No. 515] 



THE AMEBIC AN TOAD 



045 



Bufondiae are represented by nine genera and more than 

 a hundred species. Bufo takes its origin in the Sonoran 

 subregion, i. e., the southwestern part of the United 

 States. It is the only genus found in the United States 

 and is represented by ten species, most of which belong 

 to the southern states. The species lentiginosus and its 

 varieties are found throughout the eastern part of the 

 United States and Canada. Two varieties, americanus 

 and fowleri, share 'this region (Massachusetts). 



Jordan and Cope class the American toad along with 

 Fowler's as a variety of Bufo lentiginosus. 1 



My object in this work is to give as completely as 

 possible the entire life and work of one species as nor- 

 mally lived in its own environment. Observations were 

 made continuously throughout the year on the species, 

 Bufo lentiginosus americanus, the results of which are 

 given under the heads, Spawning Habits and Seasons; 

 Development, Habits, and Food; Hibernation; and 

 Enemies. 



I am indebted to Dr. C. F. Hodge for suggestions while 

 collecting the data for this paper, also for valuable 

 criticisms of the manuscript. He also kindly consented 

 to write the introduction. I wish also to thank Mr. F. E. 

 Chidester for assisting me with the feeding-tests and 

 in obtaining data on the daily life of the toad. 



Spawning Habits and Seasons 

 Observations were made for the springs of 1907 and 

 1908, but if not otherwise stated the data for this chapter 

 refer to the spring of 1907. Mention is made of 1908 

 when this season varies from that of 1907. 



Toads were first seen in 1907 on the twenty-eighth of 

 March and on the thirteenth of April in 1908. An adult 

 male was found in the water on the night of March 29, 

 1907, but was so numb that he could not give the usual 

 chirp when picked up. From March 29 to April 21 

 there was a decided drop in the temperature and toads 



1 More recently Miss Dickerson has given these toads specific distinction, 

 t. e., Bufo americanus and Bufo fowleri. 



