Catesbeiana : bulletin of the Virginia Herpetological Society

CATESBEIANA

BULLETIN OF THE VIRGINIA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

ISSN 0892-0761

Volume 13

1993

Number 1

BULLETIN INFORMATION

Catesbeiana is issued twice a year by the Virginia Herpetological
Society. Membership is open to all individuals interested in the study of
amphibians and reptiles and includes a subscription to Catcsbeiaila and
admission to all meetings.

Dues are $10.00 per year and include a subscription to
Catesbeiana numbers 1 and 2 for that year. Dues are payable to:
Ronald Southwick, Secretary-Treasurer, 408 Franklin Drive, Blacksburg,
VA 24060.

EDITORIAL POLICY

The principle function of Catesbeiana is to publish observations
and original research about Virginia herpetology. Rarely will articles be
reprinted in Catcsbeiana after diey have been published elsewhere. All
correspondence relative to suitability of manuscripts or other editorial
considerations should be directed toCo-editors, Catesbeiana, Department
of Biology, Liberty University, Box 20,000, Lynchburg, VA 24506.

Major Papers

Manuscripts being submitted for publication should be
typewritten (double spaced) on good quality 8!/2 by 11 inch paper, with
adequate margins. Consult die style of articles in diis issue for additional
informadon. Articles will be refereed by at least one oIFicer (past or
present) of the Virginia Herpetological Society in addition to die editor.
All changes must be approved by die author before publication; dierefore
manuscripts must be submitted well in advance of die March or
September mailing dates.

Reprints of articles are not available to audiors; however, audiors may
reprint articles themselves to meet professional needs.

(Editorial policy continued on inside back cover.)

CATESBEIANA

Bulletin of the Virginia Herpetological Society

Volume 13 Spring 1993 No. 1

Contents

An Annotated Checklist
of Reptiles and Amphibians
from Highland County, VA.

by David A. Young. 3

Field Notes. 9

The President's Corner.. 13

Minutes of the Fall 1992 VHS Meeting. 13

Treasurer’s Report of the Fall 1992 VHS Meeting. 20

Spring 1993 Meeting Notice.21

MEETING NOTICE

The Spring 1993 VHS meeting will be held on 16-18 April 1993 at
Prince William Forest Park. See page 22 for details.

I

CA TESBEIANA 1993, 13(1)

An Annotated Checklist of Reptiles and
Amphibians from Highland County, Virginia.

David A. Young
'1012 Albert Court, Apt. 102
Va. Reach, VA 23105

I lighland County is located in (he northwestern part of Virginia, and is
bordered by Rath County to the south, Augusta Countv to the cast, and
West Virginia to the north and west. The major roads are U S. 220 and
U S. 250 which intersect in the town of Monterey.

During I98d - 1090, I traveled every hard surface road exploring this
beautiful county. Highland County is in the Ridge and Valley
physiographic province. At the western corner of the county the
mountains change from typical Tuscarora sandstone to a much older
Silurian sandstone capped with Devonian Shale (Frye, 1980). Here the
mountains are contoured much differently since the sandstone is older
and more worn. The area may best be described as Appalachian Plateau.

Most of the forest is second growth mixed hardwood on the eastern half
of the county. Red-spruce, yellow birch, and sugar maple make up the
ridge tops in the western portion of the county, with hemlock and white
pine in moist areas. Three rivers flow through the county: the
Rullpasture, Cowpasture, and Jackson rivers, as well as Back Creek and
the South Branch of the Potomic River.

In 1989, I received a grant from The Virginia Herpetological Society.
My main interest was to study the rare mountain earth snake, and to
compile a list of other herp fauna encountered in Highland County.

Methods

The methods used included checking beneath debris in fields, streams,
and road cuts, road cruising after sunset and heavy rains, with dipnetting
and Chickcnwire funnel turtle traps to sample aquatic habitats.

Reptiles and Amphibians Collected from Highland Co., VA, 198'1 - 1990.

Cniesbcinnn 1993, 13(l):3-8

3

CATESBEIANA 1993, 13(1)

Coties for Table 1

* = Species found in survey

** = New County record according to Toby, F.J. 1985. Virginia’s
Amphibians and Reptiles: A Distributional Survey. Virginia
Herpetological Society.

* = New subspecies for die state.

Salamanders

* Dcsmognadws f. fuscus - Nordiern Dusky Salamander. The
Northern Dusky salamander is common all over the county and
found in all rocky streams by raking debris. Individuals were
found every year from 1984 to 1989.

