BATRACHIANS AND REPTILES OF OHIO. 109 



adults are commonly found in cellars, under boards, near springs, 

 as well as under logs in damp places. When the colder weather 

 of autumn sets in, individuals are frequently found entering sewer 

 pipes where a promise of warmth is given. Several are taken 

 each autumn in the basement of the Biological Hall at O. S. U. 



This species is generally killed outright by those w r ho believe 

 them to be dangerous. They are harmless. 



Very common over the State, in fact one of our most familiar 

 salamanders. 



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

 Marietta. In O. S. U. Mus., collected by E. V. Wilcox and the author from 

 Columbus. 



Amblystoma xiphias Cope. Similar to preceding, but ground color, 

 light yellow. Tail long, exceeding in length that of head and body. Costal 

 grooves twelve. Head small in proportion to body. Lower jaw prominently 

 projecting. Canthus rostralis, distinct. 



This is a doubtful species, inasmuch as but one specimen is 

 known. This is in the U. S. N. M., being collected at Columbus, 

 Ohio. The present writer has carefully examined every speci- 

 men that has come under his notice and but one showed any 

 approach to Cope's description. (Cope, '89.) This had the 

 length of tail equal to that of head and body and a slightly pro- 

 jecting lower jaw, while the ground color was a light yellow. 

 (Morse, '01, May.) But gradations occur between such a type 

 and the normal form and it is doubtful wdiether it is a valid 

 species. 



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



Amblystoma jefFersonianum jefFersonianum Green. Body slender 

 and elongated. Head long, width being four times in length to groin. 

 Costal furrows 12. Tail nearly equal to head and bod}-. Ground color 

 brown to black, with a sprinkling of light spots a quarter of an inch or less 

 in diameter. Sometimes no spots are visible. Length 8 inches or under. 



This sub-species differs from the following, platuicum, hx 

 having a wider head, under parts not paler than upper, blotches 

 dirty white, eye smaller. 



Specimens in the U. S. Nat. Mus.,- recorded by Cope from Ripley and 

 Cleveland. In Cin. Soc. Nat. His., collected by C. W. Hohn in Hamilton 

 Co.; in Oberlin College, collected by Lynds Jones in Lorain Co. 



