ATS Conference 2009

noexcuse4you · ATS Conference 2009

Who's going? I am.

WBurke17

probably not me...

cacoseraph

are they still mad at us?

WBurke17

I dont think so ?

ftorres

Hello All,
I will try to go if I can.

Andrew, I don't think they were mad at us, just a little concern on some insignificant stuff.

should we try to contact them again?????

francisco

balam

Where this be at peeps?

WBurke17

Rio Rico Arizona

http://www.atshq.org/conference.htm

balam

Ahh que rico...

Nope, I wish I could say yup, but I will most likely not make it.

Herpetologyfrk

I'd like to go, looks fun, but unless I can tag along with someone I won't be able to make it.

rosenkrieger

Nick, we'll have to plan a carpool maybe. It wouldn't be hard for me to swing down through LA on the way.

crash714

Wow, very tempting. I might try to make this

Eric

Herpetologyfrk

rosenkrieger

Nick, I took a quick look at the route, and I found pretty easy one that goes right through Riverside :p

EdgarOrtega

Ich bin! Ich bin! I booked my room, at the Esplendor, this week. Mr. Green

BamBaboons

we should all stay at the same hotel so we can stick together easier, hell maybe even share some rooms for penny pinching sake.

i dont bite, i promise. Wink

ftorres

Hello ALl,

I will be attending the ATS this year.

Who is really going for sure????? I might take the family but I am not sure yet.
So we can plan on perhaps sharing rooms?????????

lets make a list of who is attending.

noexcuse4you

I am going for sure. However, I already have a roommate. I'll be staying with Jared (Canth on AB).

ftorres

HEllo ALl,
It seems like the wife and son are coming along with me, so I will book my room in a couple of days, in the event my wife changes her mind i will let you guys know in case you guys don't have a place to sleep.

francisco

Racheletc · ATS

I don't post here often, but I am going to ATS. I live in Lomita, so if anyone in the area needs a ride, let me know. I have room for 2 more in the jeep.

ftorres

HEllo All,

It seems like the wife and son are coming along with me.

I think that we should cordinate a caravan. Which day is everyone leaving to Arizona???

francisco

noexcuse4you

Alright, looks like my roomie has ditched out on me so I need a place to stay. I have a sleeping bag and will pitch in on a room if I can sleep on your floor. Anyone?

ftorres

Hello All,

Well it seems like my wife and son are not coming after all.

So Warren and Kyle you guys are welcome to share the room with me.

WBurke17

Frisco
Kyle
Johnnyster
Warren
3 weeks to go ....

ftorres

Hello All,
Here is the newest schedule for the conference.

I like that Dr W wehling from APHIS USDA will be talking about invert permiting and importation.

ATS Conference 2009

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UpdatedActivity Schedule

Thursday, July 23

5:00 PM: Check in and Registration (Sonora Ballroom). Those bringing artwork or crafts to exhibit in the art show may drop them off with Shasta Michaels at this time.

6:00 PM: Conference Mixer - the traditional ATS Ice-breaker!

This year, we’ve moved the festivities to the Sonora Ballroom and added some great ice-breaking activities. Come in, relax, and get to know your fellow arachnid enthusiasts!

Food provided courtesy of the ATS.

7:00 PM: The “FinishMaster 500”: The World Famous ATS Cockroach Races! We’ve made this event part of the mixer since it’s such a great ice-breaker! There will be medals and trophies awarded, and you can buy or rent your own cockroach to enter. Shasta Michaels is once again organizing the races, and she’s already cooking up ways to make them bigger and better! Do you think you’re above shouting at a bunch of bugs running on the floor? Think again! All cockroach rentals and purchases benefit the ATS. A big thanks to FinishMaster, Inc. for donating materials for this event.

Friday, July 24

9 AM to 12 PM The Exo Terra ® Spider Mall: Our popular vendor area will be open for business! Come browse an awesome selection of live arthropods, art, crafts, books and supplies! Location: Sonora Ballroom (Vendor Room).

