NOTES ON BATBAOHIANS OF THE PARAGUAYAN OHACO. 313 



XIII. BUFO MARINUS, L. 



The common toad of South America^ up to 150 mm. in 

 length from snout to vent. It feeds on all kinds of insects, 

 and is very useful in helping to keep down the mosquitoes. 

 One half-grown toad, sitting by one man's foot, picked off 

 fifty-two mosquitoes in the space of one minute, flicking them 

 up with his tongue as they settled. 



This toad, which may be found in every shed or outhouse, is 

 called by the natives "Pinnikk." Its call consists of three 

 bell-like notes, the middle one being the highest. The parotid 

 glands are enormously developed, and, if the toad is roughly 

 handled, are discharged like squirts. When wet weather 

 comes it hops out from its hiding-place, and proceeds to sit in 

 a puddle, with its head out. 



XIV. BuFO GRANULOSUS, Spix. 



A very common small toad, found in great numbers near 

 water after rain. Dark above, with black, brown, and greenish 

 blotches, and a light vertebral line. Skin much tuberculated. 

 Calls with a continuous bell-like tinkle, the vocal sac being 

 greatly distended. A great deal of variety in colour. 



Native name "Kelaelik." 



This species forms the chief food of the two newly de- 

 scribed species of Lepidobatrachus. 



XV. Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis, Cope. 



A brilliantly coloured grass frog, which I found breeding 

 freely in the Paraguayan Chaco, about 120 miles due west of 

 Concepcion (fig. 34). Above it is brilliant green, which may 

 become brown, grey, or bluish at will; below granular white. 

 The flanks are scarlet with black transverse bars, and the 

 plantar surfaces are a deep purplish black. 



