58 SALAMANDRA DORSAL1S. 



and terminate in five short flexible toes. The tail is thick at the root, but soon 

 becomes compressed at the sides throughout its whole extent. 



Colour. The whole superior surface of the Salamandra dorsalis, neck, head, 

 and body, as well as the tail and extremities, is of an olive colour, with a strong 

 tinge of green; on each side of the vertebral line is a row of bright or red spots, 

 symmetrically disposed; these spots vary a good deal in size in different indi- 

 viduals, but their colour is almost always the same. The inferior surface of the 

 animal, throat, abdomen and tail, as well as the anterior and posterior extremities, 

 is orange, studded with small black dots about the abdomen and throat. 



Dimensions. Length of head and neck, to anterior extremities, 7 lines; length 

 of body, 1 inch 2\ lines; length of tail, 2 inches; total length, 3 inches 9^ lines. 



Habits. The Salamandra dorsalis, is eminently aquatic in its habits; I have 

 never heard of its being found on land, and indeed when taken from its native 

 element, the water, its progression is difficult, its skin becomes dry, and it soon 

 dies. In water it is very hardy, supporting great cold, and is torpid only during 

 the excessive cold of winter; for I have frequently observed them under ice of an 

 inch thickness, swimming with great vivacity. 



Geographical Distribution. This animal is found from one end to the other 

 of the Atlantic States; I have seen it in Maine, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. 



General Remarks. The Salamandra dorsalis was first described by Harlan. 