Arthropod Art Show: New this year, we’ll have a selection of artwork from attendees and members on display whenever the Spider Mall is open! Come see the talent the ATS membership has to offer. Location: Sonora Ballroom (Spider Lounge).

9:30 AM -10:30 PM Panel Discussion: What is the current state of the arachnid keeping hobby? Come and join our panel of biologists, authors, hobbyists and dealers to discuss where we’ve been, where we are and where we’re going! Location: Sonora Ballroom (Lecture room).

11:00 AM-3:00 PM Field Trip: the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum

Transportation note: Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the field trip sites. Those without vehicles are advised to arrange for their rides in advance during the morning activities. We have been advised by the Arizona State Police that the car-caravans we’ve done in the past are very dangerous on the highways, so we will be meeting at pre-arranged rendezvous point at or near the trip sites. Maps and directions to the meeting points will be provided.

Grab a quick lunch after the panel discussion (or plan on eating at the museum) because then we’ll head north for an afternoon at the wonderful and world famous Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum! Despite the name, the ASDM is more like a zoo, with an incredible array of native wildlife on display in naturalistic and (mostly) outdoor habitats. There’s also a world-class natural history bookstore. Be sure to bring your official conference name badge for FREE admission (a $9 value!) to the museum throughout the conference! If you arrive late to the museum, just use your badge to gain admission and come on in!

3:00-5:00 PM: The Exo Terra ® Spider Mall reopens.

4:00-5:00 PM Tarantula Sexing Station opens: Patrick Mumford is back again to help people to sex their tarantulas using molts and to learn this valuable skill! A variety of techniques will be used and discussed! Bring a molt and learn the sex of the spider it came from or use one of the provided molts to practice.

4:30 -5:00 PM Book signing with Stan Schultz: The third edition of the Tarantula Keeper’s Guide came out this year and Stan Schultz will be here to sign your copy and answer your questions! If you didn’t bring a copy, a limited supply will be available for purchase!

6 PM - 7PM: Picnic Dinner

Following the afternoon’s activities, we’ll get together for a picnic provided courtesy of the ATS! Maps and directions to the picnic site will be provided. Night owls can stick around after the picnic for the scorpion hunt.

7 PM: Scorpion Hunt!

This trip will depart from the picnic site. For all you nocturnal scorpion fans, we’ll be heading into the desert for some blacklighting! Kari will lead a team of scorpion enthusiasts to blacklight the desert flats and hills on the way back to Rio Rico. Many opportunities to view Hadrurus arizonensis, Vaejovis spinigerus, and Vaejovis confusus abound (depending on weather and activity levels), with the possibility of seeing some not-so-common scorpion species and new locality records. Bring blacklights if you have them, spares for others who don't, if possible. Heavy boots and snake chaps are highly suggested, with a limited number of chaps provided for kids. If you are taking a vehicle, please prepare to help those without transportation.

Saturday, July 25

9 AM - 5 PM The Exo Terra ® Spider Mall: Our popular vendor area will be open for business! Come browse an awesome selection of live arthropods, art, crafts, books and supplies!

9:45 AM - 5 PM Lectures:
The lectures will not be given in the order listed below; the conference program will list the correct times.

9:45 AM Opening Remarks – Wade Harrell ATS President

10:00 AM: Giant Spiders Attack: A History of Giant Arthropods in Film

Presented by Wade Harrell

From the classic giant bug movies of the 50’s through the CGI animation of today, giant arthropods have a long history on the silver screen. Through film clips, we’ll explore a wide range of films, from the well-made to the laughably bad in this fun presentation.

Wade Harrell is the current president of the ATS and has written numerous articles for the ATS Forum Magazine, and also contributes material to other publications including Invertebrates Magazine. He is the primary animal keeper at Three Lakes Nature Center in Richmond VA where he oversees the husbandry of several hundred reptiles and amphibians. He also does outreach programs through his side business, Wade Harrell’s Traveling Bug Zoo.

10:30 AM: Cockroaches!

