462 



Dr. H. von Ihering on the 



now been fortunate enough to elucidate this mystery. Phyllo- 

 medusa does not lay its eggs in the water, although the larva 

 develops in that element, but in the open air, in masses 40- 

 50 millim. long by 15-20 broad, between leaves hanging over 

 the water. Willows are frequently used for that purpose. 

 The egg-mass contains rather large white ova, wrapped up 

 between two or three leaves, in such a way as to be completely 

 enveloped save an inferior opening. My attempts at rearing 

 the eggs failed owing to the leaves drying up ; but I am 

 assured that the tailed larvse may be seen wriggling in the 

 gelatinous mass. As at a later period the latter is found 

 empty, we must infer that the larvae drop into the water below. 

 The eggs are found only on plants hanging over stagnant 



A branch with two egg-masses {a, b) enveloped in leaves. 

 Natural size. 



water. The adult animal is a stupid creature, and will let 

 itself be taken without attempting to escape. Their mode- 

 rately loud voice resembles somewhat the sound produced by 

 running the finger-nail along a thick hair- comb. 



Only during the breeding- season (January) do these frogs 



