256 BATRACHIA. 



or apprehensive of danger, a white viscous fluid, in some 

 degree poisonous. On the throat, in most instances, there 

 is a rough fold of skin forming a kind of collar, running 

 back on each side to the glandular swellings on the head, 

 which are always, or nearly so, yellow, and much deve- 

 loped; eyelids very moveable; the feet are short and 

 feeble ; tail not quite as long as the body ; the belly is 

 black. 



Entire length, about 6 inches. The females in general 

 are larger than the males. 



The Salamander produces its young alive, betaking itself 

 for that purpose to the water, but at other times is alto- 

 gether terrestrial in its habits, preferring, however, situa- 

 tions where it can imbibe moisture through its numerous 

 pores. The breeding season is from March to June. 

 Feeds on insects, slugs, and earth-worms. The belief 

 formerly prevalent that the Salamander was able to resist 

 the action of fire is quite unfounded. 



Inhabits the greater part of Central and Southern 

 Europe. In France, has been found near Paris, in old 

 aqueducts at Plessis-Piquet ; is very abundant near Eouen, 

 and at Vannes in Brittany. In the Southern Departments 

 is confined to the more elevated districts. Is common 

 throughout the whole range of the Carpathian mountains, 

 and in mountain regions in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, 

 Turkey, Hungary, and Bohemia ; very common near Vienna, 

 but not abundant in Silesia. In Belgium occurs in ca- 

 verns, especially on the right bank of the Meuse. 



Salamandra Corsica. 



Salamandra Corsica, Dum. et Bib. vol. ix. p. 61 ; Bdon. Faun. Ital. 

 (figured). 



Description. — Closely resembles the last species, but must 

 be regarded as specifically distinct, on account of the dif- 



