508 PROCEEDINGS OF THE INDIANA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. 



8. Diemyctylus viridescens (Rafinesque). 

 Newt. 



The NeAvt is fouud throughout the eastern part of the United States 

 and is partieularh" abundant in the north and northeastern part of its range. 

 At Lake Maxinkuekee only one example was captured; this was obtained in 

 Farrar's pond, June 11, 1901, while collecting crawfishes. In addition to the 

 example captured another very small one was seen in the swamp adjoining 

 the lake below Farrar's, but it quickly hid among leaves in the bottom. 



This graceful and bright-colored little batrachian is probably common in 

 the region of the lake in woodland ponds. It is so elusive, however, that it 

 is difficult to capture. It is a graceful, rapid swimmer, quickly dodging under 

 leaves when pursued. 



This salamander lays its eggs, round, clear objects, among the 

 leaves in the bottom of brooks and ponds. They can frequently be found in 

 late spring by lifting up the leaves, the minute yelloAv larvne wriggling inside 

 the clear envelop. 



Above olive green or reddish of varying shades; lemon j'ellow l)elow; each 

 side usually with a row of several rather large .scarlet spots, each surrounded 

 by a black ring; back with a pale streak; belly with small black dots; head 

 with 3 longitudinal grooves; three large pores behind eye. Length 3.5 inches. 



9. Bujo americanus Le Conte. 

 Common Toad. 



The toad, familiar everywhere over the eastern United States, is not 

 particularly common about the lake during summer and autumn. One 

 occasionally sees them hopping about in the grass or along the road, usually 

 one at a time. In the breeding season, however, they congregate in large 

 numbers in pools and along the lake shore. Only a few examples were taken 

 but they could be captured almost anywhere about the lake. 



The last seen in 1900 was on October 6, at which time they were observed 

 working their way backward into the ground, as if to hibernate. From 

 March 31 to April 11, it was noticed that- chickens were scratching them out 

 of their winter-quarters and eating them. They (tame out of winter-quarters 

 about April 23, when they repaired to the water at once and began singing. 

 By April 27 they were in full chorus in a pool by the railroad, and 

 were busy mating and spawning. The height of the mating season extended 

 from about the last of April until well into May, although they continue 

 mating until the ■4th of July and perhaps even later. They have been heard 

 singing as late as August 26. 



A great num])er were observed mating in Culver Inlet, April 30. The males 

 cling very tightly to the females; some ca])tured and kept all afternocm in a 

 botanj' can filled with plants did not relax their hold. The singing toads are 



