THE ISATKAClllA OF NOKTli AMERICA. 83 



Pioportional dimensions. 



(Spec. 4081. Ainhijtil.oma trit/iniini califoruiense, PetalnuKi, soft sp.) 

 Head : 



Width to distance from snout to giilar fold 1^ times. 



Width to distance from snout to groiu 4^ times. 



From suout to guhir fold contained iu distance from snout to groiu 3| times. 



From suout to gular fold coutained iu distance from snout to behind 



anus 4^ times. 



Distance anteriorly between eyes iu length of orbit 2^ times. 



Distance from eyes to nostrils in length of orbit 1;} times. 



Distance between external nostrils in length of orbit Ig times. 



Distance between internal nostrils in length of orbit not 2 times. 



Width of tongue to width of head two-thirds. 



Limbs : 



Free portion of longest tiuger contained in distance from elbow 



to tip not quite 3 times. 



Free portion of longest toe contained in distance from knee to tip . .... 3 times. 

 Tail : Length from behind anus to rest of animal „ less. 



Measurements, in inches. 



Body : Distance between armpit 



and groin 1.75 



Tail : 



Height of tail where highest. . . 30 

 Breadth of tail where highest.. . IS 

 Limbs : 



Free portion of longest linger.. . 28 

 From elbow to tip of longest 



finger 80 



Free portion of longest toe 30 



From knee to tip of longest toe. . [i^) 

 Distance between outstretched 

 toes 2. 85 



Length, measured along axis of body : 



From snout to gape 40 



From snout to gular fold 85 



From snout to armpit 1. 25 



From suout to groiu 3.00 



From snout to behind anus 3. 75 



From suout to end of tail 6. 20 



Head : 



Width of head 70 



Width of tongue 45 



Length of orbit 18 



Distance between eyes anteri- 

 orly 40 



Distance between outer nostrils . 30 



Distance between inner nostrils . 30 



Habits, etc. — The larvne of this species are exceedingly abuiulaut iu 

 all still water in the Eocky Mouutaiu Eegion and the Plains. They are 

 rapacious, eatiug auiuial food, and taking the hook readily. Late in 

 the summer they complete their metamorphosis and take to the land, 

 where they hide in the holes of marmots, badgers, etc. From these they 

 emerge during and after rains. Tbe larvae are much less frequently 

 seen in the East, where the species is less abundant, and the opportu- 

 nities of concealment are greater. Market Lake is a temporary body 

 of water covering many square miles in eastern Idaho. It is formed 

 by th<i overflow of the Snake River in spring. On its shores I have 

 found this species. On the shore of an adjacent jjoud of more perma- 

 nent character I have observed this species occupying vertical holes, 

 which were kept filled with water by occasional waves, but from which 

 their heads emerged into the air. In this position their branchiae were 

 gradually absorbed. An adult from New Jersey occupied a burrow in 

 the soil of my fernery for several weeks. The burrow had two orifices, 

 iu one or the other of which its head could be generally seen, observing 

 wliat was going on. 



