342 



ZOOLOIiY 



water. The larviae of the more southern species often reach 

 a size considerably larger than the adult, and breed before the 

 gills are absorljed. In a ^lexican species the larval state is 

 never passed. The larva of Aniljly stoma (Fig. .321) was for- 

 merly described, indeed, as a chstinct species under the name 

 of Axoloti. 



Fig. 322. — The red-backed salamander (Plethodoii) : A, dorsal view ; 

 B, lateral view. Nat. size. From life. 



The newts' (Plethoclontidaj - and Desmognathidie ■') include 

 a number of small Urodeles, ha\'ing a close general resem- 

 blance and similar habits. 



Pletliodon, of the eastern United vStatcs, is lead-colored above, 

 very often with a broad, red dorsal band (Fig. 322). It is found 

 under logs, and is very active. Spelerpcs is lemon-yellow and 

 white below, and Desmognathus is lirown abo^'c, with gray or 



^ Newts may be captured by sweeping with a net the nuuUh' bottoms of 

 small, spring-fed pools. They can be kept for months in an at]uarium, where 

 they should l^e fed thrice a week with earthworms or freshly chopped beef. 



2 plethos, abundance ; odonlos, tooth. 



3 desmos, bond ; gnathos, jaw. 