* Dcsmognadms in. niondcola - Appalachian Seal Salamander.
Seal salamanders were found in all medium and steep high
elevation streams. They were first caught on 2 August 1984, 3.5
km west of Mill Gap and are found in eastern and nordiern sleep
streams.

* Desinognadms oclirophaeus - Mountain Dusky Salamander.
Mountain dusky salamanders are common at all high elevation
mountain tops (Alleghany, Lantz, and buck Knob Mountains)
where they live in terrestrial habitats under logs and Icafpiles.

* Eui)cca bislincata - Northern Two-Li tied Salamander. Northern
two-lined salamanders were caught in all aquatic habitats
sampled.

* I'm )cc;i I. longicamla - Longiailed Salamander. Long-tailed
salamanders were collected in a junk pile next to a stream, and
in a cave in the middle of die county. 1 ’hey are common where
found. Specimens were also picked up road cruising near
bluegrass, on 10 June 1987 and 23 June 1989.

4

VHS STUDY GRANT SURVEY

Etir)cc;i hicitngn - Cave Salamander. Cave salamanders were
found in a cave near Williamsville on 23 June 1989,
approximately 3 m inside the entrance. Only one animal was
found.

Gyrinophilus porphyriiicus - Spring Salamander. Spring
salamanders were found at all elevations in seepage areas and
quiet stream pools. They were sometimes seen out in the open
in the daytime. Individuals were collected each time the county
was surveyed.

Pscudotriton r. ruber - Northern Red Salamander. Red
salamanders were not found in my six year survey. However,
likely and suitable habitat does occur in many areas throughout
the county, and continued surveying is recommended whenever
herpetologists are in the area.

I'letJiodon cinercns - Red-Backed Salamander. Red-backed
salamanders were collected only on Alleghany Mountain and die
Locust Springs area on 3 June I98G.

I'JctJiodon cylindrnccus - White-Spotted Slimy Salamander.
White-spotted slimy salamanders were found only in the eastern
and central parts of the county at low elevations. One animal
was picked up road cruising during a hard rain in 1986 and
again in 1987. Additional specimens were found in a woodpile
on June 1989.

l'lcihodon glutinosus - Northern Slimy Salamander. The "true"
slimy is found in the western portion of tlie county on Alleghany
Mountain and Locust Springs. They were most common in high
elevation spruce forests.

l'lcihodon holhnnni - Valley and Ridge Salamander. This is a
medium and high elevation species found on Alleghany
Mountain and the Locust Springs area. They were common
where found.

l'lcihodon wclirlci - Wehrle’s Salamander. Wehrle’s salamander
lives only at high elevations. They were first found on 2 August

CATESBEIANA 1993, 13(1)

Frogs

**

*

**

* *

Turtles

*

*

*

Lizards

*

1984 on Alleghany Mountain. In 1989 one animal was found in
Locust Springs Campground and a population was still well
established on Alleghany Mountain at that time.

Ilyin versicolor - Eastern Gray Treefrog. One male was found
calling in a bush overhanging a Lank trap on die western slope
of Shenandoah mountain in die eastern part of die county on 23
June 1989, Soudi of Headwaters.

Rseudacris crucifer - Spring Peeper. Spring pec|>ers were found
on Co. Rt. 61G near Headwaters on 23 June 1989.

liana clamiians inelanota - Green Frog. Only one specimen was
encountered, on die west side of Shenendoah Mountain near
Headwaters on 24 June 1989.

Ran a sylvatica - Wood Frog. I collected only 1 specimen
hopping around in die rain in Locust Springs campground.

Chryscmys p. picta - Eastern Painted Turtle. Several were
observed, but only one collected. The animal collected was on
Co. Rt. 614 next to die Cowpasture river on 25 June 1989.

Rscudemys concinna - River Cooler. None were found, but the
sjiecies has been recorded from die county. (J. C. Mitchell, pers.
comm.)

Chelyxha serjxjniina - Snapping Turtle. One specimen was
found DOR by A. Pague (pers. comm.) near 1 lead waters in June
1990.

Eunieces andiracimis - Coal Skink. Found by A. Pague |>ers.
comm.) in June 1989 on Sapling Ridge.

6

VI IS STUDY GRANT SURVEY

Snakes
* *

*

+

*

*

*

* *

Sccloporus unduLitus hyncinthinus - Northern Fence Lizard.
One specimen was seen on a farmers fence post near (he
Bull pasture river near McDowell, however, ihe animal csca|>ed
capture.

Coluber c. constrictor - Northern Black Racer. Only one animal
was found in a junk pile near the center of die county on 23
June 1989.

