Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter #22 (2009)

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NewsletterNewsletter Number 22 2009

Contents

INTRODUCTION ...... 2

ANNOUNCEMENTS...... 2

ABSTRACTS OF PAPERS PRESENTED AT THE TWENTY-SECOND ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MHA...... 3 POPULATION ECOLOGY AND METAPOPULATION DYNAMICS OF TURTLES ON MISSOURI WESTERN STATE UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS. T. AUSBERGER, K. SHEEHAN, C. ZIRKLE AND M.S. MILLS. INFLUENCE OF PRIOR EXPOSURE TO PREDATOR CUES ON THE OZARK ZIGZAG SALAMANDER, Plethodon angusticlavius. J. PARSONS, A. MATHIS, AND A. CRANE. LANDMARK LEARNING BY THE OZARK ZIGZAG SALAMANDER, Plethodon angusticlavius. A. CRANE AND A. MATHIS. MORPHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES IN THE OZARK SALAMANDER, Plethodon angusticlavius, FOLLOWING INFECTION WITH THE CHYTRID FUNGUS. A. MATHIS AND A. CRANE. DIGESTIVE EFFICIENCY OF THREE MISSOURI SNAKE SPECIES. B.S. KOSEVA, A.H. DEBROT, D.R. ELLIOT, C.M. OWENS, AND C.E. MONTGOMERY. THE ECOLOGY OF A SNAKE COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN MISSOURI. P.J. MUELLEMAN AND C.E. MONTGOMERY. DETERMINANTS OF CONTEST OUTCOME AND THE USE OF AGGRESSIVE CALL IN THE GRAY TREEFROG, Hyla versicolor. M.S. REICHERT AND H.C. GERHARDT. ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE CONSERVATION IN OKLAHOMA. D.B. LIGON, B.FILLMORE AND D. MOORE. SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE RELATIVE MASS OF THE TESTIS AND SEXUAL SEGMENT OF THE KIDNEY IN THE OPHIDIA. R.D. ALDRIDGE, B.C. JELLEN AND D.S. SIEGEL. THE SUITABILITY OF ROADSIDE DITCHES AS HABITAT FOR AQUATIC SALAMANDERS. T.L. CRABILL AND R.A. SEIGEL. ONTOGENETIC CHANGES IN HABITAT USE AND SPATIAL PATTERNS IN THE COTTONMOUTH, Agkistrodon piscivorus. A. MUENSCH, B. GREENE, E. MENZEL AND A. CRANE.

NATURAL HISTORY NOTES NEW HERPETOLOGICAL DISTRIBUTION RECORDS FOR MISSOURI IN 2009. R.E. DANIEL, B.S. EDMOND AND J.T. BRIGGLER ...... 7 NEW SIZE RECORDS FOR TWO MISSOURI TURTLES R.E. DANIEL …………………………..…… 9

ASSOCIATION EVENTS IN 2009. B.S. EDMOND ……………………………………………...……………. 10

ADDITIONS TO THE BIBLIOGRAPHY OF REFERENCES ON THE HERPETOFAUNA OF MISSOURI. R.E. DANIEL ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Cover art: Ophisaurus attenuatus attenuatus by Tom R. Johnson. Although presumed to have a statewide distribution, this species has yet to be reported from much of the northern plains ecoregions or from the Mississippi Alluvial plain of the bootheel. The first reported observation of this species in Madison County appears among the new herpetological records appearing in this issue.

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 1 INTRODUCTION MHA Spring Field Trip

The Twenty-second Annual Meeting of the The 2010 spring field trip will be held Missouri Herpetological Association was held April 24-25 at Sam A. Baker State Park in 26-27 September 2009 at Missouri State northern Wayne County. The fall field trip this University Bull Shoals Field Station, Taney year will be held in late September at Montauk County, Missouri. This organization is designed State Park in southwest Dent County. Beginning to provide herpetologists in Missouri and this year the fall field trip will not be held in surrounding states with an opportunity to meet conjunction with the annual meeting. and exchange ideas regarding current efforts in Information about the field trips will be sent to research and other professional activities. High MHA members and posted on the MHA website on the list of priorities is to provide students, in mid March and mid August. The field trips involved in research at either the graduate or are open to any one with an interest in undergraduate level, (1) the chance to interact amphibians and reptiles. with senior herpetologists, and (2) an outlet to present, in a semi-formal setting, the results of MHA on the Net their labors. This newsletter is the result of a decision made at the inaugural meeting to provide a The Association has an official site on means of publicly acknowledging papers the Internet. Point your browser to presented at this and subsequent annual http://www.moherp.org/ for copies of current meetings. Further, the newsletter will inform the and past publications and to view photos and herpetological community of new distribution information from past field trips and meetings. records of Missouri’s herpetofauna, additions to Send ideas, suggestions, comments, and content the bibliography dealing with the state to the Webmaster ([email protected]). herpetofauna and provide an outlet for the publication of short notes dealing with the Wanted natural history of Missouri amphibians and reptiles. We still need artwork for future cover illustrations. Any species native to the state is acceptable; however, species described from Missouri type specimens and state species of conservation concern are particularly desirable. ANNOUNCEMENTS The species described from Missouri type specimens that haven't appeared on past covers 23rd Annual Meeting of the Missouri are: Eurycea spelaea, Nerodia fasciata confluens, Carphophis vermis. Anyone wishing Herpetological Association to contribute drawings for future issues can send submissions to Richard Daniel at: The Twenty-third Annual Meeting of the Missouri Herpetological Association will Division of Biological Sciences be held on 16-17 October 2010 at Reis 114 Lefevre Hall Biological Station, Crawford County, Missouri. University of Missouri A “call for papers” and registration materials will Columbia, MO 65211 be sent electronically in mid-July. For more E-mail: [email protected] information please contact Jeff Briggler at:

