The validity of Siren intermedia Leconte, with observations on its life history

Title Variants

Alternative: Life history of Siren intermedia

Related Titles

Series: American Museum novitates, no. 532

By

Noble, G. Kingsley (Gladwyn Kingsley),‏ ‎ 1894-1940
Marshall, B. C.

Type

Book

Material

Published material

Publication info

New York City, The American Museum of Natural History, [1932]

Notes

Title from caption.

"June 2, 1932."

There are two species of Siren widely distributed throughout United States. These are distinguished by size at ovulation, the average number of costal grooves, the size of the eggs, thickness of the egg-capsules, the coloration of the young for nine months after hatching, and the body proportions for a more extended period. 2. LeConte did not distinguish between these species when describing Siren intermedia, but we reinstate this name usually placed in the synonymy of lacertina and restrict it to the smaller species described here. 3. The recently hatched young of S. intermedia is remarkable for its long body, short tail, and broad dorsal fin extending the full length of the back. 4. Changes taking place in the head and forelimbs during the first fifty-five days after hatching are described. No balancer ever appears. 5. Reduction of the dorsal fin begins about two months after hatching but is not complete in some specimens until nine months. 6. Both species of Siren are nocturnal. The adult intermedia devours quantities of Spirogyra and possibly other algae with its animal food which consists of crayfish and molluscs.

Subjects

59.79S , Amphibians , Mexico , Salamanders , Siren intermedia , Sirenidae , Southern States

Call Number

QL1 .A436 no.532 1932

Language

English

Identifiers

OCLC: 31841190