172 
HORN EXPEDITION—AMPHIBIA. 
lower series of labial teeth. The papilhe are absent in the median anterior part, 
and are arranged in a single row in the median posterior line. 
Series of labial teeth -7, the second upper and first lower being narrowly 
o 
interrupted in the middle line. The first upper does not extend quite so far out as 
the second. 
The body dorsally and laterally is a dark grey colour, marbled plentifully with 
umber splotches. The ventral surface is pearl-coloured, with splotches across the 
anterior part. Muscular part of the tail as the body, but lighter, and the crests 
are whitish, with faint spots. 
Total length of an average-sized specimen, 45 mm. ; body, 16 mm. ; width of 
body, 10 mm. ; tail, 29 mm.; depth of tail, 5’5 mm.; spiraculum from end of 
snout, 8 mm.; spiraculum from centre of eye, 8 mm.; nostril to end of snout, 
2-2 mm. ; nostril to centre of eye, 4 mm. 
Distribution .—This species is evidently widely distributed. It has been 
recorded from various parts of North Australia, from Queensland and New South 
Wales, and from the Abrolhos Islands lying ofl' West Australia. In Central 
Australia it is one of the commonest forms, being met with at almost every water- 
hole in the open plain districts as well as amongst the ranges. We did not, 
however, find it at Ayer’s Rock in the sand deserts, away from permanent water, 
in spots which are not in communication during flood times with streams which 
might carry it down from the permanent water-holes amongst the ranges. 
It is apparently both a coastal and an inland species. 
Habits .—As yet we do not appear to know of any burrowing form of Hyla, 
and there is no evidence that this species is able to live away from water. It is 
always found either hopping about on the edge of the water-holes or else lying 
under stones, and is often very numerous. At Illamurta, in the James Range, 
by the side of a probably permanent soakage, were a fair number of specimens, 
together with young ones of L. ornatus ; but whilst the latter were turned out of 
the damp earth while digging, the Hylas always seemed to be on the surface. It 
is certainly found at water-holes which are frequently dried up, but which lie along 
the course of creeks, and can thus be stocked in rainy seasons from other spots. I 
saw no traces of it in clay pans far away from creeks. At Alice Springs, on 
emptying out small casks lying in the open with only a small bung-hole and 
containing water, specimens could always be secured. 