Missouri Department of Conservation P.O.Box 180 Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180 (573) 751-4115 E-mail: [email protected]

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 2

Abstracts of Papers Presented INFLUENCE OF PRIOR EXPOSURE TO at the PREDATOR CUES ON THE OZARK 22nd Annual Meeting of the ZIGZAG SALAMANDER, Plethodon angusticlavius. Missouri Herpetological Association Jenny Parsons, Alicia Mathis and Adam Crane Department of Biology, Missouri State Reis Biological Station University, Springfield, MO 65897 26-27 September 2009 Detection of chemical cues is important for avoidance of predation for many prey POPULATION ECOLOGY AND animals. Previous experiments have shown that METAPOPULATION DYNAMICS OF Ozark zigzag salamanders (Plethodon TURTLES ON MISSOURI WESTERN angusticlavius) make behavioral changes when STATE UNIVERSITY’S CAMPUS in direct contact with predatory chemical cues. We predicted that prior exposure to a predator Teresa Ausberger1, Kristen Sheehan2, Colton cue would also affect the subsequent behavior of Zirkle3 and Mark S. Mills1 these salamanders. We collected chemical cues 1Department of Biology, Missouri Western State from ringneck snakes (Diadophis punctatus) University, St. Joseph, MO 64507; 2Benton High which are known predators of these salamanders. School, St. Joseph, MO 64504; 3Central High During testing salamanders were removed from School, St. Joseph, MO 64501 their home chambers and exposed them to the either the predator cue or to blank water (control We have initiated a proposed long-term treatment). After 5 min of exposure, salamanders study of the population ecology of turtles in nine were gently rinsed to remove any snake cues and ponds on the campus of Missouri Western State were then returned to their home chambers. University. Our goals for the summer of 2009 Their behaviors were recorded for an additional were as follows: 1) to determine species 5 min. Salamanders that had been previously composition in all nine campus ponds, 2) to exposed to snake cues spent significantly more permanently mark all individuals in order to time in escape behavior and performed more initiate studies on population dynamics, growth, chemosensory sampling (nose-tapping) than and movement of turtles among ponds or nearby salamanders in the control treatment. These water bodies (e.g., Otoe Creek), 3) to relate results suggest that salamanders avoid areas physical and biological properties of the ponds to where they have had previous encounters with turtle species composition and abundance. To predators. date we have marked 42 turtles representing four species: 21 Chelydra serpentina, 13 Chrysemys LANDMARK LEARNING BY THE OZARK picta, 7 Trachemys scripta, and 1 Apalone ZIGZAG SALAMANDER, Plethodon spinifera. The ponds differ in their size, depth, angusticlavius temperature, composition of bottom sediments (e.g. hard clay vs. silt), amount and make-up of Adam Crane and Alicia Mathis vegetation in and surrounding the ponds, and Department of Biology, Missouri State presence and abundance of fishes among other University, Springfield, MO 65897 factors. The ponds also vary greatly in their relative impact from this urban environment. For Although salamanders have been shown example, Pond 1 receives nearly all of its water to be able to learn some information through from parking lot run-off and Pond 8 is spring classical conditioning, spatial learning has been fed. We have captured 2 snapping turtles in Pond largely unstudied. We tested whether 1 compared with 9 turtles of three species in salamanders could learn to locate foraging areas Pond 8. We will test to determine if correlations through navigational landmarks. Training and exist between any of these pond attributes and testing arenas were large square Petri dishes. We turtle species composition or abundance. trained 10 salamanders (Plethodon angusticlavius) to use landmarks (small rocks) to