Dindophis punctatus cdwnrdsii - Nordiern Ringneck Snake.
This species is widespread throughout the county at all elevations
in road cuts and cable crossings, under rocks and debris.
Numerous indivudulas were found each year of the study.

Lump rope! (is t. iriangulum - Northern Milk Snake. Milk snakes
were collected at all elevations in road cuts and junk piles. They
were first collected on 2 August 1984, and then each following
year.

Ncrodin s. sipedon - Northern Water Snake. Water snakes were
found in all major waterways at low elevations.

Ophcodr)S vc r nutis - Smooth Green Snake. Several were found
in two high elevation balds on Alleghany and I.antz Mountains
on 3 June 1980.

Croialus li. horritlus - Timber Rattlesnake. Timber rattlesnakes
were found in Highland Co. by C. Mitchell (pets. comm.) in
1985.

Slorcria o. occipitoinaailata - Northern Redbcllied Snake. Red-
bellied snakes were caught on Lam/. Mountain in road cuts on
3 June 1980 and 20 June 1989.

Thamnnphis s. si rial is - Eastern Garter Snake. This s|>ecics is
enuniv-wide at all elevations. Seventeen were caught under one
larire rock in a road cut on IJ.S. 250 on 3 lime 1980.

/

CATES IS El ANA 1993, 13(1)

# Virginia valeriac pule lira - Mountain Earth Snake. During the

survey in 1989 no specimens were found. However I did find
the first confirmed specimen on 3 June 1986 in a road cut on
Laniz Mountain. This represents a new subspecies for die state
and confirms an earlier unvouchered observation (Mitchell,
1991).

Summary

11 ighland and many other counties in our Commonwealth are in
need of research. 1 urge all interested persons to perform surveys and
take field notes. A good photograph of each specimen widi the exact
locality of each collection os required to voucher a species occurance. I
would be more than willing to offer my help, so please don’t hesitate to
contact me.

Acknowledgements

I would like to diank the following individuals and organizations
for their cooperation and supjxni during the course of diis study: The
Virginia Hcrpctological Society, the Virginia Department of Game and
Inland Fisheries, the National Park Service, die Division of State Parks,
the IJ.S. Forest Service, die Virginia Museum Natural History, Joseph C.
Mitchell, Chris A. Pague and Kurt A. Buhliuann.

Literature Cited

Frye, 1986. Roadside Geology of Virginia. Mountain Press Publishing
Co., Missoula, MT.

Mitchell, V.C., 1991. Mountain Earth Snake, Virginia Valeriac EulcJua -
pp. *161 - *162 In K. Terwilliger (Coordinator), Virginia’s Endangered
Species. MacDonald and Woodward Publishing Co., Blacksburg, VA.

Toby, F.|. I98. r ». Virginia’s Amphibians and Reptiles, A Distributional
Survey. Virginia I lerjietological Society, Purcellvillc, VA.

8

FIELD NOTES

Plcthodon luibrichti (V caks of Otter Salamander): Bedford County, VA.
Behavioral observations on tJie movement of individuals.

During a mark/recapture smdy on P. luibrichti in 1091 we observed very
limited movements by individual salamanders. The average distance
observed for recaptures (N = 2*1) was 1.0 meter. This finding supports
the observation (hat P. luibrichti has never vet been observed on the
Blue Ridge Parkway (Joe Mitchell, pers. comm.) which is the major road
through their limited range. This had led to the hypo diesis that the
Parkway and jiossibly smaller logging roads could subdivide the range,
fragment the |>opulntion by isolating populations, and threaten the
species through the effects of inbreeding and reduced genetic variation.
That medium to large roads can restrict salamander movement has been
observed for the closely related P. netting,i (Cheat Mountain salamander)
(Thomas Pauley, pers. comm). With this history, our recent observations
of P. Inibriclui on roads and in parking lots of the Blue Ridge Parkway
appear wordiy of reporting.

On 5 September 1992 at approximately 9 p.m. one P. luibrichti was
observed in die middle of FS 736 approximately 50 meters SW of FS
5067. Since the salamander was in the middle of die approximately 2
meter wide gravel road it appeal's likely dial salamanders can cross them.

On 23 September 1992 at approximately I 1 p.m. another P. luibrichti
was obserx cd, this time on the east side of the Sunset Field parking lot
heading west. If the salamander had traveled in a straight line it had
already crossed the Parkway, coming from die east, and at least a portion
of the grassy medium between the Parkway and parking lot. I fit had not
traveled in a straight line, it must have already crossed the parking lot
and was then returning to the west side. In cither case, its location could
not have been reached without crossing either the Parkway or the
parking lot, which is at least as wide as the Parkway.

