402 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



dots. Almost as stout as Amblystoma punctatum, but no 

 neck ; head passing into body, which is of the same diameter 

 throughout and passes insensibly into the square tail, which narrows, 

 toward tip. 15 costal furrows. Length 6 inches. 



Generally aquatic, preferring cold springs, and is found on the 

 ground only after rains. Occasionally found under bark of fallen 

 trees in very damp places. 



Family 4 desmognathidae 



15 Desmognathus ochrophaea Baird 



Alleghany mountain salamander 



Brownish yellow with brown shade on each side ; a yellowish 

 dorsal band with few spots ; belly unspotted. 13 costal furrows. 

 Length 3 inches. Very like Spelerpes bilineatus, but has 

 a more rounded tail, a paler abdomen, and a light bar from eye to 

 mouth. Its habitat is also quite different. 



Found in the Adirondacks and Catskills, under bark and decay- 

 ing trees ; not aquatic. 



16 Desmognathus fusca Kafinesque 

 De Kay. Salamandra picta, dusky salamander, p. 75 



Yery variable in color, but usually brown above with gray or 

 purplish spots becoming blackish with age ; marbled below ; eyes 

 prominent ; tail as long as head and body. 15 costal grooves. 

 Length 4-5 inches. 



This species makes a curious disposition of its eggs, one of the 

 sexes wrapping' the albuminous egg string around the body and 

 remaining concealed in a comparatively dry spot till the eggs hatch. 



One of the commonest salamanders ; found in rapid and shallow 

 streams under stones. 



17 Desmognathus nigra Green 

 Uniform black, with a very stout body, the stoutest in fact of our 



salamanders. 12 costal grooves. Length 6-7 inches. 



Found in Pennsylvania and may be taken in southern part of 



state in the mountains. Habits like those of D . fusca; found 



under the stones in cold springs and streams in the mountains ; very 



agile and not easily caught. 