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 3 locate patches within the arena containing food generally successful in stopping the Bd (blackworms, Lumbriculus variegatus). At the mortalities. We are uncertain as to how Bd corners of each arena were four plastic dishes, became introduced to the animals in our one containing blackworms and the other three laboratory. It seems likely that Bd came from empty. A rock was placed in front of the dish either one or both of our collecting sites. containing blackworms, and the location of the Collection of swabs from field sites could reveal food-dish was randomly chosen for each training important information about the distribution of trial. A control group was also trained to feed on Bd in the Ozarks. We are not aware of any other blackworms in the presence of a rock, but the studies that have found Bd in a terrestrial rock was positioned randomly among the four amphibian in the Ozarks. dish locations so that the rock was not a reliable landmark for the worms. Although the length of the training period for individual salamanders DIGESTIVE EFFICIENCY OF THREE varied (22-34 trainings per individual), the mean MISSOURI SNAKE SPECIES number of trainings for salamanders in the control and experimental groups was equal (30 Boryana S. Koseva, Amanda H. DeBrot, Doug training trials). During testing, no blackworms R. Elliot, Chris M. Owens, and Chad E. were present to eliminate any visual or chemical Montgomery cues emanating directly from the prey. Biology Department, Truman State University, Individuals trained with the rock landmarks Kirksville, MO 63501 spent significantly more time in the area of the landmark than did control salamanders. This is Optimal foraging theory predicts that a the first report of salamanders learning to use snake will prey upon food items that maximize landmarks in orientation. net energy gain because net energy intake directly affects an organism’s fitness, i.e. lifetime reproductive success. Digestive MORPHOLOGICAL AND BEHAVIORAL efficiency, the proportion of energy ingested CHANGES IN THE OZARK ZIGZAG absorbed through the gut wall, is an important SALAMANDER, Plethodon angusticlavius, component for determining the energy budget of FOLLOWING INFECTION WITH THE an organism because not all energy ingested is CHYTRID FUNGUS available to the organism to do work. We determined the effect of prey type, prey mass, Alicia Mathis and Adam Crane and snake body mass on the digestive efficiency Department of Biology, Missouri State of the Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon), University, Springfield, MO 65897 the Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis), and the Black Rat Snake (Pantherophis. For unrelated studies of salamander obsoleta). We used snakes that represented the behavior, we collected Ozark zigzag salamanders full range of adult body sizes for the respective (Plethodon angusticlavius) from sites in both species. We used prey types typically Missouri and Arkansas. Unfortunately, in April encountered in the wild by the respective 2009 there was an outbreak of disease among species. Prey items included tadpoles and fish these laboratory animals, and over 50 died. for N. sipedon and T. sirtalis and quail eggs and Symptoms of disease included morphological mice for P. obsoleta. (skin sloughing and loss of digits) and behavioral (raising the trunk legs or tail and apparently disoriented walking) effects. Six preserved THE ECOLOGY OF A SNAKE specimens that had died following presentation COMMUNITY IN NORTHERN MISSOURI of symptoms were sent to a genetic laboratory for testing for the presence of Bd Peter J. Muelleman and Chad E. Montgomery (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) or ‘chytrid,’ Biology Department, Truman State University, and 100% tested positive. Bd is an emerging Kirksville, MO 63501 amphibian disease that appears to be contributing to amphibian declines worldwide. In July 2009 We conducted a mark recapture study we began treating the salamanders in our of the snake community on the property of laboratory with an anti-fungal drug Premium Standard Farms, Daviess County, near (intraconazole). These chemical treatments were Trenton, Missouri from spring, 2008 to present.

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 4 We located snakes opportunistically within the rocky field and forest habitats surrounding the ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE runoff reservoir of the property. For all captured CONSERVATION IN OKLAHOMA snakes we measured snout-vent length, tail length, and weight. We marked snakes by PIT Day B. Ligon1, Brian Fillmore2 and Dan tagging or by tail clip if less than 20 grams. To Moore3 date we have captured 150 individuals from 1Department of Biology, Missouri State seven species, including the threatened Timber University, Springfield, MO 65897; 2Tishomingo Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). Additionally in National Fish Hatchery, Tishomingo, OK 73460; 2008, two adult female timber rattlesnakes that 3Department of Zoology, Oklahoma State gave birth and three offspring from each litter University, Stillwater, OK 74078 were radio tracked to determine if neonates follow their mother to overwintering dens. An alligator snapping turtle population survey conducted in Oklahoma in the late 1990s revealed that the species no longer occurred in DETERMINANTS OF CONTEST much of its historical range. The primary cause OUTCOME AND THE USE OF THE of such declines is postulated to be once-robust AGGRESSIVE CALL IN THE GRAY commercial turtle trapping combined with TREEFROG, Hyla versicolor widespread river impoundment. A head-start program was initiated by Tishomingo National Michael S. Reichert and H. Carl Gerhardt Fish Hatchery in response, and the first captive- Division of Biological Sciences, University of bred hatchlings in the program were produced Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 there in 2002. Since then, captive-reared juveniles have been reintroduced in two river Anuran amphibians are excellent systems. Additionally, 240 adult snapping turtles models for studies of acoustic communication. that were confiscated in Arkansas in 2006 have Most of these studies have focused on the been translocated to the Washita River drainage acoustic criteria of advertisement calls used by in southern Oklahoma. Released turtles have females to assess potential mates. However, been monitored via a combination of radio other signals in the vocal repertoires of the same telemetry and mark-recapture techniques. These species have received little attention. In efforts have helped characterize habitat use particular, many male frogs produce a distinctive patterns and produced confirmed sources of aggressive call that is associated with aggressive mortality of both adult and juvenile snapping interactions with other males. Although many turtles. Growth rates of captive-hatched juveniles species have aggressive calls, relatively few that were released kept pace with growth of studies have examined their behavioral turtles maintained in captivity and fed ad libitum. significance. Most importantly, we do not know Finally, nesting patterns and successful what is being signaled by aggressive calls, and recruitment of offspring from translocated turtles whether these signals are related to the outcome has been observed. of aggressive contests. We have developed a methodology to stage aggressive interactions in the laboratory, and have begun applying it to SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE describe the use of aggressive calls in aggressive RELATIVE MASS OF THE TESTIS AND interactions in the gray treefrog, Hyla versicolor. SEXUAL SEGMENT OF THE KIDNEY IN Our preliminary results indicate that body mass THE OPHIDIA was an important determinant of the outcome of aggressive calling interactions, but not physical Robert D. Aldridge, Benjamin C. Jellen and fights. When competitors were approximately Dustin S. Siegel equal in mass, the winner tended to be the Department of Biology, Saint Louis University, individual that instigated aggressive calling. St. Louis, MO 63103 Thus, the aggressive call may serve a dual function: as a signal of body mass, and a Two major structures contribute to the conventional signal resolving contest outcomes ejaculate in squamates, the testis and the kidney. when mass asymmetries are insufficient to The testis produces sperm and the kidney resolve the interaction. produces fluids containing carbohydrates and proteins that are released during ejaculation. The

