34 Records of the Indian Museum. [VoLo zal 
(4) In describing the colour, Mr. Ferguson observes that in 
life the body is almost transparent. 
I am perfectly certain that the tadpoles of M. rubra are 
opaque while the transparent character of the larvae of 
M. ornata is noticed by Capt. S. S. Flower and Mr. 
A. L,. Butler. 
(5) Further down Mr. Ferguson notices that the dark marks 
form a more or less diamond-shaped figure on the back. 
This is again a feature characteristic of the tadpoles of M. 
ornata and not met with in the allied form, viz. M. rubra. In 
the former species, if we follow the progress of metamorphosis, we 
may notice the diamond-shaped figure developing in the adult 
into ‘‘a large dark marking on the back, beginning between the 
eyes and widening as it extends to the hind part of the body.” 
Boulenger (Fauna, p. 412). 
Habits of the Adult. 
This frog does not appear to extend into the Malay Peninsula 
as may be judged from Mr. A. L. Butler’s account of the batrachi- 
ans of that region (J.B.N.H.S., Vol. XV, p. 387), nor does it 
occur in such abundance as the other little frog M. ornata. It is 
a deep digger as is evidenced by the presence of two powerfully 
developed metatarsal tubercles, and I have myself obtained speci- 
mens nearly two feet from the surface. The frog does not come 
out of the burrow during the hot weather and only a very heavy 
shower of rain, an inch and a half or two, can induce it to leave 
its hiding place. During the breeding season which in Madras 
comes off between November and January, and in Bangalore be- 
tween June and September, the batrachian generally remains on 
the surface hiding by day under stones, flower pots or in hedges 
and coming out to feed or spawn by night. ‘The frogs are very 
good jumpers, but if kept long in water show signs of distress. 
They feed voraciously on young termites and can stand captivity 
well. The call notes resembie the shrill chirping of a tree cricket 
from which they however differ in being an interrupted cry. It is 
by no means difficult to distinguish the cry of this species in the 
general babel of amphibian voices that ensue a heavy shower of rain 
in the night. 
Larva of R. breviceps. 
HW. S. Ferguson, J.B.N.H.S., Vol. XV, 1904, p. 502; Boulen- 
ger, Fauna, p. 451. 
These tadpoles were taken in conjunction with the larvae of 
M. rubya and were reared in the college aquarium. They differ 
from Mr. Ferguson’s account in so many particulars that I have 
no doubt that he is describing some other species. My specimens 
may be described thus :— 
The head and body.—-Body short and oval. Dorsal and vent- 
ral surfaces moderately flat or slightly arched.’ Snout obtuse or 
