjrtles; three male and two female Austrian crested newts (Triturus cristatus camifex), breeding colony, $60/group. Ed, (519) [Ontario, Canada] For sale: c.b. hatchling snakes: Plains rats (Elaphe guttata emoryi) [permit needed in Illinois], $20; Huachuca mountain kings {Lampropeltis pyromelana woodini), $100. Henry Cohen, 24 St. Johns Place, Buffalo NY 14201, (716) For sale: The following potential offspring should be available in August. Albino northen pines, $75 each; Okeetee corns, $20 each; normal corns, $15 each; black albino corns, hetero for snow, $20 each; ghost corns, hetero for snow, $30 each; red albino corns, hetero for snow, $20 each. Also available, one pair of albino northern pines, proven breeders, $375/pair; 4' male mixed rat snake, 50% albino com snake, 25% yellow rat, 25% white oak phase grey rat, good feeder, $50. Rick, (205) [AL] For sale: reptile enthusiast/breeder offering a wide range of '94 hatchlings at very competitive prices. Corns, gophers, many types of milksnakes, kingsnakes (including Arizona and Mexican mountain kings), western hognose [permit required in Illinois], trans-pecos rats (regular, blondes and bluephase), Colombian boas and Burmese pythons (regular, hetero and albino). All animals will be feeding on rodents and guaranteed to be healthy upon arrival. Also available: two long-term captive Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis, both under 5 years old and gorgeous, one female, one unknown sex, $75 each or $140/pair; two male Mexican mountain kings (L. pyromelana knoblocht), one 2-year-old and one 3-year-old, $300 each. Call or send SASE for price list. Troy Whitacre, 1954 State Road F, Fulton MO 65251, (314) For sale: '94 hatchlings, available now! Western hognose (already eating pinkies) [permit required in Illinois], $30; ghost corns, $30; creamsicle corns, $30; amelanistic corns, $20; anerythristic corns, $20; "intermontana" emoryi, [permit required in Illinois], $150/pair; Lampropeltis mexicana mexicana (exceptional), $50; Mexican black kingsnakes (pure black), $35; altema (exceptional light-phase Blair's), $75-100; leopard geckos, $20. Discounts on quantity. Surplus adults still available. All calls returned. Joel, (814) [PA] For sale: large female Burmese w/ cage. Needs good home, very mellow temperament, good eater, $125 o.b.o. Marcie, (217) [Champaign IL] For sale: c.b. '94 Indian pythons (Python m. molurus), permit required, $250; c.b. '94 Kenyan sand boas, bright orange, $60; c.b. '94 black & white Cal. kings, jet black with wide white bands, $60. Guaranteed properly sexed and healthy and feeding. Mike Wood, 1025 Shady Lane, Warsaw IN 46580, (219) after 5:00 P.M. For sale: c.b. Borneo blood pythons, unrelated available, average to exceptional, $ each; Guyanan redtail boas, c.b. 4/26/94, eating well, from high lavender adults, $275 each; c.b. Tumbes, Peru, boas, seldom seen in collections, $400 each, lone males, $300 each. Tim or Janice Mead, (903) , [TX] For sale: female Amazon tree boa (Corallus e. enydris), c.b. '93, orange with pink highlights, $100; one male and one female Great Plains rat snakes (Elaphe guttata emoryi) [permit required in Illinois], $65/pair; three Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis, 18-22", $70 each or $135 for two; c.b. '93 ball python, $75; two bull snakes, $25 each or $45 for both; one additional male L. t. gentilis, 14', $50; three male and three female eastern collared lizards, $7 each or $12 per pair; Great Plains skinks, $6. Call in the evenings, Steve, (712) [la] For sale; juvenile female Peruvian rainbow boa, $475; male Brazilian rainbow boa, proven breeder, $500; one male and one female juvenile Amazon tree boas, one solid gold, $175/pair; one male and one female adult Amazon tree boas, $150 each; six adult emerald tree boas, long term, $350 each; two male and one female common boas, 3', $150 each; 7' female albino Burmese, tame, $250; two male and two female carpet/diamond crosses, 3-4', $375 each; male Savu python, nice young adult, $600; one male and one female 3' gold amethystine pythons, $500/pair; 4' red blood python, very vivid, long term, doing great, $400; 3' black blood, doing great also, $500; one male and one female breeder albino corns, one no white strain, $200/pair; juvenile black rough-necked monitor, real nice, $200; two male ball pythons, extremely nice, $300 for both or make an offer. Captive bom emerald tree boas and captive bom Amazon tree boas coming this fall! Paul Edwards, Hand-picked Herps, (402) , leave a loud message!