Later that same night at about midnight, another P. luibrichti was
observed near the parking lot on the west side of the Parkway |ioiniing
west. If it had traveled in a straight line it had just crossed the Parkway
coming from die east. Three additional salamanders were observed on

IF

the west side ol the parking lot pointing east as if they had jtist entered
the parking lot.

9

Cntesheiniui 1993, 13( 1 ):9

FIELD NOTES

These observations contradict our earlier observations from die
mark/recapture study of limited movements. They suggest that logging
roads and even the Parkway do not make impassable barriers and may
be crossed at least occasionally. It is not clear whether these movements
are normal or seasonal. It also points out die importance of direct night¬
time observations of nocturnal salamanders to describe normal behavior.

Paul Sattlcr and Mike Hayslett
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA 24506

Ambysioma opacuin (Marbled Salamander): VA: Botetourt Co., 0.65 km
SW of die intersection of Co. Rt. 701 and 736, 5 September 1992,
Michael S. Hayslett.

While visiting my parents’ rural home in northern Botetourt county on
the evening of 5 September 1992, my father captured a medium-si zed
marbled salamander. This serendipitous discovery occurred around 10
p.m. as a result of the animal having scaled a verticle, 60 cm-high patio
in its nocturnal movements. Noting die distributional significance of die
find, and that the seasonal and weadier conditions were appropriate for
marbled breeding migration, I excused myself for a road search at 11
p.m.

There had been rains earlier in the day, the ground and pavement was
damp, and the air was foggy and humid at 20°C. During the course of
a two-hour search, a total of 10 oilier marbled salamanders were
discovered, unfortunately 8 of those were DOR. The first DOR was
approximately 0.85 km SW of the intersection of Co. Rt. 701 and 736
where 2 Eurycca cirri gem and 2 Notopthahims viridcsccns (re< I cits) were
also observed as they crossed die wet asphalt. The second DOR, an A.
ojxicmn also found on Co. Rt. 701 approximately 0.55 km SW of die
intersection with 736. In die immediate vicinity of the intersection, I
found 6 more DOR A. opneum and 2 live animals. The 3 live
salamanders out of the l I total were males, each with enlarged cloacal
areas.

These observations and a previous Ainbystomu inuculutuni encounter
(C;iic>bci.nri, I2(2):16) imply that this is a significant migration corridor
for breeding ambyslomid salamanders. A search for die Amhysloun

Cntcsbeiana 1993, 13(1): 10

10

FIELD NOTES

breeding site will continue. These 1 1 A. opneuin represent a new county
record for die species (cf. Tobcy, 1985, Virginia’s Amphibians and
Reptiles, p. 88). One specimen from 0.05 km SVV of die intersection of
Co. Rt. 701 and 780 will he deposited in a national museum as a voucher
specimen.

Michael S. Hayslett
Liberty University
R.O. Box 20000
Lynchburg, VA 2-1500-8001

Ophcodrys aesdvus (Rough Green Snake): VA: Campbell Co., 1.57 km
N of die intersection of Co. Rt. 070 and 077, 15 May 1990, Benjamin
Satder.

During an inventory of die Liberty University Natural History Museum
a new county record for Ophcodrys aesdvus was discovered. While
accompanying his fadicr on a Vertebrate Natural History class outing,
Ben Satder netted a Rough Green snake in the grass on the earthen dam
along die Northern shore of Lake Hydaway on Candler Mountain. This
specimen predates several other specimens in die LUNHM collection for
this species in Campbell County and represents a new county record (cf.
Tobcy, 1985, Virginia’s Amphibians and Reptiles, p. 88). The voucher
speciment will be directed to a national museum for disposition.

Michael S. Hayslett
Liberty University
P.O. Box 20000
Lynchburg, VA 2-1506-8001

I 1

Catcsbeiana 1993, 13(1): 1 1

CATESBEIANA 1993, 13(1)

12

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

As many of you know, ihe U.S. Endangered Species Aa (ESA)
comes up for reauthorization in about September 1993. h actually
expired in September 1992, but, because that was an election year,
Congress extended it for 12 months under die existing provisions.
Reaudiorizadon this time will not lie easy. There are powerful forces
working hard to either defeat die reauthorizauon of die ESA or weaken
die Act in some way. Most people think diat die ESA will be
reauthorized in some form, but die real question is, will it be
strengthened, weakened, or remain in a similar state.

