28 HP:RPET0L0GY of MICHIGAN. 



Michigan : Specimens in the University Museum from Calhoun, 

 Washtenaw, Lenawee and Livingston Counties. Reported from 

 Wayne and Washtenaw Counties (Cope, 1889) ; Montcalm, Washte- 

 naw, Kalamazoo, Eaton and Allegan Counties (Gibbs, Notestein 

 and Clark. 1005) ; Washtenaw County (Smith, ISTO; Smith, 1882). 



AMBYSTOMA PUNCTATUM (Linnaeus). 



SPOTTED SALAMANDER. 

 (PI. II a.) 



Description: Body short and stout. Head broad and slightly 

 rounded, with parotid region greatly swollen. Eyes prominent, 

 nares small. Oular fold prominent, connected by a ridge with 

 another slight fold behind the eye. Eleven costal furrows and a 

 slight dorsal groove. Limbs moderateh^ developed; toes slightly 

 depressed; plantar tubercles indistinct. Tail compressed, with a 

 well marked indentation along each side. Skin smooth and glossy, 

 surface pitted Avith mucous pores which are most prominent in the 

 ]>arotid region and on the tail. Transverse line of teeth in three 

 patches, the central separated from laterals by slight interval at 

 inner edges of posterior nares. Central patch may curve forward 

 in the middle. 



Ground color blue black or black with large yellow blotches 

 arranged in a more or less irregular row on each side of vertebral 

 column. Legs also spotted. Under surface paler than upper. 



Measurements: Specimen No. 3o787. 



Total length 145 



Length of head and body 081 



Width of head 01G5 



Hahits and Hahitat: Amhystojna piinctatiim is nocturnal in its 

 liabits and is found under logs and stones in damp, woody places. 

 It resembles Amhijstoma, tigrininn in its food habits. When in the 

 water the animal swims rapidly by means of the broad, flat tail. 

 Like the other members of the genus, this species goes to the water 

 to deposit its eggs. This migration to the ponds takes place in 

 March or A])ril. The males enter the i)onds and deposit sperniato- 

 phores on sticks and leaves just at the surface of the water. These 

 spermatophores are small, Avhite, mushroom-like bodies, the cap- 

 shaped tops containing the sperm. Several are usually deposited 

 in one place and fertilization probably takes place in the same man- 



