138 SALAMANDRAD^E. 



This species is much more durably aquatic in its habits 

 than the common smaller one, Lissotriton punctatus. It 

 occasionally, indeed, leaves the water, and I have found it 

 hibernating under stones ; but I believe this is not usual ; 

 it commonly remains torpid at the bottom of ponds and 

 ditches, until the warmth of spring recalls it into activity. 

 During this season of retirement the male loses his fine dor- 

 sal crest, and the web of the tail also becomes considerably 

 diminished ; but even before the return of the warm season 

 this characteristic sexual ornament becomes developed, to 

 be again lost in the following winter. It does not fall off; 

 but, like the tail of the Tadpole, is gradually absorbed. 

 The Newts ordinarily shed their skin in the same way 

 as other aquatic amphibia ; it comes off in shreds, and 

 is washed away as it becomes loose, but in Lissotriton it 

 has been observed on some occasions to come away entire. 



The head of this species is flattened ; the muzzle obtuse 

 and rounded ; the gape nearly straight, and extending a 

 little beyond the eyes ; teeth numerous, minute ; the upper 

 lip slightly pendulous, covering the margin of the under 

 jaw when the mouth is closed, but not forming a distinct 

 lobe. The trunk is continuous with the head, the neck 

 being only distinguished by a small fold of integument be- 

 neath. The body is thick, but not ventricose ; round, cor- 

 rugated, and covered with small warts or tubercles. There 

 are no parotids ; but there are two patches of simple pores 

 on each side of the head, and a line of similar pores run- 

 ning along each side, and somewhat distant from each 

 other. 



The tail is about two-fifths of the entire length, consider- 

 ably compressed, the upper and under margins sharply and 

 abruptly carinated. The anterior feet, when brought for- 

 wards, extend a little beyond the snout, each having four 



