36 SALAMANDRA RUBRA. 



with the pupil black and the iris golden and large. The neck is not much con- 

 tracted, and has a marked cutaneous fold at the throat. 



The body is cylindrical and stout; the anterior extremities are small, and are 

 furnished with four fingers; the posterior are larger, and have five toes, slightly 

 palmated at their root. The tail is shorter than the body, thick at the root, but 

 soon becomes tapering, ends in a point, and is compressed laterally. 



Colour. The whole superior surface of the animal is red, with a few scattered 

 black points about the head, and becoming very numerous along the back and 

 tail; the flanks are brighter red and immaculate; the whole inferior surface of 

 the animal is orange-red; the extremities are coloured hke the flanks above, and 

 like the abdomen below, but rather less bright. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 6 lines; length of body, 2i inches; length of tail, 

 2 inches: total length, 4 inches 9 lines. I have observed individuals of still 

 greater dimensions. 



Habits. The Salamandra rubra is a land animal, and is found under rocks, 

 fallen and decaying trees, &c., and preying on such small insects as inhabit the 

 same localities. Dr. Green has also frequently seen it in the water, whither it 

 doubtless repaired during the breeding season; and he observed that it was then 

 much more lively and active than when met with on land. 



Geographical Distribution. This Salamander inhabits the Atlantic states 

 from Massachusetts to Florida, inclusive; but I have no knowledge of its 

 existence west of the Alleghany Mountains. 



General Remarks. Palisot de Beauvais was the first naturalist who observed 

 this animal, which is certainly one of the most beautiful of our Salamanders; he 

 found it under logs and in shady places in Pennsylvania, during his residence 

 there. 



