33 



localities from which it has beeu reported are: Brookville (Hughes), 

 Terre Haute (Blatchley), Irvington (W, P. Hay), Wabash County at 

 North Manchester (A, B. Ulrey). Mr. Hughes states that it was found 

 in the raoss at the roots of trees which stood near ponds. In this moss 

 were also found the eggs. One of Mr. Hughes' pupils found about forty 

 specimens, but did not secure them. The eggs are said to resemble those 

 of that eminently terrestrial species Plethodon cinereus. ■ Since the eggs 

 were found near the water, it is possible that the larvse spend a portion of 

 their lives in that element. Prof. Cope says that the gills are absorbed 

 at an early period of life, and he thinks that the animal never enter the 

 water. The food is said to consist principally of worms and insects. 



When this species has beeu dropped on its back, it will often lie for a 

 time perfectly quiet, as if feigning death. I have heard it give a faint 

 squeak like the scratching of a quill toothpick against paper. It can 

 readily climb a perpendicular surface, and it can suspend itself by its tail. 

 When thrown into water, it may hide for awhile at the bottom, but it 

 soon endeavors to get out. The smallest specimen that I have seen is one 

 from North Manchester, the total length of which is a little less than an 

 inch and a half. 



Genus PLETHODON, Tschiidi. 



Plethodon, Tschudi, 1838, 99, 59; Boulenger, 1882, ;?<?, 53; Cope, 

 1889, 51, 132. 



Vomero-palatine teeth in two more or less oblique series which lie be- 

 hind the choanje. Paraspheuoidsl teeth present. Premaxillaries separated. 

 Digits 4-5. Tongue free laterally, but attached medially in front. 



Species belonging to North America seven. Of these, four occur on 

 the Pacific Coast. 



Key to the Eastern United States Species of Plethodon. 



Costal grooves 16 to 19. Color above ashy, or with a red dorsal band. 



cinereiis. p. 33. 

 Costal grooves 14. Color above black, with small white dots. 



glutinosus. p. 36. 

 Costal grooves 13. Color above black, with large yellow spots. 



ceneus. Appendix. 



Plethodon cinereus, (Green). 



Ashy Salamander; Red-backed Salamander. 



Salamandra cinerea, Green, 1818, 2, 356; Plethodon cineriis, Tschudi, 

 1838, 99, 92 ; Cope, 1889, 51, 133 ; Salamandra erythromta, Green, 1818, 

 2, 356; Plethodon erythronotus, Baird, 1849, 2, 285; Boulenger, 1882, 

 28, 57. 



(3) 