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 5 majority of North American male snakes have a survivorship. Considering the use of roadside reproductive cycle that is best described as post- ditches by a variety of wildlife and their potential ovulatory spermatogenesis in which sperm are to supplement declining, natural wetlands, produced in the summer months prior to resource managers should incorporate these hibernation and the spring mating season. Sperm habitats into management strategies. are stored in the vas deferens during the winter. Because snakes are polygamous, the sperm of different males compete with one another to ONTOGENETIC CHANGES IN HABITAT fertilize the ova. This intrauterine competition USE AND SPATIAL PATTERNS IN THE might select for those males who release more COTTONMOUTH, Agkistrodon piscivorus sperm during ejaculation to increase the chances of his success. However, because sperm are not Alex Muensch, Brian Greene, Evan Menzel being produced during the mating season, an and Adam Crane increased ejaculate may limit the number of Department of Biology, Missouri State ejaculations a male can make. In this study we University, Springfield, MO 65897 examine the relative importance of the testis and kidney mass by estimating the volume of tissue Home range size and location are devoted to sperm production and kidney among the most important aspects of animal reproductive secretions in several snake taxa. ecology because they are affected by a multitude Preliminary analysis suggests that the sexual of factors. Individual differences in resource portion of the kidney, at the time of mating, requirements often explain spatial pattern equals or exceeds the mass of the testis during variation within populations. Understanding peak sperm production. We propose that variation in snake home range size and secretions of the sexual segment, in some snakes, movement patterns has been a common objective create a viscous barrier to reduce the likelihood of numerous radiotelemetry studies which have of sperm of subsequent matings from reaching often revealed proximate influences of resource the oviduct and may increase the ejaculate distribution and behavioral interactions on volume to facilitate the sperm movement in the spatial patterns. Recent studies on a stream- oviduct. associated cottonmouth population in southwest Missouri have indicated that spatial variation can be explained by a combination of ecological THE SUITABILITY OF ROADSIDE factors. Despite considerable individual DITCHES AS HABITAT FOR variation, there was a significant positive body SALAMANDERS. size influence on home range size. Additional sources of individual variation were attributed to Trisha L. Crabill and Richard A. Seigel differential responses to habitat-specific Department of Biological Sciences, Towson resources related to prey distributions and University, Towson, MD 21252 thermoregulatory opportunities. Adult male home ranges were always centered on grassland Roadside ditches are prevalent in many habitat patches that contained dense populations areas and inhabited by a variety of wildlife. To of cotton rats, the most appropriately-sized better understand their role in supporting rodent prey, while gravid females were typically wildlife, we compared populations of sirens in associated with very small rocky outcroppings roadside ditches to those in natural wetlands at that provided optimal thermal regimes for the John F. Kennedy Space Center in Florida. gestation. Juvenile snakes occupied the smallest Sirens were sampled from August 2005 – home ranges of all monitored snakes and August 2006 at two ditch sites and at two swale remained in close proximity to the stream sites. I used wire-mesh and crayfish traps to habitat. The clear resource-driven differences in capture sirens and anesthetized animals in MS- home range size and location observed in this 222 to record morphological measurements and study suggest that understanding the location and to mark with PIT tags. To compare survivorship dispersion of key resources and physiological between habitats, 10 sirens from each habitat challenges faced by different individuals should type were implanted with radio transmitters. help elucidate the ecological causes of spatial There was no difference between habitat types patterns in comparative studies across aquatic in the mean size of sirens captured, growth rates, systems and geographic locations. Catch per Unit Effort, body condition or

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 6 Raimond, R. Rimer and A. Trombley for NATURAL HISTORY NOTES generously providing specimens and photographs used in this note.