The ESA was passed in its present form by Congress in 1972 and
took effect in early 1973. Since that time diere have been nearly GOO
species added to die list and categorized as eidier endangered or
threatened. I lere in Virginia, all the sea turdes diat use the Chesajieake
Kay for summer foraging grounds were afforded protecdon at that time.
The only other amphibian or reptile in Virginia to have received federal
protection under the ESA has been the Shenandoah salamander
(I’lcthodon sliunundoali) found only in Shenandoah Nauonal Park. It
was added to die official list as endangered in 1989.

There have been a number of success stories under
implementation of the ESA. One of die most notable is the American
alligator. 11 was on the brink of exdncdon in many areas, but protection
o I Wetlands and elimination of hunting allowed it to come back so well
that limited harvest is now allowed in Florida and Louisiana. Alligators
arc no lolitrer threatened widi extinction and have been delisted. Ollier

O

success stories include the bald eagle, brown pelican, whooping crane,
and several species of whales.

One of the objectives of die ESA is to bring endangered s|>ecies
back from the brink of extinction by a series of recovery processes.
Recovery plans are usually drafted and years of research, habitat
pioteciion, restoration, captive breeding (when necessary), and other
measures are undertaken so that the species can be removed from the
official list of endangered and threatened sjiecies. Unfortunately, not
many species have been delisted, because the threats are still there.

One ol the benefits of protection and recovery of a species listed
under the ESA is the protection of its natural habitat. The single most
important cause ol species extinction is loss ol habitat. The ESA helps to
protect not onlv the species in question, but a portion ol the landscape
with a natural ecosystem that contains much more than the local spec ies.
Il.ibitai protection ol one species helps to protect the future ol many
oilier spec ies in that ecosystem The spotted owl controversy m the
Pacific northwest is not just about the protection ol the spitted owl and

CitLcsheiann 1993, 13( 1): 13-17

13

CATESBEIANA 1993, 13(1)

loss of limber jobs. It’s .about ihe protection of sufficient habitat for ah
the plants and animals that live in virgin (old growth) forests in the area.
It's about the protection of many species of salamanders, some of which
are about to be formally recognized as full species. Timber jobs, by the
way, have been lost more from mechanization and the sale of
unprocessed logs to Japan, than to the protection of die spotted owl.

Most Americans, as shown by polls, support die ESA in some
form. Most, however, have not been personally affected, like some
loggers in Oregon and Washington. There is truth to the saying that, as
long as it is not in my backyard, it's OK. Once it does affect someone
personally, however, the ESA can take on a different appearance. A case
in |K)iiu is die protection of the Texas blind salamander, a li.sh, and
several plants in two springs near San Antonio. A federal judge has
ordered this city and others using the Edwards Aquifer to cut their water
usage so that adequate levels can be maintained in the springs. One
newspaper report put the mandatory reduction at about (>()%. I low
would you like it if you were required to cut your water consumption
that much? We could all stand to reduce our water use by some amount
and could probably adapt to about half of what we now use. The jviint
is, these jxrople are more likely now to oppose reauthorizauon of the
ESA, whereas many of them would probably have supported it before the
water problem came about. This is only one example of how opposition
can mount against a very popular set of federal laws that help protect our
valuable natural resources.

I n addition to forces gathering strength to oppose reauthorization
of the ESA, there are forces gathering strength to support reauthorization
of the ESA. An organization called "The Endangered Species Coalition"
has been formed to do just that. This coalition is made up of scientific
societies and environmental grassroots organizations. The VMS is a
corresponding member of this organization, and I will be attending a
series of meetings and workshops organized by this group in early spring.

I will report on this meeting and ESA reauthorization progress to VMS
members later this year.

If you would like more information oil The Endangered S|>ecics
Coalition or the Endangered Sjiecies Act itself, please write to Elizabeth
Saxton, Endangered Species Grassroots Coordinator, Defenders of
Wildlife, 1*24*1 19th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 2003b. She is a
graduate of the University of Richmond, and will also be able to give you
information on what Defenders of Wildlife is doing to help with
reauthorization.

Id

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

The VI IS supports reauthorizalion of the U.S. Endangered
Species Aci. Past and present VI1S members have worked hard to
protect our native amphibians and reptiles from declining to the brink of
extinction. Our long-term motto is "Conservation, Education, and
Research." We should all be willing to do our part to keep our fauna
from future decline. I will be asking you at a later date to write
individual letters to your representatives in the U.S. House of
Representatives and the U.S. Senate in order to stress the importance of
a strengthened ESA to future generations. Please be willing to do your
part.

There are numerous books and magazines on the commercial
market that have tons of information about die Endangered Sjiecies Act,
endangered s|iecies, and many stories about wildlife, including
amphibians and reptiles. You can find most of these in any major book
store. One book in particular th.it has ap|x*ared recently is a gold mine
of information about how the natural world works and why it is
important to save all species. T he author of this book, Edward O.
Wilson, has calculated a modern rate of species loss at 3 |>er hour! I urge
all of you to read this book. It is not only good natural history, it is good
writing.

