FAMILY SALAMANDRID^E. 77 



nating. On the flanks beneath, dull yellowish, punctate with brown. Sides of the tail similar 

 to the dorsal surface. Chin whitish ; the lower lip dotted with brown ; a light colored stripe 

 from the nostrils to each eye. 



I have been particular in noting these appearances, as it may serve as a guide to closet 

 naturalists, and exhibits the futility of creating species from cabinet specimens. I had fallen 

 into this error myself in relation to the species under consideration ; and previous to the publi- 

 cation of Dr. Storer's description, had entered it in my list of species as new, with an appro- 

 priate name. I am indebted to my friend Dr. Holbrook for correcting my description. 



Dr. Emmons found it under a stone at Newcomb, Essex county, in this State. It has been, 

 seen in Massachusetts and Vermont. 



THE BLOTCHED SALAMANDER. 



Salamandra fasciata. 



PLATE XVII. FIG. 40. — (COLLECTION OF MAJOR LE CONTE.) 



Salamandra fasciata. Green, Joum. Acad. Nat. Sciences, Vol. 1, p. 350. 



S. id. Harlan, Medical and Phys. Researches, p. 94. 



,S. id. Holbrook, N. Am. Herpet. Vol. 4, p. 103, pi. 23. Storer, Mass. Rep. p. 247. 



Characteristics. Grey, with large bluish black blotches on the upper part of the body and 

 tail ; beneath deep blue. Length five inches. 



Description. Body robust. Head moderately broad, short, thick and rounded. Mouth 

 large. Eyes large and prominent. Nostrils lateral, and near the snout. Legs robust ; 

 anterior four-toed, the posterior five-toed and longer ; all with separate toes. Tail shorter than 

 the head and body, subcompressed, ending in rather an obtuse point. 



Color. Grey above, with irregular transverse bluish black patches on the head and body. 

 A large triangular spot on the head. On the tail, the patches are so arranged as to cause the 

 tail to appear annulate with grey and black. Summit of the head ash, punctate with dusky. 

 Irides varied with greyish. Abdomen uniform blue-black. Toes annulate with blue and grey. 



Length, 5*2. 



Of tail, 2-3. 



I am indebted to Major Le Conte for the drawing of this remarkable species, which he had 

 observed in the western part of this State. It has been observed from Massachusetts to 

 Carolina. It has also been noticed in Ohio. 



