NOTES ON BATRAOHIANS OF THE PARAGUAYAN CBACO. 329 



approached to within two feet, it will make a vicious spring at 

 one with its gigantic mouth wide open. If it succeeds in 

 seizing any part of its tormentor, it holds on like a bulldog. 

 The habit it has of distending its lungs to their fullest when 

 teased has given rise to the idea amongst the Argentine 

 people that if teased sufficiently it will burst. 



It is perhaps needless to say that I was disappointed in my 

 efforts to obtain this end. The Ceratophrys lives chiefly off 

 other frogs and toads, but it is said also that it will seize and 

 devour young chickens. The largest I saw was 120 mm. in 

 length. 



Lepidobatrachus, J. S. B. N. g. 



Pupil horizontal. No vomerine teeth ; transverse processes 

 of sacral vertebrae not dilated. Large teeth in upper jaw; 

 also two large teeth in dentaries of lower jaw. Tongue cir- 

 cular and free behind. Nostrils the most elevated portion of 

 the head. Eyes close together, not more than the diameter 

 of the eye apart. Fontanelles in the parietal region. Outer 

 metatarsal tubercle very large. Great development of mem- 

 brane bones in the head ; width of jaw very great. Tympanum 

 fairly distinct. 



XXIII. Lepidobatrachus asper, J. S. B. N. sp. 



Hind legs carried forward, toes reach barely to the eyes. 

 Tips of toes horny. Skin of dorsal surface a dull leaden 

 colour, much tuberculated and tough. 



This frog lives continually in muddy pools. Its habit is to 

 float with just the eyes and nostrils above the surface. If 

 disturbed it slowly sinks to the bottom, leaving no ripple on 

 the surface of the water. It feeds largely on Bufo granu- 

 losus. 



XXIV. Lepidobatrachus ljevis, J. S. B. N. sp. 

 This may possibly be the same species as the last, but 



