HYLODES GRYLLUS. I33 



Geographical Distribution. The Hylodes gryllus is found on the Atlantic 

 coast from latitude 43° to the Gulf of Mexico, and is very abundant in Carolina 

 and Georgia; but as yet I have no evidence of its existence west of the Alleghany 

 mountains. 



General Remarks. The first notice of this animal is found in Bartram's 

 Travels in Carolina and Florida; he calls it the Savannah Cricket, and gives a 

 tolerable account of its manners. This animal forms a good connecting link 

 between the genus Rana and Hyla, and seems to partake of the habits of both, for 

 though it likes water at all times, yet it may be found on aquatic plants waiting 

 for its prey; and it has the power of adhering to smooth surfaces like the Hylas, 

 but much less perfectly, as it can never sustain itself on the under surfaces of 

 leaves, &c. 



For the present I am disposed to arrange this animal with the Hylodes of 

 Fitzinger: for 1. The extremities are slender, with the fingers and toes only 

 slightly swelled at the tips; and, 2. It cannot belong to the genus Rana, as it 

 wants a bony sternum, &c.* 



Diimeril and Bibron have established a new genus, Acris, for the reception of 

 this animal and the Cystignathus nigritus; but I see no reason for removing it 

 from that of Hylodes, especially as thier genus is characterized by having the toes 

 free. 



* See the Anatomical part of this work. 



