154 BULLETIN 34, UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM, 



Axial measurements. 



M. 



From muzzle to anterior cauthiis eye 002 



From muzzle to rictus oris 0044 



From muzzle to axilla 012 



From muzzle to groiu ^ 0412 



From muzzle to posterior margiu vent 0446 



From muzzle to end of tail „ 0/05 



Length fore li mb , 006 



Length fore-foot .' 0025 



Length hind limb 008 



Length hind foot 004 



Width between external nares 001 



Width between internal nares 001 



Width between canthas oris 004 



Width between humeri at axilla „....- . 0027 



Width between femora at groin 0035 



This peculiar salaoiander is probably aquatic in its habits. This is 

 indicated by the compressed fin like tail and the transparent, palpe- 

 brse. It is quite elegant in its coloration. Nothing is known of its 

 habits, as it is as yet very rare in collections. Besides the type speci- 

 men of Hallowell in the Museum of the Academy Natural Sciences, 1 

 have only seen the following: 



No. 3907; two specimens; Georgia; Dr. Joseph Jones. 



GYRINOPHILUS Cope, 



Proceed. Acad. Phila., 1869, p. 108. 



Tongue supported only by the glossobyal pedicel, boletoid ; cranium 

 fully ossified, the premaxillary bones remaining distinct and embracing 

 a fontanelle. Digits entirely distinct, 4-5. 



This genus is distinguished from Spelerpeson account of the marked 

 peculiarity of the premaxillary bone, in which it resembles Plethodon 

 rather than the first named. But one species is as yet known. It has 

 a superficial resemblance to the Spelerpes ruber, but differs in several 

 osteological peculiarities. Its nnsal bones are well separated, and the 

 prootic-squamosal crests are peculiar. The anterior or prootic crest Is 

 short, distinct, and curved inwards and backwards; that on the proxi- 

 mal extremity of the squamosal curves towards it, but leaves a consid- 

 erable interspace. This is occupied by two osseous processes, like two 

 teeth of a comb. In 8. ruber the anterior crest only is present, and 

 forms a rectangle, the anterior limb being transverse and the angle in- 

 wards. The nasal bones also are in contact across the premaxillary 

 spines. 



The type of the genus remains for a more than usually long period in 

 the larval condition, and just before its metamorphosis is generally 

 identical in its osteological characters with the genus Necturus, except 

 in the absence of the intercalary bone, and the number of posterior 

 digits. 