The Diversity of l ife by E.O. Wilson, Harvard University Press,
copyright 1992. $29.95 hardback. Most book stores carry it.

Another publication that may be of interest is the February
edition of Virginia Wildlife . This issue is devoted exclusively to
"nongamc" species and contains information on Virginia’s amphibians
and reptiles, as well as the kinds of research being conducted with
taxpayer donation money. Order it from the Education Division, VA
Department of (kune and Inland Fisheries, P.O. Box I I 101, ‘1010 West
Broad St., Richmond, VA 23230-1 101, and send them $1.00.

Joseph C. Mitchell
President, VMS
19 February 1993

15

CA TESBEI A NA 1993, 13(1)

Obituary

Robert N. Rader (1947-1992)

Robert N. Rader, past President of VMS, was accidentally killed
on 28 February 1992 in Rali, Indonesia. Rob was among the group of
dedicated VI IS members that reorganized the society in 1980. He served
as President from 1982 to 1985. Those members who attended meetings
in the early 1980s remember the excellent spring field trip meeting in
1981 at South Isle Plantation, where Rob lived and worked. Rob
contributed much to the VHS and to herpetology in general, lie
authored one paper on the hel ps of South Isle Plantation in Charlotte
County for Caicsbciana (1984, Vol. 4, No. l)and helped to discover the
mole salamander ( Ambysiomn talpoideum) in Virginia, on which he and
I published a note in Herpetoloeical Review (1982. Vol. 13, No. I). Rob
contributed several important specimens to science and gave numerous
talks to school kids in central Virginia. Although Rob faded from
herpetology in the late 1980s, his legacy in Virginia will be his education
of kids about amphibians and reptiles. Rob is survived by Mary live
Rader, four children, a sister, and a brother. Long-time friend Ren
Grcishaw, himself a member of VHS, has written the following about
Rob Rader. (JCM)

In Memory of Rob Rader

Nearly one year ago, I received the news that Rob Rader had
been killed in an auto accident. Apparently, he lost control of his moped
and slid into the path of an oncoming vehicle. 1 was initially struck with
a deep sense of loss over the death of a friend who had accompanied me
on so many occasions to herpetological meetings throughout the country.

Rob’s contributions to the area of herpetology are certainly
wo rill y of mention. Ilis discovery of a population of Ambysiomn
inljHfidcnm, of which I had grateful occasion toshare, extended the range
of this sjiecies significantly. 11 is attention to detail in the tlest riplion of
a subspecies of Mnlnclcmys terrapin (minted to a larger population of the
subs|>ecies / bi/nplioi v»/i////than had previously thought. I lis photoof the
first terrapin he found (in a Florida seafood shop) appears in Ray
Ashton’s Handbook of Reptiles and Amphibians ol Florida, Fart 2.

My her|>eiological sculptures first appeared at the SSAR/IIL
meetings in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1979, carried to the meeting

16

PRESIDENT’S CORNER

personally by Bob. The following year he and I made the trip from
central Virginia to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I officially exhibited my
work to an appreciative and interested audience for the first time. The
friendships and clients which have resulted from these meetings has
certainly improved die quality of my life. I am grateful for the
opportunities that Bob’s introductions have afforded me.

It would be an unfortunate error to overlook die interest and
enthusiasm diat drove Bob Bader to invest so much of himself in die
study of amphibians and repules.

Ben Greishaw, Richmond, VA.

17

CATES BE! ANA 1993, 13(1)

President Joe Mitchell opened the business meeting at I 1:05 am.
Fourteen members were in attendance. After introductions,
Sccretai y/Treasurer Ron South wick gave the treasurer’s report. A total
ol $2377.*M was in the treasury and the current VI IS membership was
at 121.

Fditor's Reports

Paul Saltier reported that 170 copies ol ' Cnicsbeiaiui No. 2 were
printed and I 20 mailed out. Paul said he already had two articles for the
next issue, but could use more material.

Doug Eggleston announced that he would have to resign as
Newsletter Editor because of other commitments. Doug said he would
pul the next Newsletter together (January 1993).

Old Business

The VI IS poster was discussed. Joe asked Ron Southwick and
Sue Brucndcrnian to contact Suzic Gilley (VDGIF) to check on the status
of funds for the poster.