Presented by Orin McMonigle

Discussion includes cockroach hobby history, feeders for arachnids, and pet species including the present knowledge for the heaviest (and most expensive) species in existence.

In order to share his love for our smaller coinhabitants of the planet, Orin McMonigle has published invertebrate husbandry articles in The Keeper, Reptile and Amphibian Hobbyist, Exotic Insekter, Invertebrates-Magazine, Insecta, etc. and presently edits Invertebrates-Magazine. He has authored/co-authored more than a dozen books and care manuals including Allpet Roaches Guide to Pet and Feeder Roaches and Giant Millipedes - the Enthusiast's Handbook.

11:00 AM: So, what does Superstitionia donensis mean, anyway? Etymology and pronunciation, how to say scientific names and know what you're saying.

Presented by Kari McWest

We all have our way of saying those Greek and Latin, and otherwise species names of our critters and those we study, but are there rules for pronunciation? And what do all those weird names like "Theraphosa", "Aphonopelma", and "Anuroctonus" really mean? Why did the authors give these animals such names? Kari will hope to explain some of the answers, but it won't all be boring lists, there are actually many biologists with a sense of humor! Come prepared with questions of your favorite arachnid names.
Incidentally, Superstitionia is for the Superstition Mountains, east of Phoenix, and donensis is for the Dons Camp in Peralta Canyon in the Superstitions, where Stahnke first discovered the species.

Kari McWest is an Associate Editor of the ATS Forum Magazine and has been on the Editorial Board since 1994. His interest in scorpions and tarantulas began at age nine and he has been studying scorpions and desert ecology avidly since the 7th grade in Scottsdale, and high school in Tempe. He has been studying scorpions with Dr. W. David Sissom since 1990 and is part of the REVSYS Vaejovidae Revision team working on the montane scorpions related to Vaejovis vorhiesi with Dr. Sissom. Kari is a Chemist with Tyson Foods, Inc.

12:00 -1:00 Lunch Break

1:00 PM: A Veterinarian's Musings on Tarantulas

Presented by Dr. Kevin Wright

An exotic animal veterinarian discusses common problems encountered with captive tarantulas and offers his perspective on areas of research that would help improve their care in captivity. He will discuss several projects where private hobbyists may contribute their expertise and surplus specimens to improve the understanding of their health and treatments.

Dr. Kevin Wright is co-founder of Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital in Mesa, Arizona (www.azeah.com). He has worked in zoos, aquariums, and private practices for over 20 years and was recently named "Exotic DVM of the Year" by his colleagues. He has a special interest in invertebrates and has maintained over 20 species of tarantulas in the past 15 years and he has bred the beautiful but belligerent Usambara baboon spider. He currently works with a few Brachypelma species and Avicularia versicolor and has a magnificent female Poecilotheria regalis. In addition to tarantulas, he and his wife have maintained various other terrestrial invertebrates including centipedes, walking sticks, darkling beetles, cactus longhorn beetles, Narnia bugs, millipedes, pill millipedes, scorpions, whip scorpions, solfugids, and, of course, a couple of cockroach species. He has published articles on invertebrate care and medicine in proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference and the late lamented Insecta and Insect and Arachnida magazines.

1:30 PM Millipede Husbandry

Presented by Orin McMonigle
Rearing and breeding tips for the giant spirobolid and spirostreptids with concentration on native species including the largest peninsular species and the albino form of Narceus americanus (only known in captivity).

2:00 PM: An Overview of the Spiders of Southern Arizona

Presented by Jillian H. Cowles

The talk will cover the range and diversity of spiders found in southern Arizona, with a focus on their natural history. Included will be a colorful and photogenic array of jumping spiders, and spiders camouflaged to look like bird droppings. You’ll see bold and aggressive hunters and stealthy kleptoparasites that steal food from the webs of black widows; ambush hunters that blend with the petals of flowers and pirates that raid the webs of other spiders and prey on them; weavers of large webs, and spiders that subdue their prey by spitting venom and glue at them. Feeding, breeding and brood-rearing sequences will be shown for several species.

