BATRACHIANS AND REPTILES OF OHIO. E15 
Desmognathus fusca fusca Raf. Above dark, with a inedian ‘dorsal 
band of lighter generally brown in color and specked with black. Below 
grey with black specks forming a marbling. Often the ground color above 
is brown, the median band being a lighter brown on the belly, the light pre- 
dominating. Very variableincolor. Costal grooves14. Length 4% inches. 
The sub-species jzsca, the commonest of our more aquatic 
salamanders, is distinguishable from the following sub-species, 
auriculata, by the absence of a series of reddish spots along the 
sides and also of a conspicuous ear-spot, the latter giving awriculata 
its sub-specific name. As fusca grows older, it becomes darker 
and darker, the several markings becoming less and less conspic- 
uous. It may be found almost anywhere where a stream of 
water flows over rocks that may give it shelter. On turning 
over stones, not completely submerged, a specimen or two of this 
salamander generally is seen making for the water which affords 
it concealment. As soon as the intruder withdraws, the sala- 
mander emerges from the water and takes its station beneath a 
convenient stone. In breeding season, the female les concealed 
under a stone with the eggs either wrapped in strings about her 
body or herself curled about the mass. 
In Ohio this is the prevalent form and is very common in all 
parts of the State. The larvae attain a length of three inches 
before becoming mature and inhabit springs and small bodies of 
water. They are brown, with black dots above, lighter below, 
retaining also the black dotting. The gills are short and incon- 
spicuous. Sometimes the back is dotted here and there with livid 
specks of red, but this disappears in the adult condition. These 
larvae are the common ‘'‘ lizards’’ of springs and are held to be 
poisonous. Of course they are absolutely harmless. 
Specimens in the U.S. Nat. Mus., recorded by Cope from Columbus, 
Highland Co. and Cincinnati. In the O. S. U. Mus., collected by J. C. Brid- 
well at Dublin; E. V. Wilcox in Warren Co.; by the author at Sugar Grove, 
Youngstown, Chillicothe, Newton Falls and Licking and Perry Cos. 
Desmognathus fusca auriculata Holb. As above, but darker, with a 
series of red dots along the sides and a black ear-spot. Dark predominant 
below. 
Not common in the State. One specimen in U.S. N. M. 
from Cincinnati. Habits as above. <A form found in the South 
and West. 
In U. S. Nat. Mus., recorded by Cope from Cincinnati. 
