246 REPTILES OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



S. symmetrica. Harlan. The symmetrical Salamander. 



Journal Acail, Nat. Sciences, vol. v. p. 158. 

 N. A. Herpetol. vol. ii. p. 51), et fig. 



The fine specimens before me of this species, were found at 

 Amherst, under decaying wood and leaves, by Professor Adams. 



Length, three inches ; tail, the length of the body, circular 

 at the base, compressed towards the extremity. Whole upper 

 part of the body, of a salmon brown color ; on each side of the 

 spine, from three to seven small ocellated spots of a beautiful Ver- 

 million color, surrounded by a black areola ; skin above, covered 

 with innumerable very minute tubercles, scarcely discernible 

 without a glass, giving it a rough appearance. Beneath, of a 

 golden orange color, sprinkled with minute black points, from 

 the tip of the chin to the very extremity of the tail. Head 

 three lines long, two wide, flattened ; two longitudinal very 

 obvious ridges, the length of the head, between the eyes. 

 Eyes, not very prominent, of a deep black color, with a bright 

 golden iris. Snout, obtuse. Anterior feet, with four toes ; 

 posterior, five toed. 



In young specimens, the whole back is covered with minute 

 black dots, and the sides have fewer ocellated spots than in the 

 adult. The largest specimen in my possession, has seven ocel- 

 lated spots on each side ; in different specimens, these spots 

 vary in number ; but in all the specimens I have seen, an 

 equal number exists on each side of the spine, in the same speci- 

 men. 



The motions of this species are much less rapid than those 

 of the " erytlironotaJ^ It casts its skin in June. In the stom- 

 ach of this species are found spiders, and detached portions of 

 insects. 



Dr. Holbrook has received this species from Florida ; and J. 

 W. Randall, M. D. of this city, brought me specimens from 

 Hallowell, Maine. 



