116 MENOBRANCHUS LATERALIS. 



gills, and terminate in four small fingers destitute of nails; the posterior extremi- 

 ties are nearly of the same size as the anterior, and terminate in four unarmed 

 toes. 



Colour. The head above, as well as the whole superior surface of the animal, 

 is uniform dusky-brown; from the nostrils on each side extends a dark or even 

 black vitta through the eye, along the flanks, though there it is less distinctly 

 marked, and is finally lost on the tail. The inferior is dirty flesh-colour at the 

 throat and abdomen. The branchial tufts are of beautiful crimson colour during 

 the life of the animal, but become discoloured and dark soon after death. I have 

 never seen the Menobranchus lateralis alive, yet I have every reason to believe 

 the accompanying plate to be accurately drawn and coloured, as it was done from 

 life by Mr. Heimors, under the direction of Professor Troost. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 11 inches; length of body to vent, 7 inches; 

 length of tail, 3.j inches: total length, 12 inches. 



Habits. The Menobranchus lateralis fives in deep waters, and feeds on small 

 shell-fish, crustaceous animals, &c. &c. 



Geographical Distribution. This reptile has a wide range, it being found in 

 many of the rivers and streams that open into the Mississippi on its eastern side, 

 but I am not aware of its existence west of that river. Say found it as far north 

 as Pittsburgh, in Pennsylvania, and Troost as far south as Cumberland river, in 

 Tennessee. 



General Remarks. The Menobranchus lateralis was first described by Say 

 from a specimen taken by himself with a hook in the Alleghany river. He con- 

 sidered it a Triton, and applied to it the specific name "lateralis," from the dark 

 "vitta" along the side of the head and body. At first I was disposed to believe 

 that the Menobranchus maculatus and the Menobranchus lateralis were one and 

 the same animal; but I am now convinced that the latter is at least a well marked 



