37 



This species resembles the variety laterale of Ambystoma jeffersonianum, 

 and to a lesser extent Ambydoma microstomum. It may be distinguished 

 from both by the possession of parasphenoidal teeth. 



This species, like its relative, P. cinereus, appears to be wholly terres- 

 trial. It probably never enters the water, even for the purpose of laying 

 its eggs, although Smith {18, 726) states that in Georgia it enters the 

 water in April for the purpose of breeding. If the young ever have gills 

 they are lost at a very early age. The species spends its life hiding under 

 logs and stones, whence at night it comes forth to seek its prey. This 

 consists of insects, and probably any other small animals that may fall 

 within its reach. It is quite active while moving over the ground, al- 

 though it can not run so rapidly as Spelerpes loiigicaudus and Desynognathus 

 fusca. It moves with a sort of leaping and wriggling motion. It is es- 

 pecially remarkable for the development of prehensile powers in its tail. 

 It will wrap its tail around one's finger and hang there for an almost in- 

 definite time. Although given to living on land it shows no aversion to 

 entering the water. 



Prof. Cope (51, 142) says that it is found more abundantly in mouu- 

 taneous districts, and haunts rocky localities as well as forest mold and 

 fallen logs. He thinks that it prefers a cool climate. It appears, how- 

 ever, to be abundant in Southern Illinois, and I found numei'ous and 

 large specimens in the low lands of Eastern Mississippi. 



Genus SPELERPES, Rafinesque. 



SpeUrpes, Rafinesque, 1832, 107, i, 22. 



Vomero-palatine teeth in two series, which either converge backward 

 without reaching the parasphenoids, or run transversely to the anteri- 

 orly prolonged parasphenoidal patches. These patches either separated 

 or joined along the middle line. Tongue small, supported on a central 

 stalk, mushroom-like. Premaxillaries ankylosed, their spines enclosing 

 a fontanelle. Limbs moderately well developed ; digits 4-5. 



This gfiuus, as limited by Cope, contains ten species, three of which 

 belong to Mexico, the remainder to the United States. S midtipUcatus, 

 being found only in the Southwestern United States, is not here de- 

 scribed. 



Key to the North American Species of Spelerpes. 



A. With 21 costal furrows ; color, dark. midtipUcatus. 



AA. With 15 costal furrows; body stout; color, red, with black 



spots ; vomero-palatines meeting the prolonged parasphenoids. 



ruber. Appendix. 



