URODELA OR SALAMANDERS, ETC. 



241 



parts. The limbs may be removed, and in less than a 

 year they will grow again ; and the newly-formed limbs 



FIG. 279. 



FIG. 2S<X 



Triton or Water-Newt, Diemictylus viridefcens, Rafinesque. 



may in turn be amputated, and will in turn he replaced 

 by others ! 



Both Salamanders and Tritons belong to one family, 

 the Salamandridse. 



Some kinds of salamandrine batrachians, as the Congo 

 Snakes of the South, and other 

 similar species, are said to be desti- 

 tute of gills at all periods of their 

 existence, breathing by means of 

 exposed spiracles or branchial ori- 

 fices at the sides of the neck. They 

 live in the water, and belong to the 

 family of Amphiumidae. 



The Congo Snakes have an eel- 

 shaped body, four imperfectly de- 

 veloped legs, and a single spiracle 

 on each side of the neck. 



FIG. 281. 



'Congo Snake," Amphiuma 

 means, Linn. 



Mud-Puppy, Menobranchus lateralis, Say. 



Other kinds of salamandrine batrachians, as the Sirens, 

 Menobranchus, Siredons, Proteus, etc., have permanent 

 11 