NEW HERPETOLOGICAL AMPHIBIA: CAUDATA DISTRIBUTION RECORDS FOR RINGED SALAMANDER MISSOURI IN 2009 Ambystoma annulatum Maries Co.: Spring Creek Gap Conservation 1 2 Richard E. Daniel , Brian S. Edmond and Area (S3 T39N R8W); 22 April 2009; J. Par 3 Jeffrey T. Briggler (digital photo, UMC 1676P). 1 Webster Co.: Rt. ZZ, 0.8 mi. N Jct. Rt. F (S5 Division of Biological Sciences, University of T31N R16W); 22 September 2009; D. Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 Greenfield (digital photo, UMC 1793P). 2 Computer Services, Missouri State University, Springfield, MO 65897 TIGER SALAMANDER 3Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Ambystoma tigrinum Jefferson City, MO 65102 Douglas Co.: Co. Rd. 246 (S27 T26N R13W); 12 November 2009; S. Young (digital photo, The following list represents new UMC 1798P). county records accumulated or brought to our attention since the publication of Johnson FOUR-TOED SALAMANDER (2000), Daniel and Edmond (2000, 2001) and Hemidactylium scutatum Daniel et al. (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, Butler Co.: Wappapello National Guard 2007, 2008). Publication of these records Training Site (S21 T26N R7E); 16 October extends our knowledge of the amphibians and 2007; A. Trombley (digital photo, UMC 1656P). reptiles native to Missouri. In addition, recipients of this list have the opportunity to SOUTHERN RED-BACKED SALAMANDER update checklists and distribution maps. Finally, Plethodon serratus the publication of this list allows us to Ripley Co.: Buffalo Creek at Rt. C (S20 T24N acknowledge the contributions of the many R1E); 22 March 2009; B. Edmond (digital photo, individuals who have provided information or UMC 1663P). specimens. The specimens listed below represent AMPHIBIA: ANURA the first reported occurrence of the species within AMERICAN TOAD a given county and are based on catalogued Anaxyrus americanus voucher specimens or photographs deposited in a Gasconade Co.: MO 19 Jct. Rt. H (S36 T46N public institution. Distribution records are R5W); 9 April 2009; B. Edmond, M. Bowe presented in the standardized format of Collins (digital photo, UMC 1673P). (1989): common and scientific name, county, specific locality (unless withheld for species of SPRING PEEPER special concern), legal description of locality, Pseudacris crucifer date of collection, collector(s), institution and Monroe Co.: Robert M. White Conservation catalogue number where the specimen is Area (S25 T53N R9W); 7 March 2009; R. deposited. Daniel (UMC 8175). The specimens reported in this note have been deposited in the Dean E. Metter PICKEREL FROG Memorial Collection, University of Missouri, Lithobates palustris Columbia, MO. Unless otherwise indicated, all Iron Co.: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park (S8 distribution records are documented by post- T33N R3E); 9 May 2009; MHA field trip, metamorphic/hatchling fluid preserved collector unknown (digital photo, UMC 1708P). specimens. We would like to extend our WOOD FROG appreciation to M. Bowyer, S. Farrington, J. Lithobates sylvaticus Girondo, D. Greenfield, K. Kelly, B. Krager, K. Carter Co.: Mark Twain National Forest, FS Lewis, K. Loraff, J. Mittlehauser, C. 4822 (S13 T25N R1W); 10 March 2009; R. Montgomery, T. Nagel, M. Ormsby, J. Par, C. Rimer (egg masses, digital photo, UMC 1829P).

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 7 REPTILIA: SQUAMATA (LIZARDS) DEKAY’S BROWNSNAKE COAL SKINK Storeria dekayi Plestiodon anthracinus Buchanan Co.: Missouri Department of Iron Co.: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park (S5 Conservation NW Regional Headquarters (S13 T33N R3E); 9 May 2009; MHA field trip, T57N R35W); 21 August 2009; R. Anderson collector unknown (digital photo, UMC 1710P). (digital photo, UMC 1792P). Ripley Co.: Co. Rd. K-5, 2.0 mi. E Jct. Rt. K (S36 T25N R3E); 4 August 2009; M. Ormsby RED-BELLIED SNAKE (digital photo, UMC 1726P). Storeria occipitomaculata Ripley Co.: Co. Rd. 160 W-7 0.6 mi NW Jct. FIVE-LINED SKINK US 160 (S17 T23N R2E); 12 September 2009; Plestiodon fasciatus K. Kelly (digital photo, UMC 1781P). Off Co. Adair Co.: Thousand Hills State Park, Forest Rd. K-5 (S35 T25N R3E); 24 August 2009; A. Lake (T62N R16W); 10 May 1963; J. Beary O’Conner (digital photo, UMC 1815P). (UMC 8677). WESTERN RIBBONSNAKE WESTERN SLENDER GLASS LIZARD Thamnophis proximus Ophisaurus attenuatus Adair Co.: MO 149, 0.1 mi. N Jct. Sand Creek Madison Co.: Mark Twain National Forest, Bottom Rd. (S29 T64N R16W); 20 April 2008; Little Grass Mountain (S17 T32N R6E); 26 C. Montgomery (UMC 8648). April 2009; R. Welly, L. Tracy, R. Daniel, B. Edmond, MU Herpetology Class (digital photo, PLAINS GARTERSNAKE UMC 1831P). Thamnophis radix Grundy Co.: 1 mi. E Trenton (T61N R24W); REPTILIA: SQUAMATA (SNAKES) 17 April 1964; H.D. Crawford (UMC 8638). COACHWHIP Coluber flagellum WESTERN SMOOTH EARTHSNAKE Montgomery Co.: Danville Conservation Area Virginia valeriae (S8 T47N R5W); 29 September 2009; M. Moniteau Co.: 3 mi. S Sandy Hook (S28 T46N Ormsby (digital photo, UMC 1800P). R14W); 20 April 2008; B. Krager, J. Johnson, B. Whitfield (UMC 8160). PRAIRIE KINGSNAKE Lampropeltis calligaster COPPERHEAD Grundy Co.: 5 mi. N Trenton (T62N R24W); 4 Agkistrodon contortrix May 1964; H.D. Crawford (UMC 8644). Lawrence Co.: Rt. N, 0.2 mi. S Jct. I-44 (S31 T29N R25W); 6 September 2009; B. Edmond, RED MILKSNAKE M. Bowe (digital photo, UMC 1734P). Lampropeltis triangulum St. Francois Co.: St. Francois State Park (S25 Grundy Co.: 1 mi. N Edinburg (T61N R25W); T38N R4E); 7 May 2009; K. Lewis (digital 1 June 1964; D. Thomas, R. White (UMC 8635). photo, UMC 1694P).

