598 The Animal Kingdom 



somely colored, as the common red-backed salamander, Plethodon cin- 

 ereus (Fig. 202,b), and the semiaquatic species, Eurycea bisHneata. 



The largest of the United States salamanders is the hellbender, 

 Cryptohranchiis alleganiensis. This form is permanently aquatic an(^ 

 has very weak legs quite incapable of supporting it. Cryptobranchus 

 lives only in the larger streams in our eastern states, and remains under 

 protecting vegetation or rocks during the day. It is a large ungainly 

 creature, up to 27 inches in length. Despite its rather frightening ap- 

 pearance, it is a harmless form. A Japanese species related to this at- 

 tains a length of 5 feet or more. 



Other permanently aquatic salamanders are the congo eel, Amphi- 

 mna, Siren, and the mudpuppy, Nectnrns (Fig, 202,h). Both Amphinma 

 and Siren are eel-like in shape with short legs. Siren has only the an- 

 terior pair of legs and possesses external gills. Necturus is a large gray- 

 spotted creature with heavy red, bushy gills. 



Various species of newts of the genus Triturus occur throughout 

 the United States. The eastern species, Triturus viridescens, begins its 

 life in water as a gilled larva. When it attains about one inch in size, 

 it loses its gills and transforms into a land form which is bright red in 

 color. This is known as the red elf stage. After one or two 

 years on land, it re-enters the water, becomes greenish yellow in 

 color, and has red spots along its sides. It now becomes an adult 

 and is ready to reproduce. 



At one time, salamanders were credited with unusual abilities to 

 withstand high temperatures and the effects of fire. This was probably 

 traced to the fact that salamanders often hide in rotten logs. If such 

 a log were burned, undoubtedly 'the salamander would attempt to 

 escape. Further, their possession of cold, slimy skins gave more evi- 

 dence to this rather preposterous theory. 



While many salamanders do have skin glands which secrete irri- 

 tating substances, they are entirely harmless and may be handled 

 with impunity. 



Anura. — The members of the family Ranidae are at times called 

 the "true frogs" perhaps due to the fact that they are the most familiar 

 members of this order. The well-known leopard frog, Rana pipiens, is 

 a member of this family. Other common ranas are R. catesbeiana, the 

 bullfrog which may attain a length of 6 or 8 inches; the green frog, 

 R. clamitans; the pickerel frog, R. palusfris; and the wood frog, R. 