By vocation a clinical microbiologist, by avocation a field biologist and naturalist, Jillian is building a photographic database of all wildlife, both plant and animal, in the vicinity of her home near Colossal Cave, southeast of Tucson, Arizona. She is a third generation botanist/horticulturist with a healthy sprinkling of entomologists and arachologists in her family. She is currently working on a book on the natural history of spiders and other arachnids of southern Arizona.

3:00 PM USDA Regulations for Live Arthropods: Are You In Compliance?

Presented by Wayne F. Wehling

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service regulations affecting invertebrates will be covered. What does APHIS regulate and why? Which invertebrate organisms require permits and which do not? Who can get permits? All questions will be answered.

A childhood fascination with insects carried Wayne to Colorado St. Univ. for degrees in Entomology and Zoology then Washington St. Univ. for a Masters in Entomology and Ph.D. in Zoology. His doctoral work was on population genetics of host plant utilization in butterflies. A post-doc at Michigan St. Univ. led to positions as insect Collection Manager and Director of Outreach for the Entomology Dept. Since 1999 he has been with the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Headquarters in Riverdale, MD as a Senior Entomologist working with permitting and regulatory policy. His primarily focus is on live Arthropod imports for education, zoo and museum exhibits, and butterfly displays. He is also responsible for regulations and policy for honey bees and other pollinators. His professional interests surround the promotion and use of Arthropods in science education. He considers himself an insect ecologist and has kept tarantulas, scorpions, centipedes, etc. for about 15 years.

3:30 PM The potential utility of DNA-based taxonomy in Aphonopelma: a preliminary investigation

Presented by Dr. Brent Hendrixson

Brent will summarize the taxonomic history of Aphonopelma, highlight the many hurdles faced to revise this challenging genus, present new molecular data that shows great potential for solving many of the taxonomic problems, and discuss ways by which conference attendees can contribute to this important research.

Dr. Brent E. Hendrixson is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Millsaps College in Jackson, MS where he teaches organismal biology courses and studies the taxonomy, evolution, biogeography, and conservation of arachnids.

6:00 PM Pizza Party! Come join us for the traditional post-lecture pizza feast! This year, we’ll have the pizza out BEFORE the raffle!

6:30 PM The Legendary ATS Conference Raffle: Be sure to buy plenty of tickets! If you’ve never experienced that raffle, you will NOT believe the quality (and quantity!) of the prizes awarded!

Sunday, July 26th

9:00 AM Field trip (depart Rio Rico by 8:30 AM in order to meet in Green Valley by 9:00 AM).

This trip will depart FROM the town of Green Valley, AZ so be sure to allow a half-hour to get there from Rio Rico. Field trip participants will gather at a pre-arranged meeting place in Green Valley at 9:00 AM to go to locales in that region. After a lunch break (there are plenty of restaurants in Green Valley) we’ll head north towards Mt. Lemmon where we’ll meet for the second part of the trip. Specific meeting places (and directions) to be announced at the conference.

Conference Hotel:

We’ve arranged to keep the same room rate as last year, $87 a night, at the official conference hotel, the beautiful Esplendor Resort in Rio Rico, AZ (approximately 45 minutes south of Tucson). The resort is smack dab in the middle of prime arthropod territory, and offers all the amenities of a true resort hotel! There are many interesting attractions for those family members who may not be as interested in arthropds: http://hhandr.com/esplendor_attractions.php. When making your reservation, be sure to specify that you are part of the American Tarantula Society Conference in order to get the special rate!

Esplendor Resort *Official Conference Hotel*
1069 Camino Caralampi
Rio Rico, AZ 85648
P: 520-281-1901
Toll Free: 1-800-288-4746
E-mail: reservationsaz@hhandr.com
Website: www.esplendor-resort.com

Alternate Hotels:

Nearby Green Valley also has hotel options a mere 15 minutes from the conference hotel, including Baymont Inn (520-399-3736) and the Best Western (520-625-2250).

