What you missed at the July Show and Tell Meeting

By Holly Carter

As taxonomy continues to evolve, we'll use current species names for clarity.

Kayla Duff started off the evening with Helena, her vibrant Trinket Snake (Coelognathus helena) from India, a slender species reaching about 3–4 feet in length. She also brought her striking Blue Beauty Snake (Orthriophis taeniurus), a long-bodied species from Vietnam that can grow up to 9 feet.

Holly Carter shared a powerful Black-tailed Cribo (Drymarchon melanurus), a fast-moving predator native to Central and South America that can reach lengths of 6–10 feet. She also introduced a Black Pine Snake (Pituophis melanoleucus lodingi) from the southeastern U.S., known to reach up to 8 feet.

Roger Carter showcased a Spotted Python (Antaresia maculosa) from Australia and a fascinating Sioux snake knife replica featuring a rattlesnake head carved into the hilt.

Rory Wood brought Rusty, his Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus), and spoke about its care, enclosure setup, and feeding routine—having raised it from a hatchling.

Pat Hammond presented a family heirloom: a taxidermied Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum), offering a rare historical glimpse at this venomous lizard.

Jim Horton brought in a couple of rescued reptiles: a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and a Blue-tongue Skink (Tiliqua sp.), both requiring specialized husbandry to restore them to health. He also displayed a native Northern Water Snake (Nerodia sipedon) and shared artwork featuring Indiana’s four venomous snake species.

Ravi Sharpshanker impressed everyone with his hands-on amphibian care. He raised American Toads (Anaxyrus americanus) from egg mass to metamorphosis, releasing all but one—now a tiny juvenile the size of a nickel. Great work, Ravi!

Marcus Buonfante showcased his Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and also discussed his ant farm project. Using queen Carpenter Ants, he established a formicarium and shared insights into colony behavior and maintenance.

Bailey Russell introduced her Dominican Red Mountain Boa (Chilabothrus striatus), noting its need for both arboreal and terrestrial space. She also brought a Vinegaroon (whip scorpion) and described her breeding efforts across several species.

Kristin Bingham presented the nature center’s ambassador Rat Snake (Pantherophis obsoletus), used for public outreach and education. She also introduced a Chinese Praying Mantis (Tenodera sinensis), detailing how to distinguish their egg cases from native mantids and raising concerns about their invasiveness—especially their potential to prey on hummingbirds and small reptiles.

Jackson Schoettle wrapped up the evening with his impressive Red-tailed Boa (Boa constrictor). Inspired by fieldwork encounters, he now keeps and cares for this Central and South American species.