EASTERN HOG-NOSED SNAKE TIMBER RATTLESNAKE Heterodon platirhinos Crotalus horridus Buchanan Co.: Co. Rd. 41 SW, approx. 2.3 air Iron Co.: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park (S8 mi. WSW Kirschner (S34 T57N R36W); 30 T33N R3E); 9 May 2009; M. Cravens (digital April 2009; T. Nagel (digital photo, UMC photo, UMC 1713P). 1786P). Sullivan Co.: Rt. YY, 0.1 mi. N Spring Creek Clark Co.: (S14 T64N R6W); 2 June 1979; (S22 T64N R18W); July 2009; C. Montgomery collector unknown (UMC 8689). (UMC 8693). Grundy Co.: Trenton (T61N R24W); 17 September 1963; H.D. Crawford (UMC 8641). MASSASAUGA Sistrurus catenatus DIAMONDBACK WATERSNAKE Audrain Co.: location withheld; 25 September Nerodia rhombifer 2009; collector’s name withheld (digital photo, Grundy Co.: 1 mi. N Trenton (T61N R24W); 7 UMC 1794P). May 1964; H.D. Crawford (UMC 8696).

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 8 REPTILIA: TESTUDINES Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE 2003. New and previously unreported Chrysemys picta herpetological records from Missouri for Crawford Co.: MO 8 Jct. Meramec Farms Rd. 2003. Missouri Herpetological Association (S8 T37N R5W); 8 May 2009; J. Briggler Newsletter (16): 11-15. (digital photo, UMC 1827P). Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. Phelps Co.: Mark Twain National Forest, FS 2004. New herpetological records from 1567 (S12 T36N R10W); B. Edmond, R. Daniel Missouri for 2004. Missouri Herpetological (shell, UMC 8166). MO 72, 0.3 mi. SE Jct. Rt. Association Newsletter (17): 9-12. O (S18 T37N R7W); 10 May 2009; R. Daniel, Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. K. Cannon (UMC 8711). MO 72 Jct. Co. Rd. 2005. New herpetological records from 162 (S4 T36N R7W); 10 May 2009; R. Daniel, Missouri for 2005. Missouri Herpetological K. Cannon (digital photo, UMC 1771P). 14790 Association Newsletter (18): 8-11. Co. Rd. 2310, St. James (S13 T38N R7W); 21 Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. May 2009; J. Gironda (digital photo, UMC 2006. New herpetological records from 1789P). Missouri for 2006. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (19): 9-12. NORTHERN MAP TURTLE Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. Graptemys geographica 2007. New herpetological records from Iron Co.: Big Creek (S9 T30 N R4E); 8 May Missouri for 2007. Missouri Herpetological 2009; B. Edmond, M. Bowe (digital photo, UMC Association Newsletter (20): 10-13. 1696P). Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. 2008. New herpetological records from FALSE MAP TURTLE Missouri for 2008. Missouri Herpetological Graptemys pseudogeographica Association Newsletter (21): 9-14. Dunklin Co.: Old channel St. Francis River Johnson, T.R. 2000. The amphibians and (S29 T22N R8E); 26 May 2009; M. Bowyer, T. reptiles of Missouri (second ed.). Missouri Lescher (digital photo, UMC 1791P). Department of Conservation, Jefferson City, Missouri. RED-EARED SLIDER Trachemys scripta Montgomery Co.: MO 94 JCT. RT. P (S31 T46N R5W); 8 September 2009; R. Daniel (digital photo, UMC 1775P). NEW SIZE RECORDS FOR TWO MISSOURI TURTLES Literature Cited Collins, J.T. 1989. New records of amphibians Richard E. Daniel and reptiles in Kansas for 1989. Kansas Division of Biological Sciences, University of Herpetological Society Newsletter (78): 16- Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 21. Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2000. New and Edmond and Daniel (2001, Missouri previously unreported distribution records of Herpetological Association Newsletter (14): 15- amphibians and reptiles in Missouri for 16.) provided the most recent compilation of 2000. Missouri Herpetological Association maximum size records for Missouri amphibians Newsletter (13): 14-19. and reptiles. During 2009 two turtles that Daniel, R.E. and B.S. Edmond. 2001. New and exceeded these size maxima came to my previously unreported distribution records of attention. Both records are deposited in the Dean amphibians and reptiles in Missouri for E. Metter Memorial Collection at the University 2001. Missouri Herpetological Association of Missouri-Columbia. Newsletter (14): 7-12. On May 12, 2009 Mark Zurbrink Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. collected a large female Pseudemys concinna at 2002. New and previously unreported the junction of US 54 and Nichols Rd. near the distribution records of amphibians and Lake Regional Health Center in Osage Beach in reptiles in Missouri for 2002. Missouri Camden Co. The carapace length of 33.6 cm Herpetological Association Newsletter (15): was larger than the previous record specimen 9-15.

