126 ECONOMIC ZOOLOGY 



Of the Apoda little need be said; although they feed on worms and in- 

 sect larvae, they are not numerous enough to be of great importance. 



The Caudata which are represented by several more or less popularly 

 known species are probably of considerable value as destroyers of in- 

 sects. Even the smaller salamanders, Fig. 89, that are more numerous 

 than is commonly supposed because they are largely nocturnal and 

 secretive in habits, doubtless destroy many insects, both adult and 

 larval. Some of the larger forms like the common mud-puppy (Nec- 

 turus), Fig. 87, and the hellbender (Cryptobranchus), Fig. 88, are also 



FIG. 89. Spotted salamander, Amblystoma punctatum. X M- (From Surface, 

 First Report on the Economic Features of the Amphibians of Pennsylvania.) 



useful as scavengers in our streams, though they sometimes are a nuisance 

 to fishermen by taking their bait. Although the writer has made but 

 few experiments there seems to be no reason why these larger salaman- 

 ders should not be used as food. Their flesh looks as attractive as 

 that of the frog and in a two-foot giant salamander (Cryptobranchus) 

 there is a considerable mass of flesh, especially in the tail, in a full 

 grown Necturus also there is a considerable quantity of flesh which 

 is very palatable. 



The Anura are by far the most important, economically, of the 

 Amphibia. Of the various families of this order three will be noted: 



