74 NEW- YORK FAUNA. 



The Yellow-bellied Salamander is extensively distributed throughout the Union, from Maine 

 to Florida, and in Ohio westwardly. It is closely allied by its markings with the following 

 species, from which it was first accurately distinguished by Dr. Harlan. It is frequently 

 found under stones and decayed wood. 



THE VIOLET-COLORED SALAMANDER. 



Salamandra sdbviolacea. 

 plate xvi. fig. 36. — (cabinet of the lyceum.) 



Salamandra venciiosa. Barton, apud Daud. Hist. Rept. Vol. S, p. 229. 



S. subviolacm. Id. Trans. Am. Phil. Socisty, Vol. 6, p. 112, pi. 4, fig. 6. 



S. id. Harlan, Acad. Nat. Sc. Vol. 5, p, 327; Med. and Phys. Res p. 93. 



S. id. HoLBROOK, N. Am. Herpetology, Vol. 3, p. 10.1, pi. 24. Stoker, Mass. Rep. p. 247. 



Characteristics. Bluish black, with round yellow spots ; beneath immaculate. Tail cylin- 

 drical, compressed towards the tip. Length 6-7 inches. 



Description. Body robust, tapering regularly to the end of the tail. Head large ; snout 

 rounded. Eyes small, but prominent. A strong cervical fold. Fore feet slender, four-toed ; 

 hind feet more robust, five-toed. Tail confounded with the body, cylindrical at base, then 

 becomes compressed, and tapers to a point. 



Color. Bluish-black or purplish, with large round subequal bright-yellow spots irregularly 

 distributed over the upper part of the head, body and tail, and occasionally on the upper parts 

 of the legs ; these spots sometimes assume somewhat the appearance of two regular series on 

 each side of the vertebral line. A small round spot usually over each eye. Beneath lighter, 

 sprinkled with numerous white points extending beneath the tail. 



Length 5-0 -T'O. 



This species extends along the Atlantic from Maine to Maryland, and has likewise been 

 noticed in the western States. Of the two names proposed by the same author, we are at 

 liberty to reject the name which conveys a false idea, and to adopt that which the author 

 applied to his more complete and detailed description. It appears to be nocturnal, and is 

 found under rocks, stones and decaying trees ; and in spite of one of its names, is entirely 

 harmless. 