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 9 collected in Taney Co. The specimen was herpetological survey of select portions of the photographed and released (UMC 1787P). park. A series of Kinosternon flavescens Nine participants caught more than 300 recently transferred to the University of Missouri individual reptiles and amphibians, representing collection contained a male with a carapace a total of 24 species. The majority of collecting length of 13.2 cm. The specimen (UMC 8603) activities occurred on Sat 9 May 2009, but some was collected from the Rose Pond Conservation individual animals were caught on the preceding Area located approximately 5 miles SSE of Friday. Most of the weekend was characterized Wayland in Clark Co. on May 23, 1980. by pleasant evening temperatures and warm daytime conditions. Saturday began cloudy and overcast, but the sun appeared late in the morning and the high temperature for the day ASSOCIATION EVENTS IN 2009 approached 80oF. Habitats searched included woodlands, glades, streams, ponds, rivers, and Brian S. Edmond roads. A thunderstorm producing extensive local Computer Services, Missouri State University, wind damage occurred on Fri 8 May 2009 and Springfield MO 65897 several trees in the park were uprooted or otherwise permanently damaged. Many local Introduction residents in the areas remained without power as For the fourth year, the Missouri the group left the area Saturday night or Sunday Herpetological Association sponsored three morning. official events: the traditional annual meeting Several new localities were documented and two field trips. A total of 45 individuals for Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, including attended at least one of these events. Eleven one unverified county record (i.e., previously scientific papers were presented during the reported county record that lacks a supporting twenty-second annual meeting and countless voucher) (Great Plains Ratsnake (Pantherophis conversations, anecdotes, tales, and plans were emoryi)) and three new county records: Pickerel exchanged among the members attending the Frog (Lithobates palustris), Southern Coal Skink various events. (Plestiodon anthracinus), and Timber More than 410 individual reptiles and Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus). The complete amphibians were observed on the two field trips, species list can be seen in Table 1. Several representing 26 species (4 salamanders, 7 species of anurans were well-represented with anurans, 6 lizards, 9 snakes, 1 turtle). Individual calling individuals. The counts below that are animals collected or photographed were designated with an asterisk (*) are minimum deposited in the University of Missouri’s Dean estimates of the number of individuals observed E. Metter Memorial Collection and will thus be for those species. reported as new records where appropriate and The MHA would like to thank the used in future updates of R.E. Daniel and B.S. Missouri Department of Natural Resources for Edmond Atlas of Amphibian and Reptiles of providing permission to use state park property Missouri (http://atlas.moherp.org/). Furthermore, for the field trip. Special appreciation is extended an official field trip report was provided to the to Tim Turpin for his hospitality and for leading Department of Natural Resources, sponsor of the the group throughout the park on Saturday. spring field trip at Taum Sauk Mountain State Annual Meeting: Bull Shoals Field Station Park. nd Photos and details for all association The 22 Annual Meeting of the events, past and future, can be found on the Missouri Herpetological Association was held on “Events” page of the Association’s web site 26 - 27 September 2009 at Bull Shoals Field (http://www.moherp.org/). Station near Kirbyville, Taney County, Missouri. A total of 34 members, representing 9 Spring 2009 Field Trip: Taum Sauk Mountain institutions and agencies, attended this years State Park meeting. Eleven scientific papers were presented The spring field trip was held the weekend of 8 - 10 May 2009 at Taum Sauk during the regular meeting. A short business Mountain State Park, Iron County, Missouri. The meeting followed the last regular presentation. purpose of the trip was a preliminary

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 10 Business meeting discussion topics included the Taney County, Missouri. The purpose of the trip date and location of the 2010 fall meeting. was a brief survey of select portions of the area. The Association would like to extend a Twenty participants caught or observed more than 110 individual reptiles and amphibians, special appreciation to Alicia Mathis and representing a total of 14 species. The entire Missouri State University for graciously hosting weekend was characterized by cool the meeting and allowing members to stay temperatures, including the morning of the field overnight gratis at the field station. trip. Habitats searched included glades, wooded hillsides, shady ravines, and a portion of Long Fall 2009 Field Trip: Coy Bald, Hercules Creek. The complete species list can be seen in Glades Wilderness Area Table 1. Spring peepers were heard calling in The fall field trip was held on Sunday 27 several places and a freshly-hatched southern September 2009 at Coy Bald, Hercules Glades leopard frog egg mass was found in a roadside Wilderness Area, Mark Twain National Forest, puddle.

Upper Photo: Crotaphytus collaris (Eastern Collared Lizard) from Taum Sauk State Park. Lower Photo: Sonora semiannulata (Western Groundsnake) from Coy Bald, Hercules Glades Wilderness.

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 11 Table 1. List of species captured or observed during the Association's 2009 field trips. An asterisk (*) indicates that the number represents a minimum count for that species.

Species Common Name No Taum Sauk Coy Mtn SP Bald Salamanders (Caudata) Notophthalmus viridescens Central Newt 1 + Eurycea longicauda Long-tailed Salamander 1 + Plethodon albagula Western Slimy Salamander 17 + + Plethodon serratus Southern Red-backed Salamander 3 +

Anaxyrus americanus American Toad 18* + + Acris crepitans Cricket Frog 25* + + Hyla chrysoscelis Cope's Gray Treefrog 25* + Pseudacris crucifer Spring Peeper 18* + + Lithobates clamitans Green Frog 12* + Lithobates palustris Pickerel Frog 3 + Lithobates sphenocephalus Southern Leopard Frog 66* + +

Aspidoscelis sexlineata Six-lined Racerunner 1 + Plestiodon anthracinus Southern Coal Skink 1 + Plestiodon fasciatus Common Five-lined Skink 14 + + Scincella lateralis Little Brown Skink 24 + + Crotaphytus collaris Eastern Collared Lizard 13 + + Sceloporus consobrinus Prairie Lizard 110 + +