33 Advertisements (cont'd) For sale: 5^/i-6' female Timor python, c.b. '90, nice color/pattern, make offer; five Children's pythons (JLiasis childreni), c.h. 5/26/94, $125 each; ten spotted pythons (L. maculosus), c.h. 6/25/94, $125 each; five male and five female Brazilian rainbow boas, c.b. 6/6/94, from colorful adults, $235 each; 1 W'+ Dumeril's monitor, possible female, excellent condition, $125; one male and one female Kenyan sand boas, c.b. 10/92, 12-16", nice color, $225/pair; four male and five female ball pythons, c.b. '91, very nice color and pattern, $65 each or $525/group; male white-lipped python, c.b. 7/93, pretty, voracious eater, $150; 15 South Florida kings Cbrooksi"), c.b. 6/28/94, from large, bright yellow parents, $40 each; 20 African house snakes, c.b. 5/94 and 6/94, various colors, $20-25 each, quantity discounts available. (619) after 5 P.M. Pacific Time. [San Diego] For sale: Macklot's pythons, Liasis tmckloti, c.b. '94, $125 each; Amazon ttee boa, c.b. '93. $125; one male and one female Kenyan sand boas, Eryx colubrims loveridgei, c.b. '93, $150/pair; one male and one female Burmese pythons, 8', c.b. '91, $200/pair; Peruvian red-tail boa. Boa constrictor ssp., c.b. '92, locality data on parents, $300; male albino Burmese python, c.b. '93, hetero for albino-green, $200. Call for free price list. Steven Bostwick, 901 4th Street SW, Altoona la 50009, (515) For sale: one male and one female, c.b. 1990, aduh boa constrictors with two 4' Neodesha cages (in excellent condition), $600 for all, $200 for each snake. Jeff, (713) [TX] For sale or trade: male mangrove monitor, Varanus indicus (Solomon Islands), ~3', 4-year captive, desire female of the same or $125. Bryan Elwood, (502) or (502) evenings. [KY] Free!!! NATION'S LARGEST CATALOG of reptile and amphibian supplies at the guaranteed lowest prices. See our display ad in this Bulletin\g Apple Herpetological's 48-page catalog includes incubators, cages, heating, digital thermostats & themometers, lighting, cage accessories, husbandry & feeding/dosing equipment, medications, vitamins, foods, herp shiits and books. We also sell a large variety of reptiles. For FREE catalogs and product orders: (800) For product information: (212) For reptile information and sales: (212) Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted. BIG APPLE HERPETOLOGICAL, P.O. Box 632, New York NY Pet-sitting service: Complete in-home pet and plant care, specializing in reptiles and other unique pets. Dogs and cats welcome with open arms, midday dog walking. Experienced and dependable service by devoted animal lovers, serving Chicago and suburbs, reasonable prices, fully insured and bonded. Ask about our habitat consultation and custom-made cages. Exotics & More, (312) or page us at (708) Wanted: persons or businesses interested in brokering for moderate-size reptile breeder (see For Sale ad above). Troy, (314) Wanted: healthy baby leopard gecko, any gender. Jill, (708) Wanted: two female trans-pecos rat snakes, hatchling to 3 years, blond gene unimportant. I'm looking for individuals with high contrast and strong/ distinct "H's. Send photos with details and price. Alan Willard, 3604 Steams Hill Road, Waltham MA Wanted: aberrant garter snakes or water snakes. Scou, (919) [NC] Wanted: knob-tailed geckos, Nepltrurus laevis, preferably females; female blue-tailed day gecko, Phelsuma cepediana; male 10" + leopard tortoise, Geochelonepardalis, predomirumtly cream-colored. Bryan Elwood, (502) or (502) evenings. [KY] Wanted: to buy veiled chameleons, bearded dragons, leopard geckos, Rhacodactylus and other captive bom lizards. Ray's Reptiles, P.O. Box 4732, Lincoln NE Call Monday - Samrday, (402) or fax, (402) Eves are best. Call or write for our NEW free price list. Line ads in this publication are run free for CHS members $2 per line for nonmembers. Any ad may be refused at the discretion of the Editor. Submit ads to: Michael DIoogatch, 6048 N. Lawndale Avenue, Chicago IL 60659, (312) evening telephone or (312) fax. SERPENT CITY, i n c. DISPOSABLE REPTILE SNAKE CAGE HUSBANDRY SINCE CAPTIVE-BRED 1968 SNAKES LINERS State-ol-the-An Cage Sanitation Huge labor savings over newspapers or wood shavings 100% biodegradable safe, non-toxic, no dyes FLEXWATT HEAT TAPE ~30-day guarantee FROZEN FEEDER RODENTS HUSBANDRY EQUIPMENT CALL OR SEND S.A.S.E. FOR FREE1994 CATALOG SCOTT J. MICHAELS, DVM P.O. Box 657 Island Lake, IL USA* ELECTRIC COMPANY, INC. * Reptilife'ReptWe Incubators Small See-Through Incubators Animal Intensive Care Units 2765 Main Street Chula Vista, CA 91911, U.S.A. Telephone (619) Fax (619)

