CHAPTER XXXII 



THE AMPHIBIA 



THE toads, frogs, salamanders, and a few other animals belong 

 to the class Amphibia. The toads and frogs are easily recog- 

 nized, but the salamanders are often confused with the lizards 

 among the reptiles. Lizards, however, are covered with scales, 

 and salamanders are naked. The eggs of amphibians are usually 



FIG. 177. Photograph of living mud puppy. (From Report N. Y. Zool 



Soc.) 



laid in the water, like those of the frog, and the young spend their 

 larval life in the water breathing by means of gills. Some am- 

 phibians remain in the water throughout life, but most of them 

 forsake the water as soon as they lose their gills and acquire 

 J.ungs, and they may be found in damp places. 



Tailed Amphibians. - - The salamanders, mud puppies, and 

 newts are tailed amphibians. The largest of these is the giant 

 salamander of Japan, which reaches a length of over five feet. 



299 



