Darwin Day — A Serpent in the Garden

Darwin Day — A Serpent in the Garden

Snakes are fascinating animals whose evolutionary trajectory has led them to become one of the most successful and widespread predators on earth. Found on every continent except Antarctica and occupying almost every conceivable ecological niche, these extraordinary limbless tetrapods tell the story of one of evolution’s most successful animal lineages.

Join us in celebration of Darwin Day with a talk on snake evolution, featuring Larry Mendoza as he teaches us about:
— Cultural and evolutionary history of snakes
— Basic Taxonomy
— Unique Anatomy and Physiology of snakes
— Venom
— Common Virginia snakes

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Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82081414687?pwd=cTEra0cvWCtWdm5DT3dVZUhDL2c0Zz09
Meeting ID: 820 8141 4687
Passcode: 298399
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Our Speaker:
Larry Mendoza is the past president of the Virginia Herpetological Society and is the current chair of the regulatory affairs committee. In his current role, Larry represents the VHS when contacting local and state administrators, legislators and other policy makers regarding the interests of the VHS. He also sits on the Advisory Board for the Department of Wildlife Resources and advises DWR on issues dealing with our native herpetofauna. Larry also gives public and invited talks on snakes and other herpetology related topics He has been invited to give talks, provide training, and attend tabling events across the state to educate the public on reptiles and amphibian biology, natural history, ecology, and the importance for herpetofauna conservation and gives talks to a variety of audiences from preschools to graduate course lectures. Larry has received professional training and certifications in the husbandry and handling of venomous snakes and has over 20 years of experience in keeping and handling venomous snakes.
Larry holds a Masters of Science in Biology from Virginia Commonwealth University and is currently employed at VCU working as the university’s Laboratory Safety Officer and Hazardous Waste Program Manager.
Larry is passionate about educating the public on both native and exotic snakes and is a big proponent of citizen science and getting the public involved in herpetological research.
Larry is also an assistant director for American Atheists and former state director and is involved in advocacy and activism related to church/state separation.

About the Virginia Herpetological Society:
Organized in 1958, the Virginia Herpetological Society brings together people interested in advancing their knowledge of Virginia's reptiles and amphibians. The VHS encourages scientific study of Virginia herpetofauna and its conservation. Education continues to be an important society function.
Society meetings are held twice each year, in spring and fall, at different locations throughout the state. The program is open to all members and guests and includes an educational workshop, a business meeting, and a contributed papers session during which members present information on their research and interest with Virginia's reptile and amphibians.
The Fall Meeting Workshop trains members and educators on the identification, conservation, and captive care of common reptile and amphibian species, as well as those that are threatened and endangered. A two-day trip during the Spring meeting teaches members field sampling techniques and identification by professional herpetologists.
The VHS publishes a bulletin, CATESBEIANA, twice each year that contains research, field notes, and other information on various aspects of herpetology submitted by its members. The society also produces a semi-annual newsletter to keep you informed on conservation, education, and upcoming events pertaining to the Commonwealth's reptiles and amphibians.