Rana aesopus 345 



HATCHING PERIOD 



We have only one observation on the period of hatching. Eggs laid in the 

 night time between 8:00 p.m., August 16, and 9:00 a.m., August 17, 1922, in 

 a cypress pond hatched on August 21, 1922, or in about 4 to 4 1/2 days. On 

 the same date near by in an open shallow pond spadefoots began laying in the 

 day time where water was at least 80° F. or higher. These eggs hatched in 

 i-i 1/2 days. In mid-day the water was warm. We had no thermometers 

 but the water doubtless reached 90-95° or 100° F. The shade of the cypress 

 pond, however, lengthened the period for the gopher frog and the temperature 

 did not go above 70 or 80° F. 



MATURE TADPOLE 



Color description from life {August 1, 1922). At times the tadpole has a 

 very greenish cast. Color on top of the head oil yellow, olive green, olive lake 

 or old gold ahead of level of eyes. Back of eye level yellowish citrine or olive 

 citrine where there are no black spots. 



About four irregular series of black spots between lateral line series of spots 

 of either side. Lateral line pores closely set and lateral line canal distinct to 

 the tip of the tail. A dark spot on each upper eyelid. A dark spot or spots in 

 interorbital space. Top of head ahead of eye with several fairly large spots. 

 Spots most distinct and numerous from nostril to base of muscular part of the 

 tail, being on the sides interspersed with light pinkish cinnamon or pinkish 

 buff. This color is present on muscular tail and slightly on upper and lower 

 crests as small clusters. This light pinkish cinnamon or pinkish buff merges 

 into the block color of the belly which is cream-buff, colonial buff, or naples 

 yellow. This block color breaks up in gill or bronchial region becoming clusters 

 of fine dots or spots. Below eye to either side of bronchial region is some 

 light vinaceous cinnamon or vinaceous fawn. Middle of bronchial region 

 without these colors but with a slight fine speckling of black lines. 



Background color of the tail mignonette green. Upper crest and muscular 

 part with large spots of black. Lower crest without large distinct spots except 

 at the tip. 



Iris rim around pupil orange or dandelion orange to light cadmium. Rest 

 of iris black with mignonette green or apple green fine dots. 



General appearance. Tadpole large (84 mm.) full and deep-bodied. 

 Venter strongly pigmented so that viscera do not show through in life or in 

 preserved condition. Tail long, tip obtuse or acute. Dorsal crest in depth 

 sometimes equal to or greater than the depth of the musculature and extending 

 on to body somewhat ahead of the vertical of the buds of the hind limbs. 

 Spiracle sinistral, directed upward and backwards. Spiracle distinctly below 

 the lateral axis. Eye above or slightly on lateral axis, and near lateral outline 

 in dorsal aspect than mid dorsal line. Muciferous crypts distinct. The dorsal 

 row from either side of the insertion of the dorsal crest extends obliquely for- 

 ward and outward to join the principal lateral row which extends from above 

 the middle of the tail musculature to back of the eye. Here it forks, sending a 



