1925] Storer: A Synopsis of the Amphibia of California 
179 
Date 
Total length 
in millimeters 
Remarks 
April 19 
9 to 24 
April 21 
12 to 26 
Specimens 18 mm. long with limb buds 
April 24 
13 to 37 
April 29 
24 to 48 
May 1 
12 to 37 
Hind limb buds small on largest specimens 
Mostly well above 11 mm., but some apparently only 
a day or two old 
May 5 
11 to 50 
May 8 
— to 42 
May 13 
13 to 56 
Mostly of large size 
May 17 
19 to 46 
May 22 
19 to 52 
Metamorphosis under way; one completely trans- 
formed toad 
On cold or windy days the tadpoles in this pool would be gathered 
in the deeper waters of the pond, whereas on warm or hot days they 
were either distributed evenly throughout the water or else gathered 
in ‘swarms’ in the shallows close to the shore (pi. 14, fig. 44). 
A batch of larvae collected in the Arroyo Seco at Avenue 66, 
Los Angeles, on April 15, 1923, ranged from 10 to 34 millimeters in 
total length. Well developed hind limbs were present on one which 
was only 27 millimeters in length. 
The prolonged laying period results in the appearance of newly 
developed young toads through a long season in the late spring and 
summer months. Metamorphosis is accomplished by May in some hot 
interior localities, whereas in the coast region toad larvae are still to 
be seen in July. 
For some time after metamorphosis the young toads frequent the 
damp shores of the ponds in which their larval development took 
place. The time at which general dispersal from the breeding places 
to the surrounding territory occurs has not been determined. The 
next known stage, found here and there over the country, in the 
winter season, is the young animal about 30 millimeters in head-and- 
body length. 
Growth to sexual maturity, as indicated by the size (age) groups 
encountered in general collecting, requires at least two full years. I 
am uncertain as to whether or not the animals first breed at two or 
at three years of age. 
The life-history in relation to the environment . — This toad is the 
only member of its genus and family throughout the greater part of 
its range. It occurs over a wide expanse of territory in which great 
