NATURAL SCIENCES OP PHILADELPHIA. 123 



C. maculata. Ambystoma maculatum Hallowell, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci., 

 Second Series, vol. iii. p. 355. 



This species, which inhabits New Mexico, makes the nearest approach to the 

 preceding genus in the form of the series of palatine teeth. In this respect it 

 also exhibits too great a departure from the straight or slightly angular series 

 of Ambystoma, to remain in that genus. 



3. Ambystoma (Tsch.) 



The nearest approach to the preceding species, in general appearance and 

 form of the palatine series, is seen in the Ambystoma nebulosumof Dr. Hal- 

 lowell : but the processes are not arched, but straight, presenting an obtuse angle 

 forward. 



The genus Xiphonura Tschudi (Heterotriton Gray) does not seem to be suffi- 

 ciently distinct either with respect to dental peculiarities, or the form of the 

 tail. Though Ambystoma ingens, luridnum, and Californiense re- 

 semble each other in these points, and are quite different from the A. opacam, 

 yet by the intervention of such species as A. tigrinum (Green) 1 uscnm 

 (Hallowell) b i c o 1 o r (Hall.) p u n c t a t um (Linn.), which show a regular 

 gradatiou of form, the hiatus is filled, and no generic division can be made. 



The following species appears to be undescribed : 



A. c o n s pe r s um . Head oval, rather large ; extremities slender, fourth toe 

 twice as long as second ; tail not longer than body, much compressed; tongue 

 elliptical, very slightly free at the sides ; palatine teeth in two short patches 

 between the internal nares, presenting a concavity backwards. Length 1 inch 

 10 lines : head 4 1. : body 9 1. : tail 9 1. Head, back and tail cinereous brown, 

 finely speckled with white dots, which are confluent on the snout. An indis- 

 tinct row of white spots on the sides. Beneath dirty white. 



Londongrove, Chester Co., Pennsylvania. 



The animal described was probably not fully grown, so that though the 

 measurements indicate the smallest known Ambystoma, the adult may be 

 larger. We are unable to refer it as the young of any of our Pennsylvania 

 Ambystomata. The form of the tail would indicate aquatic habits, but it was 

 found in the woods, and when placed in water showed the greatest aversion 

 to it. 



It resembles Ambystoma porphyritic um of the Academy's collection, but 

 differs in color of abdomen, lateral series of spots, and larger head and mouth. 

 (We allude to the specimen f<orn the Wabash, presented by Dr. McMurtrie). 

 The two latter points, it will be noticed, are those in which this Wabash 

 specimen differs from Prof. Green's description, according to Dr. Hallowell. 

 (Proc. A cad., Feb. 1 856). A. porphyriticum has as yet been found west of 

 the Alleghanies only. The young of A. 1 a te r al e (Hall.) is not known, nor 

 has the geographical distribution of that species been well ascertained. We 

 have been unable to find Gray's description of his A. p u n c t u 1 a t u m, which 

 is, however, a Californian species. 



4. Onychodactylds(TscIi.) The genus Ensatina (Gray) which is stated by 

 Dr. Hallowell (Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. vol. 8, p. 238) to be destitute of sphenoidal 

 teeth, may enter this subfamily. 



2. SPELERPINJE. 



Palatine teeth in short series upon transverse processes of the palatine bone; 

 sphenoidals numerous, aggregated upon two thin, ovate or elongate bony plates 

 (becoming cartilaginous), which lie longitudinally and contiguously upon the 

 sphenoid bone. Tongue (generally) thin, borne upon the much exserted carti- 

 laginous elongation of the os hyoides ; some genera with an additional anterior 

 membranous attachment. Form slender; skin smooth. North America and 

 Europe. 



1859.] 