Camping:

For the adventurous, there’s also camping available at nearby Pena Blanca Lake. For information, contact:

Nogales Ranger District
303 Old Tucson Rd.
Nogales, AZ 85621
(520)-281-2296
(520)-281-2396 FAX

BamBaboons

=/ that sounds sooooo fun.. i wish could go..

Celeste

'Cisco: be sure to get info on what it takes to become a licensed importer! :-)

dna_splice

damn i will for sure plan for next year.... this seems awesome trip.. sleep in my van ::lol::

balam

ditto

noexcuse4you

Alright, what's the plan here? What time are you guys going to be there and when are we checking into the hotel?

WBurke17

the plan as of now is were going to leave Wed night around 8ish and head south, then were going to head someplace to look for some beatles (Frisco knows where) then after that pitch a tent somewhere under the stars till moring and then head to the Hotel, I dont know what time check in is but im sure if we get there early we can hit up the pool.

ftorres

Hello All,

Kyle,
the plan is to leave wed around 8 pm, we will hav e to drive to Rio rico first since we will be getting to PAyson at around 3 am that will be kind of late to look for D granti.

Check in is Thursday 3 pm and check out is Sunday 12 pm

regards
francisco

ftorres

Hello All,
We still have room for one more person.
let us know fast.

regards
francisco

Celeste

I would love some beetles if anyone finds any extras!!!

What

I would *love* a pair of Phanaeus either dead or alive... And/or a male of this(was found in southern AZ). Smile

a1_collection

Any bug collected in Arizona is welcomed for me.

I'll be able to pick them up at the Lorquin Show and Tell.

Herpetologyfrk

I still want to go, but still no paycheck yet.

I'll go next year =]

ftorres

HEllo,
Hey Nick,
Ask mom for an advance loan.

It won't be much, the total for the room is around 200 dollars plus gas and meals.

the room will go six way if you go, the gas too.

Hey people it will br around 90s and we will have some rains too.

So bring your ponchos and extra shoes.

francisco

Herpetologyfrk

Talked to my parents about it right now, they are broke. They said they would send me with you guys if they could, but they can't.

I called my grandma and left a message, I will keep you guys up dated.

Johnny

Ronin

Would love to go...maybe next year. A T/beetle or 2 y'all don't decide to keep or are not yet reserved for someone would be welcome.

Have a blast all & take tons of pics!

p.s. Keep an eye out for Johnny as he hunts for margaritas & senoritas. Laughing

WBurke17

Weve arrived drove all night but it was worth it, we beat the major heat and the hotel let us check in already.

balam

The invasion has begun Smile

Celeste

Did anyone find any bugs for those of us who couldn't go? (Just wondering).

ftorres

Hello All,
Pics will be up shortly.

We found lots of bugs

francisco

balam

... would it be possible to have a look at the video of Dr, Wheling on being compliant and importing?

ftorres

HEllo All,
OK here are some pics of bugs and arachnids we found in AZ

Ortophorus sp Found 2. One large and a smaller one (the hole next to the milli was made bty the smaller one)

Long Horn Beetle

Diving Beetle (This one came to the light while hunting for scorpions with the ATS group)

Toe bitter or Water Bug (This one came to the light at Pena Blanca, 2 were collected)

Small Wolf collected along the FWY on our way back while looking for Ts

Small Solifugid found in Pena Blanca feeding on the moths that came to the light.

Dung Beetles These guys also came to the light in Pena Blanca

Another Toe bitter or Water Bug that came to the light in Pena Blanca

We also found several Ts (Did not keep any), lots of Strategus aloeus,Pseudolucanus mazama,Plusiotis or Chrysina gloriosa,large Long horn beetles,one large click beetle,tiger beetles, tons of moths.

Unfortunately these bugs did not make it or have already die.
Will post pics once I pin them.

regards
francisco

ftorres

Hello All,
Here are some more pics from the conference

Ron,Johnny and Warren at the Hotel Room

Francisco,Ron,Johnny and Warren at the hotel room

The room

The view

Handsome guys Laughing

SCABIES invaiders

More Scenery, nice view!

