2646 



FROGS AND TOADS 



1 



GRASSHOPPER FROGS. 

 (Natural size.) 



very abundant in Eastern and 

 Central North America, the 

 grasshopper frog derives its 

 name from its piercing, strident 

 cry, which resembles the noise 

 of its insect namesake. It fre- 

 quents stagnant waters, and is 

 fond of resting on the leaves of 

 aquatic plants. Unlike most 

 of its allies, it lurks among 

 plants, and seldom, if ever, as- 

 cends bushes or trees. 



Closely allied to 

 Typical Tree , . 



_ the last are the 



Frogs 



numerous species 

 of typical tree frogs (//j'/a) 

 which are by far the most beauti- 

 ful representatives of the entire 

 order, and are best known by the 



common European species. In this genus the pupil of the eye is horizontal, the toes 

 of both limbs dilated into discs, and those of the hind-foot more or less extensively 

 webbed, the tongue either adherent or more or less free behind, and the expansion of 

 the transverse processes of the sacral vertebra more or less strongly marked. As in 

 the last genus, there are teeth on the vomers. Represented by about one hundred 

 and fifty species, this genus has a distribution coextensive with that of the family; 

 the sole Indian member of the latter being included. The under surface of their 

 bodies is very different to that of the terrestrial species; for the skin, instead of being 

 smooth, is covered with granular glands, pierced by numerous pores, through which 

 the dew or rain, spread on the surface of the leaves, is rapidly absorbed into the sys- 

 tem, and reserved to supply the moisture necessary for cutaneous respiration. Ex- 

 cept during the breeding season, when the greater number of them seek the water, 

 or when they retire before the cold of winter or drought of summer under mud, be- 

 neath stones, the bark of trees, or in other safe spots, these frogs spend their lives 

 among the leaves of trees, where they find alike their dwelling places and their 

 hunting grounds. As in the case of the flying frogs, their color harmonizes exactly 

 with their natural surroundings, and changes even more rapidly than that of the 

 chamaeleons. So exactly indeed do they resemble the foliage among which they 

 hide, that it is often difficult to tell frogs from leaves; and it has been noticed that 

 where there is the greatest variety and brilliancy of color among the forest trees, the 

 tree frogs attain their most brilliant and varied tints. 



The European tree frog (H. arborea) , which is one of three species inhabiting 

 the Old World proper, has a wide geographical distribution, inhabiting the greater 

 part of Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas as far east as Japan, and North Africa. 

 With the exception of the higher mountain ranges and the extreme north, as well 

 as Norway and Britain, it is spread over the whole of Europe, although varying 