Carphophis vermis Western Wormsnake 9 + + Diadophis punctatus Ring-necked Snake 10 + + Lampropeltis getula Speckled Kingsnake 2 + Lampropeltis triangulum Red Milksnake 2 + Pantherophis emoryi Great Plains Ratsnake 1 + Sonora semiannulata Variable Groundsnake 1 + Tantilla gracilis Flat-headed Snake 4 + Virginia striatula Rough Earthsnake 11 + Crotalus horridus Timber Rattlesnake 1 +

Terrapene carolina Three-toed Box Turtle 5 +

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 12 dekayi. Herpetological Review 40(2): ADDITIONS TO THE 239. BIBLIOGRAPHY OF REFERENCES Pyron, R.A. and F.T. Burbrink. 2009. Systematics of the Common Kingsnake ON THE HERPETOFAUNA OF (Lampropeltis getula: Serpentes: MISSOURI Colubridae) and the burden of heritage in taxonomy. Zootaxa. (2241): pp. 22- Compiled by 32. Richard E. Daniel Pyron, R.A. and F.T. Burbrink. 2009. Lineage Division of Biological Sciences, University of diversification in a widespread species: Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211 roles for niche divergence and conservatism in the Common The following is a list of references Kingsnake, Lampropeltis getula. dealing with the biology of amphibians and Molecular Ecology. 18: pp. 3443–3457. reptiles from Missouri that have been brought to Rittenhouse, T.A.G., R.D. Semlitsch and F.R. my attention since the publication of Johnson Thompson III. 2009. Survival costs (2000), Powell and Daniel (2000), and Daniel associated with Wood Frog breeding (2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, migrations: effects of timber harvest 2008). Readers are requested to notify the author and drought. Ecology. 90(6): pp. 1620- of any additional references that should be 1630. included in future compilations. Sabatino, S.J. and E.J. Routman. 2009. Phylogeography and conservation Crowhurst, R.S, J.T. Briggler, J.B. Koppelman, genetics of the Hellbender salamander K.M. Lohraff and J.A. Civiello. 2009. (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). Cryptobranchus alleganiensis Conservation Genetics. 10: pp. 1235– alleganiensis: Multiple clutches. 1246. Herpetological Review 40(2): 195. Scheffers, B., E. McDonald, D. J. Hocking, C.A. Daniel, R.E. 2008. Scavenging behavior of Conner and R.D. Semlitsch. 2009. Thamnophis sirtalis. Missouri Comparison of two artificial cover Herpetological Association Newsletter objects for sampling herpetofaunal (21): 15. communities in Missouri. Daniel, R.E. 2008. New size records for four Herpetological Review 40(4): 419-421. Missouri Snakes. Missouri Semlitsch, R.D., B.D. Todd, S.M. Blomquist, Herpetological Association Newsletter A.J.K. Calhoun, J.W. Gibbons, J.P. (21): 16. Gibbs, G.J.Graeter, E.B, Harper, D.J. Daniel, R.E. 2008. Additions to the Hocking, M.L. Hunter Jr., D.A. Patrick, bibliography of references on the T.A.G. Rittenhouse and B.B. herpetofauna of Missouri. Missouri Rothermel. 2009. Effects of Timber Herpetological Association Newsletter Harvest on amphibian populations: (21): 21-23. understanding mechanisms from forest Daniel, R.E., B.S. Edmond and J.T. Briggler. experiments. BioScience 59(10): 853- 2008. New Herpetological records 862. from Missouri for 2008. Missouri Stone, M.D. and D. Moll. 2009. Abundance and Herpetological Association Newsletter diversity of seeds in digestive tracts of (21): 9-14. Terrapene carolina and T. ornata in Dierenfeld, E.S., K.J. McGraw, K. Fritsche, J.T. southwestern Missouri. Southwestern Briggler and J. Ettling. 2009. Nutrient Naturalist 54(3): 346-350. composition of whole crayfish (Orconectes and Procambarus species) Literature Cited consumed by hellbender (Cryptobranchus alleganiensis). Daniel, R.E. 2001. Additions to the bibliography Herpetological Review 40(3): 324-330. of amphibians and reptiles in Missouri. Mott, C.L., M.A. Steffen and S.A. Albert. 2009. Missouri Herpetological Association Geographic Distribution: Storeria Newsletter. (14): 17-18. Daniel, R.E. 2002. Additions to the bibliography of amphibians and reptiles in Missouri.

Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter (22), 2009 13 Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (15): 39-40. Daniel, R.E. 2003. Additions to the bibliography of references on the herpetofauna of Missouri. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (16): 19-20. Daniel, R.E. 2004. Additions to the bibliography of references on the herpetofauna of Missouri. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (17): 17-18. Daniel, R.E. 2005. Additions to the bibliography of references on the herpetofauna of Missouri. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (18): 14-15. Daniel, R.E. 2006. Additions to the bibliography of references on the herpetofauna of Missouri. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (19): 17-18. Daniel, R.E. 2007. Additions to the bibliography of references on the herpetofauna of Missouri. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (20): 22-23. Daniel, R.E. 2008. Additions to the bibliography of references on the herpetofauna of Missouri. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (21): 21-23. Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians and Reptiles of Missouri (2nd ed.). Missouri Dept. Conservation. Jefferson City, MO. Powell, R and R.E. Daniel. 2000. Additions to the bibliography of amphibians and reptiles in Missouri. Missouri Herpetological Association Newsletter. (13): 22-23.

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