The Hotel and the parking lot

fountain

True Bug found at the edge of the parking lot.

Kyle shopping

Kyle showing off

Kyle being his true self

Ken the bug guy table

Ron @ Ken the Bug guy table

John Uglykid (SFBATS/SCABIES)

Orin McMonigle from Elytra and Antenna

Tantulas Inc. Rebecca hall

Art Table

Raffle table

Brandon's table from Reptist

Krazy Eights table

Lony (SFBATS) and in the background Chris and Diane fisher

Christian Elowski and Anette

Chris from Krazy Eights

The kids table (Warren,Johny and Ron were told to stop playing around since it was for Kid, real kids.) Shocked

JK

Nice T shirts were for sale.

Patrick at the Sexing section.

Paul Bollinger from Florida and the Bugwife

Here is Me, Peter klausen (Bugs In CyberSpace)and his wife

ftorres

Hello All,
OK Ready for more???

Well Ready or not here they go!!!!

Night Collecting At Pena Blanca Friday Night
My set up
Nice Moths

Nice Beetles

My friend Bob Duff's and his Canadian friend real professiaonal set up.
Mercury Vapor lights run by small generators.
Notice the amount of stuff these sheets and lights attract.

Johnny was walking away from Warren, I think Warren told him that he looked like a walking condom.
Johnny was wearing the poncho to protect himself from all the moths, small,large and Huge that were crashing at us on their way to the sheets.

Noticed the two lights one is a black light and the other one is Mercury vapor light, these two produce two different light sprectums, not all the bugs are attracted to the Mercury light and vise versa.

Some Bugs just fly to the edge of the light, and not to the sheets so we were regularly walking around the camp to collect some cool stuff.
Most of my Dungs,Water bugs and Strategus were collected at the edge, not at the sheet.

Warren being very selective, he almost look like a pro.

Nice Tiger Beetle

Me next to the sheet,

Saturday Night
Collecting at Pena Blanca

Kyle and Scott looking at moths on the sheet.

Pure Darkness, wait I hear a noise perhaps a Bear??? or a Chupacabras???

Oh no it was only Warren,Anette and Dawn (dawnsfall on ATS) coming back from collecting scorpions down the road.

Warren acting like a chupa cabras!!!!!!
I did not want to tell him, he had a huge spider going up his shirt.

Moths started to come and just land around us, lots of nice ones.

ftorres

Hello All,
These were taken on our way back home.

I will recomend all to plan on attending next years ATS conference, it is a great experience, not only the Conference, the bugs and animals but the great company of friends.

These memories will definately stay with me for ever.
Looking forward to next years and hopefully next year we do find some D granti, that by the way I heard that they came out late this year.

Oscar, I am still trying to figure out how to download the videos so I can post them here.

Dr Wehling and Brent'ss presentations were the best ones

francisco

a1_collection

I can't look at your pictures of the light traps Fransisco. Just pure torture to look at all those bugs. Been a very quiet summer for the lights in my yard. I didn't get much compared to last year.

Fransisco, if you are going to the Lorquin Show & Tell bring some of those bugs dead or alive. I will trade you some Gemmatus nymphs for whatever you have.

Looks like you all had a great time in Arizona.

WBurke17

Great pics Frisco.

balam

great pictures Smile

I wish I had been able to go.
too bad the clicker beetle passed Sad

Those guys are cool. I also read somewhere that some dung beetles use polarized light in order to guide themselves back to their burrows.
I will wait patiently for that vid Wink

Thank you for posting.

What

ftorres, you find(or even bother looking for) any of those Megasoma in the dunes?

Also, when are the Dynastes supposed to be out this year? I will prolly be going to AZ in a awhile to visit family and it would be nice to know for planning. Wink

ftorres

Hello Kevin,

No we did not get a chance to go look for Megasoma punctulatus.

I heard that Dynates granti is out, it seems they were late this year.
So if you go you should be able to find some in Payson.

good luck.

francisco

Ronin

Awesome pics Frisco. Hope to be there with you guys next year.