BATRACHIANS AND REPTII<BS OF OHIO. II5 



Desmognathus fusca fusca Raf. Above dark, witli a median dorsal 

 band of lighter generally brown in color and specked with black. Below 

 grey with black specks forming a marbling. Often the ground color above 

 is brown, the median band being a lighter brown on the belly, the light pre- 

 -dominating. Very variable, in color. Costal grooves 14. Length 4 j^ inches. 



The sub-speeies fusca, the commonest of our more aquatic 

 salamanders, is distinguishable from the following sub-species, 

 auriculata, by the absence of a series of reddish spots along the 

 sides and also of a conspicuous ear-spot, the latter giving auriculata 

 its sub-specific name. As fusca grows older, it becomes darker 

 and darker, the several markings becoming less and less conspic- 

 uous. It may be found almost anywhere where a stream of 

 water flows over rocks that may give it shelter. On turning 

 over stones, not completely submerged, a specimen or two of this 

 -salamander generally is seen making for the water which affords 

 it concealment. As soon as the intruder withdraws, the sala- 

 mander emerges from the water and takes its station beneath a 

 convenient stone. In breeding season, the female lies concealed 

 . under a stone with the eggs either wrapped in strings about her 

 body or herself curled about the mass. 



In Ohio this is the prevalent form and is very common in all 

 parts of the State. The larvae attain a length of three inches 

 before becoming mature and inhabit springs and small bodies of 

 water. They are brown, with black dots above, lighter below, 

 retaining also the black dotting. The gills are short and incon- 

 spicuous. Sometimes the back is dotted here and there with livid 

 specks of red, but this disappears in the adult condition. These 

 larvae are the common ' ' lizards ' ' of springs and are held to be 

 poisonous. Of course they are absolutely harmless. 



Specimens in the U. S. Nat. Mus., recorded by Cope from Columbus, 

 Highland Co. and Cincinnati. In the O. S. U. Mus., collected by J. C. Brid- 

 well at Dublin ; E. V. Wilcox in Warren Co.; by the author at Sugar Grove, 

 Youngstown, Chillicothe, Newton Falls and Licking and Perry Cos. 



Desmognathus fusca auriculata Holb. As above, but darker, with a 

 series of red dots along the sides and a black ear-spot. Dark predominant 

 below. 



Not common in the State. One specimen in U. S. N. M. 

 from Cincinnati. Habits as above. A form found in the South 

 .and West. 



In U. S. Nat. Mus., recorded by Cope from Cincinnati. 



