78 TRITON DORSALIS. 
Cotour. The whole superior surface of the Triton dorsalis, head, neck, and 
body, as well as the tail and extremities, is of an olive-brown colour, with often a 
tinge of green, and numerous small dots of black, most abundant on the tail; on 
each side of the vertebral line is a row of bright or red spots, symmetrically 
disposed; these spots vary a good deal in size in different individuals, but their 
colour is almost always the same. The inferior surface of the animal, throat, 
abdomen and tail, as well as the anterior and posterior extremities, is orange, 
studded with small black dots, most numerous about the abdomen and throat. 
Dmensions. Leneth of head, 5 lines; length of body, 1 inch 44 lines; leneth 
foo) t=} y ©. 
of tail, 2 inches: total length, 3 inches 9 lines. 
Hagirs. The Triton dorsalis is eminently aquatic in its habits; I have never 
heard of its being found on land, and indeed, when taken from its native element, 
its progression is difficult, its skin becomes dry, and it soon dies. In water it is 
very hardy, supporting great cold, and is torpid only during the excessive cold of 
winter; for I have frequently observed them under ice of an inch thickness, 
swimming with great vivacity. 
Geocrapnicat Distrisution. ‘This animal is found from one end to the other 
of the Atlantic States; I have seen it in Maine, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. 
Genera Remarks. The Triton dorsalis was first described by Dr. Harlan. 
