1925] Storer: A Synopsis of the Amphibia of California 
113 
The growth of eschscholtzii is indicated by the following. The 
smallest individuals taken between March and September measure 
44.5 to 57 millimeters in length; a second group includes two each 
measuring 77, 83, and 92 millimeters, respectively. Above the latter 
are single individuals, 99, 105, 110, 114, 117, and 135 millimeters in 
total length. These suggest that three years are required to attain 
a length of about 100 millimeters and exceptional individuals (four 
or more? years of age) reach a size of 135 millimeters. 
Hubbard (1903, pp. 157-170) has made a study of this species 
(under the name Plethodon oregonensis) with particular attention to 
the function of the glandular swollen tail. Eschscholtzii has on the 
dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tail numerous large gland cells which 
produce an acid non-mucous astringent secretion. When the sala- 
mander is irritated as by attack on the part of an enemy such as a 
snake, the milky secretion of these glands is poured forth. Snakes 
which have eaten or attempted to eat salamanders of this species have 
been seen to gape for some time afterward, indicating that something, 
presumably the secretion of these glands, was distasteful. 
The tail of eschscholtzii , besides being swollen at midlength, bears 
a definite constriction a short distance behind the anal opening. 
Under stress of unfavorable circumstances an autotomous stuffing of 
the tail occurs by a simple separation of adjacent vertebrae at this 
constriction. 
Upon the basis of experimental attempts to feed specimens of 
eschscholtzii to two species of snakes ( Thamnophis sp. and Diadophis 
amabilis), Hubbard concludes that the tail glands of the salamander 
offer partial protection to the animal. The experiments, however, do 
not seem to me to be conclusive. So far as the published data indi- 
cate, only four specimens of eschscholtzu were used. Two young 
individuals without tails were eaten by a garter snake; one large 
individual with tail detached was eaten tail and all by a Diadophis , 
which on the next day, after one attempt, declined to feed on another 
Ensatina. I am unable to agree that a Diadophis after having eaten 
a specimen of Ensatina eschscholtzu the day previously would be 
hungry, and I think that satiety upon the part of the snake rather 
than repulsion by the glandular secretion from the tail of the sala- 
mander is an equally possible, and even more highly probable, expla- 
nation of the snake ’s refusal to feed. 
Hubbard’s concluding paragraphs are as follows: 
