256 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



member was not particularly evidenced in specimens handled in 

 captivity. One very active salamander, however, too roughly 

 treated, left its tail wriggling on my desk and started to crawl away. 

 With preserved specimens, the greatest care in handling is required 

 to keep body and tail together. 



The definite constriction at the base of the tail in Hemidactylium 

 marks the line of separation of the skin in autotomy (plate 3 , figures 

 1-2-3). A short distance in front of this constriction there is a 

 less prominent depressed line which indicates the point of detachment 

 of muscles and vertebrae. By this provision the skin, on separation, 

 is of sufficient length to cover the wound of the stub over which it 

 immediately shrinks. The detached portion of the tail wriggles 

 violently for a few minutes and if stimulated by pinching or with 

 acetic acid the contortions continue for a longer time. 



A specimen in captivity was induced to cast off the tail by 

 touching the back with a drop of dilute acetic acid. A single violent 

 wrench of the body sufficed to separate it from the tail. 

 Plethodon eschscholtzii (oregonensis) is said to 

 have a constriction similar to that of Hemidactyliimi and in addition 

 well-developed dorsal glands of the tail. In P. cinereus there 

 is no such specialized device or great development of dorsal 

 glands, autotomy occurring at almost any point back of the anus. 

 The provisions for protection of the wound noted in Hemi- 

 dactylium are practically those observed by Piersol (ibid) in 

 Plethodon. 



Well hidden beneath stones or bark or buried deep in sphagnum 

 moss for the greater part of the year and doubtless further protected 

 by disagreeable secretions of the skin, this salamander probably 

 has comparatively few enemies. The greatest danger must occur 

 during migration or at night if it be given to nocturnal ramblings.- 



The food of Hemidactylium probably consists principally 

 of insects. C. and H. Thompson (ibid), observed it to take small 

 flies in captivity. 0. P. Hay ('92) states, "The food is said to 

 consist principally of worms and insects." The stomach of a female 

 taken at Ringwood (near Etna), N. Y., May 20th, contained the 

 larva of one of the Micro-lepidoptera (Crambinae and probably 

 of the genus Crambus) and the remains of some small Staphylinids. 

 Sphagnum moss and bog litter in general contain a varied and 

 extensive fauna of the smaller invertebrates which undoubtedly 

 contribute to the support of Hemidactylium and other bog-dwelling 

 forms. Spiders, mites, beetles and Thysanura are particularly 