New Business

Joe reported that die Amphibian and Reptile Committee put
together for the Virginia F.ndangcred S|>ecics book was still active and
looking for additional members if anyone was interested. I n light of the
Newsletter Editor’s resignation. Joe asked for a consensus of members
present whether or not the newsletter was needed and if it should
continue. The majority of the members felt the newsletter was needed
and should continue.

President Mitchell and VI IS members present thanked Doug
Eggleston for his service to VI IS as newsletter editor. Joe also thanked
The Blue Ridge Herpelological Society for bringing their captive herps
and providing a workshop for the public.

President-elect Sue Bruenderman requested that the membership
reconsider her being president and asked to resign. Sue fell that there
may be some conflict with her current job with the VDGIF. Richard
I lolfmau made a motion to accept Sue’s resignation which was carried by
the membership present. A number of prospective candidates were

Ciitcsbcimui 1993, 13( I): 13-19

1.3

MINUTES OF THE FALL. 1992 VHS ME LUTING

mentioned and a search for a new l > rcsident-elecL will he pursued. Sue
volunteered to lake over as the Newsletter Editor and was appointed to
that jx>sition by President Mitchell.

Fhe business meeting was adjourned at 11:50 am.

General business

James and Della Organ became Life members of die VI IS. l)r.
and Mrs. Organ presently reside in New Jersey and plan to move to
Virginia in the near future and make their home near Mt. Rogers.

Ron Somhwick and Sue bruendennan gave updates on the
recently passed regulations |>criaining to herps, and the status of a
proposed herp breeders’ permit.

A copy of Virginia's Endangered Species book (donated by the
VDGIF) was rallied off. The rallle generated $33.00 for the VMS and
the book was won by Kevin Harris.

Fhe location and date of the Spring 1993 meeting will be
announced later.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ron South wick
Secretary and Treasurer

19

VIRGINIA H ERPETOLOGI CAL SOCIETY
TREASU R ER’S R EPORT
Fall 1992 Mcccing

The l>a In nee in iJic treasury reported at i lie Spring 1992 Meeting was
$2348.17.

Expenditures since that time included:

•I/I 1/92ck. #129
0/05/92 ck. #001
(i/I 9/92 ck. #002
9/24/92 ck. #003

Spring meeting expenses
Newsletter 2:4 and Postage
Postage Mailing Labels
Cntcsbcinna and Postage
Check charge

Total Expenditures

Receipts from dues

Raflle & Auction (Spring meeting)
I merest

$ 40.00
103.31
30.44

243.40

.75

$4 <33.90

$190.50

290.00

20.07

Total Receipts $513.17

balance in checking as of 10/23/92 $2377.44

The Society has a current membership of 121 members.

Respectfully submitted,

Ron South wick
Secretary and Treasurer

Ciucsbeianu 1993, 13(1): 20

20

SPRING 1993 MEETING OF THE
VIRGINIA HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

File Spring 1993 meeting of the VI IS will be held on 1(3-18 April 1993
at Prince William Forest Park (PWFP). This 3 day field trip meeting will
provide die VHS a unique opjxirtunity to participate in a survey of
Loudon County for (he state threatened wood turtle, Clcmmys i use u!pin
The survey, sponsored by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland
Fisheries, will be free of charge for everyone, thanks to funds received
from die U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (all travel costs will be
reimbursed; all meals and lodging free of charge. NOTE: YOU MUST
RETAIN ALL RECEIPTS, so dial we can reimburse you). Please come
and join in die fun, while simultaneously contributing to die protection
and conservadon of this rare turtle species. Please remember to bring
your cameras!

Meeting Place: Cabin Camp 1, PWFP - see directions which follow.

Schedule: Friday, April 16

12:00 -

1:00

Early arrivals

1:00 -

2:00

Initial planning - wood unde survey

2:00 -

5:00

Initial (brays

5:00 -

7:30

Supper (provided)

7:30 -

9:30

business meeting; wood turtle survey training and
planning session

9:30 -

???

On your own (night foray for Irogs and salamanders?
your choice)

Saturday, April 17

7:30 -

9:00

breakfast (provided)

9:00 -

5:00

Wood turtle survey/alternadve field trips (bag lunches
provided); daytime hikes in PWFP

5:00 -

7:30

Supper at PWFP (provided)

7:30 -

9:00

Compile collected data; regroup/plan for Sunday

9:00 -

???

On your own

Sunday, April 18

7:30 -

9:00

breakfast (provided)

9:00 -

12:00

Continue wood turtle survey

1 2:00 -

1:00

Lunch at PWFP (provided)

1:00 -

2:30

Compile data; go home!