34 News and Announcements RAFFLE DONATIONS FOR THE MAY 25 MEETING The following is a listing of those individuals and businesses who generously donated items for our monthly raffle at the May 25 meeting. The donated items are shown in parentheses. Aquascape, Inc. Baimockburn IL (reptile cage carpet); Top Hat Cricket Farms (cricket dispensers); Jill Horwich (turtle carvings); Zeigler (iguana food); Wardley (Reptile Ten food); Pretty Pets (iguana food); Compass Marketing (snake T-shirt); Ghann's Cricket Farm (cricket gift certificate); Reptile News Press (Guide to the Reptile Body); Critter Company (herp bumper sticker, herp stationery); Dave Northcott-Nature's Lens (reptiles of the world poster); Animal Shack (Flintstone reptile tank); Marcia Rybak (Arachnomania); Four Paws (reptile claw clipper); Terrarium Art (cage backdrop); Ellis Jones (dog food); SSAR-Kraig Adier (color plates); Tetra Terrafauna (Vitaworm); Tony Janowski (reptile cage carpet); Serpent City-Scott Michaels (plastic shoebox, cage liners); California Zoological Supply (T-shirt); Tony Rattin (Reptile & Amphibian Magazine). $200 REWARD FOR INFORMATION LEADING TO THE RETURN OF "NORMAN" CENTRAL PLAINS MILKSNAKE Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis TAKEN FROM CHS HERP EXPO 1994 No questions asked Dr. Gery Herrmann, (708) GOURMET RODENT' RATS AND MICE BlU & Marcia Brant 6115 SW 137th Avenue Archer, FL (904) FAX (904) OAllRighuReaeived INCUBATORS THERMOSTATS DON'T MISS THIS! Get the Nation's Largest Catalog of Reptile & Amphibian Supplies Guaranteed Lowest Prices! > FREE 48 Page Catalog > Big Apple Herpetological (Formerly Big Apple Snakes) For Catalogs & Orders (800) For Product Information (212) Big Apple Herpetological-P.O. Box 632-New York, NY I WE WELCOME RETAILERS! ASK FOR OUR WHOLESALE PRICE LIST! I FEEDING/DOSING MEEMCATIONS 164

35 UPCOMING MEETINGS The next meeting of the Chicago Herpetological Society will be held at 7:30 P.M., Wednesday, July 27, at the Field Museum of Natural History, Roosevelt Road at Lake Shore Drive, in Chicago. This will be our annual Show & Tell meeting. So plan to bring one or more of your favorite animals, and cages or containers in which to display them. Also, any members so inclined are welcome to come up on stage and tell us something about the animals they have brought. Don't miss this chance to show off your favorite creatures. Scott Wheeler of the Oklahoma City Zoological Park will be the featured speaker at the August 31 meeting. Scott will discuss the husbandry and breeding of both the dabb (Urormstyx acanthinurus) and the Egyptian spiny-tailed agama (f/. aegyphus). We are required to use the entrance on the west side of the museum. We have permission to use the staff parking lot to the west of the museum. Entrance to this lot is from McFetridge Drive, the wide street just to the south, between the museum and Soldier Field. There is also free parking available in the lot to the north of the museum. The #146 CTA bus goes directly to the museum. Unfortunately, it does not operate after 9:00 P.M. However, after the program anyone needing a ride to a CTA stop will have no trouble finding one just ask any board member. Turtle Club The Chicago Turtle Club will meet Sunday, July 24, 1:00-3:30 P.M., at the Emmerson Park Field House, 1820 W. Granville Avenue, in Chicago CHS PICNIC This year we are holding the annual CHS picnic on Sunday, September 18, 11 A.M. - dusk, at Country Lane Woods. We have the use of a shelter, so the event will take place rain or shine. Country Lane Woods is one of the Palos Forest Preserves and is located at 95th Street and 96th Avenue (U.S. 45). Activities will include kids' games, Softball, volleyball, badminton and box turtle races (bring your own or borrow one at the picnic). Bring your own food we provide sodas/drinks. For information call Lisa Koester, (312) LOUISVILLE ZOO CHARTER BUS TRIP Take a stroll through a tropical rainforest. View crocodiles at your feet as exotic birds fly overhead. More than 100 amphibians and reptiles surround you. Register now for the Chicago Herpetological Society's Louisville Zoo charter bus trip. The trip is scheduled for October 23, 1994, and will feamre a behind-the-scenes tour of the zoo's HerpAquarium, a tropical paradise complete with simulated rain showers and hot, sultry temperatures. Following this guided tour, participants can explore the remainder of the zoo at their leisure. The motorcoach (equipped with reclining seats, six television monitors, VCR, stereo and rest room) will depart the Field Museum of Natural History's north parking lot at 5:00 A.M. and will return at 10:00 P.M. Registration is limited to the first 47 paying individuals. Tickets are $35 each (nonrefundable) and will be on sale at the general meetings. If you wish to mail your payment, please send a check or money order, payable to the CHS, to Anthony Rattin, Avon Court, Wildwood IL Be sure to include a current return address so that tickets and detailed information brochures can be forwarded to you. THE ADVENTURES OF SPOT