ENCYSIOMATTD^. 147 



attached by two condyles, except in the genus Breviceps, where it is 

 confluent with the sacrum. 



None of the genera have a fronto-parietal fontanelle. 



The distal phalanges may be simple or X-shaped. 



This family includes terrestrial, aquatic, and burrowing types, but 

 no arboreal — Oallula, Bradhymerus, and others, generally regarded 

 as '_' tree-frogs," being merely aquatic or terrestrial, in spite of their 

 digital dilatations. 



For the purpose of burrowing, either the hind pair of limbs 

 (Hypopachm, Qlyphoglossus, Gaeopus, Breviceps, &c.), or the front 

 pair (Hemisus), are particularly strengthened and provided with 

 corneous sheaths. 



In the last-named genera the mouth is very narrow, and those 

 Frogs may be considered " ant-eaters," similarly as the Bufonid 

 genus Shinophrynas. 



In more than half of the genera the pupil is erect. 



/Synopsis of the Genera. 



I. Precoracoids present ; coraooids moderate, horizontal. 



Pupil horizontal ; tongue subtriangular ; a cartilaginous omosternum. 



1. RMmoderma, p. 148. 



Pupil horizontal ; tongue elliptical ; no omosternum ; palate without 

 ridges : 2. Phryniscus, p. 149. 



Pupil horizontal; tongue elliptical ; a dorsal bony shield. 



3. Brachycephalus, p. 156. 



PupU erect; tongue elliptical; palate without ridges. 



4. MelanobatraclmSjp. 156. 



Pupil horizontal ; tongue heart-shaped. 



5. Sphenophryne, p. 157. — 



Pupil horizontal; tongue elliptical; a denticulated dermal ridge 

 across the palate between the choanse, and another in front of the '^' 

 oesophagus 6. Calophrynus, p. 157. 



Pupil round ; tongue large ; toes free ; anterior portion of the 

 sclerotica ossified 7. Stereocyclops, p. 158. 



Pupil erect ; tongue elliptical ; a dermal ridge across the palate 

 between the choanae, and another in front of the oesophagus ; toes 

 webbed at the base 8. Hypopachus, p. 159. 



II. No precoracoids. 



Pupil erect ; tongue elliptical ; tympanum hidden ; toes free. 



9. Engystoma, p. 160, 



PupU erect; tongue elliptical; tympanum hidden; toes more or less 



webbed 10, Microhyla, p. 163. 



l2 