Agenda:

I his is a field mp meeting, so wear your hiking clothes and be prepared
lor wet and cool weather, lie prepared lor a true "rustic" experience -

21

Micro is no bent in ihc cabins and space heaters arc not allowed (lire
hazard rnlc). The cabins have beds with mattresses, so with a good
sleeping bag yon should stay warm. The dining hall has a fireplace, as
well as refrigerator and large stove. I hc food will be provided, but
please bring eating utensils and cooking gear with von. There are
several bath houses at die park.

On Friday night, we will show slides of wood turtles and will familiarize
evervotie with what to look for during our search. On Saturday and
Sunday, we will break into groups ol three or four (deluding on
number of people attending), each of which will be led by someone
familiar with wood tunics and their habitat. Someone in each party
should volunteer to drive your group to your designated survey site. If
you own or can borrow chest waders or hip boots, please bring them.
Wood turtles most likely will be in the streams in April (they "hibernate"
there), and someone in each parly may have to get into the stream.
Long-handled dip nets also will be provided.

For those of you who prefer a more traditional spring meeting
experience, alternative local field trips will be available on Sam relay,
bring your children. No pets please. We will provide all participants
with "wood turtle" T-shirts designed specifically for this occasion.

Please RSVP by Friday, April 2, by letter or phone, and tell us:

1. Do you plan to attend the meeting?

2. I low many in your party? Number participating in wood turtle
survey (survey planning purposes)?

3. Can you volunteer to drive your group (3-4)?

'1. I low many meals do you plan to enjoy? For how many mouths

(see #2). Please be accurate, says bob Hogan, meal organizer!
WE CANNOT INCLUDE THOSE WHO DO NOT CALL
AHEAD!!!

5. Sizes (S, M, L, XL) and #’s of T-shirts you want.

Please remember to bring cameras, chest waders (or hip boots) and to
save your gasoline receipts! Come and join the fun!

Directions:

Prince William Forest Park is located west of 1-95 immediately north of
Quantico Marine base in Prince William County, l ake the Dumfries
exit (VA Rt. 23*1) west for 2.5 miles. Look for the Travel Frailer Village
on left. Immediately after this will be a gravel road that leads to PWFP
Cabin I. Follow PWFP and VI IS signs to camp kitchen hall.

22

For more Information, and to RSVV p\caae contact

Joseph C. Mitchell. Dept ot WicAo^y. VItt'tveisW'j eA nAc\vre\ovvt\, V^vOwwtovtOi,

VA 12173. 804-289-8T54 ot 80A-TA0-lAb3.

ox

Sue Bruendeiman, V A G>epx. ol Game and \wYawA V\s\\e.x\es», 'A. YAvvvcv

Street, lilac Vstmvg, V A 2AOGO. 1 .

Travel

T x alle^x M iWa^e

To

vt . Wa^YvlXV^X.QXY

Cabin l ^^5^

1 \ «s

To VA 2a^

Y^> \

MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION

I wish to _ initiate _ renew membership in the Virginia

I IcrjKMological Society for the year 19_.

_I wish only to receive a membership list- Enclosed is $1.00 to cover

the cost.

Name_

Address_

_ Phone _

Dues Category: _Regular_Family_Under 18_Life

($10.00) ($12.50) ($6.00) ($150)

Interests: _Reptiles _Amphibians _Captive Husbandry

_Distribution _Research

_Specifically_

Make checks payable to the Virginia Herpetological Society and send to
the treasurer: Ronald Soulhwick, *108 Franklin Drive, Blackburg, VA
24060

Field Notes

Tliis section provides a means of publishing natural history
information on Virginia’s amphibians and reptiles that does not lend itself
to full-length articles. Observations on geographic distribution, ecology,
reproduction, phenology, behavior, and other areas are welcomed.
Reports can be on single species or fauna from selected areas, such as a
state park or county. The format of the reports is species’ scientific name
(common name): State abbreviation: County, locality. Date.

Observers) or collectors). Report or observations given one line below
the data mentioned above. Author(s) name and address are given one
line below the report or observation. Consult published notes or the
editor if your information does not readily fit this format

If the note contains information on geographic distribution, a
voucher specimen or color slide should be sent for verification and
deposited in a permanent museum or sent to the Virginia Herpetologica!
Society. Species identification for observational records should be verified
by a second person.

The correct citation format: Tobey, F.J. 1989. Field notes:
Coluber constrictor constrictor. Catesbeiana 9(2):35.

Herpetological Artwork

Herpetological artwork is welcomed. If the artwork has been
published elsewhere, we will need to obtain copyright before we can use
it in an issue. We need drawings and encourage members to send us
anything appropriate, especially their own work.