MICHIGAN GEOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAT -TtrveY Publicatiou lO. Biologrical Series 3. THE HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN nv ALEXANDER G. RUTHVEN, CRYSTAL THOMPSON AND HELEN THOMPSON MEMORANDA TOWARDS A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF MICHIGAN BY HARLAN I. SMITH PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTIOK OF ALEXANDER G. RUThVeN CHIEF NATURALIST QHins M5 A3 no . 3 .ISHED AS A PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR 1911 LANSING, MICHIGAN WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFOKP ('.^ 1912 cTvTT? T'DivT-^rpg ®l|p i. B. 'Mi 2jtbrara 5forll| (Earoltna &tate Hmtrerattg QH105 M5 A3 no .3 THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE DATE INDICATED BELOW AND IS SUB- JECT TO AN OVERDUE FINE AS POSTED AT THE CIRCULATION DESK. MICHIGAN GEOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SURVEY Publication 10. Biological Series 3. THE HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN BY ALEXANDER G. RUTHVEN, CRYSTAL THOMPSON AND HELEN THOMPSON MEMORANDA TOWARDS A BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF MICHIGAN BY HARLAN I. SMITH PREPARED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF ALEXANDER G. RUTHVEN CHIEF NATURALIST PUBLISHED AS A PART OF THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE BOARD OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY FOR 1911 LANSING, MICHIGAN WYNKOOP HALLENBECK CRAWFORD CO., STATE PRINTERS 1912 BOARD OF GEOLOGICAL AND BIOLOG- ICAL SURVEY. 1912. EX officio: The Governor of the State^ HON. CHASE S. OSBORN, President. J The Superintendent of Public Instruction^ HON. L. L. WRIGHT, Secretary. The President of the State Board of Education^ HON. D. M. FERRY, Junior. scientific advisers. Geologists. — Dr. L. L. Hubbard, Houghton; Prof. W. H. Hobbs, Ann Arbor; Prof. Wm. H. Sherzer, Ypsilanti. Botanists. — Prof. E. A. Bessey, East Lansing; Prof. F. C. New- combe, Ann Arbor. Zoologists. — Prof. W. B. Barrows, East Lansing ; Prof. J. Reighard, Ann Arbor; Dr. Bryant Walker, Detroit. 556J89 LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL. To the Honorable the Board of Geological and Biological Survey of the State of Michigan: Governor Chase S. Osborn, President. Hon. D. M. Ferry, Jr. Vice President. Hon. L. L. Wright, Secretary. Gentlemen : — I beg to present herewith as a part of the report for 1911 of the Board of Geological and Biological Survey, Publica- tion No. 10, being a contribution to the biological survey of the state authorized by Act No. 250 of the Session of 1905. Yery respectfully, R. C. ALLEN, Director. Ann xA-rbor, Mich., October 1, 1911. R. C. Allen^ State Geologist, Lansing, Michigan: Sir : — I transmit herewith a report upon the amphibians and rep- tiles of Michigan, prepared under my direction, to form a part of the series of monographs on Michigan forms that the biological division proposes to issue, and a bibliography of Michigan arch- aeology compiled by Mr. Harlan I. Smith of the Victoria Memorial Museum. According to our plan for the series, the papers in this report attempt to summarize our present knowledge of the subjects treated and in such a way that the results may be used by teachers and local naturalists and archaeologists. Respectfully, ALEXANDER G. RUTHVEN, Chief Naturalist. CONTENTS. Page The Herpetology of Michigan H General Introduction, by Alexander G. Ruthven 11 The Amphibians of Michigan, by Crystal Thompson and Helen Thompson 13 Introduction 13 Literature 13 Methods of Study 16 Methods of Collecting and Preserving Specimens 18 Collecting 18 Keeping Live Material .^ 19 Preservation of Specimens 19 Description of Species 20 Key to Michigan Amphibia 20 Necturus maculosus 23 Ambystoma tigrinum 26 Ambystoma punctatum 28 Ambystoma jeffersonianum 30 Plethodon erythronotus 32 Hemidadylium scutatum 34 Diemictylus viridescens 36 Bufo americanus 39 Hyla versicolor 41 Hyla pickeringii 43 Acris gryllus 45 Chorophilus nigritus 47 Rana pipiens 49 Rana palustris 51 Rana clamitans 53 Rana cantabrigensis 55 Rana septentrionalis 57 Rana catesbeana 59 Glossary 61 The Reptiles of Michigan, by Alexander G. Ruthven 63 Introduction 63 Lit ^rature 63 Methods of Study 67 Methods of Collecting and Preserving Specimens 74 Collecting 74 Cages 74 Preservation of Specimens 75 Description of Michigan Reptiles 76 Class Reptilia 76 Keys to the Orders and S.uborders of Michigan Reptiles 77 Order Squamata — Suborder Sauria (Lizards) 77 Key to the Genera and Species of Michigan Lizards 77 Eumeces quinqidhneatus 77 Order Squamata — Suborder Serpentes (Snakes) 81 Key to the Snakes of Michigan 81 Storeria dekayi 83 Storeria occipitomaculala 85 Heterodon platyrhinu< 87 Elaphe obsoletus 90 Elaphe vulpinus 93 Natrix sipedon 95 Regi a lebcris 98 Clonophis kirtlandii 100 Liopeltis vernalis 102 Diadophis pundatus 104 Bascanion constridor 107 Lampropeliis doliatus triangulus 110 8 CONTEXTS. Page Thamnophis saurihis 113 Thamnophis butlerii 116 Thmnnophis sirtalis 119 Sistrurus catenatus 124 Order Testudinata (Turtles) 128 Key to the Genera and Species of Michigan Turtles 128 Platypeltis spinifera 129 Chelydra serpentina 133 Kinostemon odoratum 137 Chrysemys cinerea 141 Chrysemys belli 143 Clemmys guttata 147 Graptemys geographica 150 Emydoidea l)landingii 153 Terrapene Carolina ^ 155 Glossary 159 General Bibliography 1 62 Memoranda towards a Bibliography of the Archaeology of Michigan, by Harlan I. Smith . 167 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. FIGURES. 1. Diagram of mouth of frog to show position of teeth 17 2. Diagram of mouth of salamander to show position of teeth 17 3. Distribution of Nedurus maculostis 25 4. Distribution of Ambystoma tigrinum 27 5. Distribution of Ambystoma punctatum 29 6. Distribution of Ambystoma jeffersonianum 31 7. Distribution of Plethodon erythronotus 33 8. Distribution of Hemidadylium scutatum, 35 9. Distribution of Dieviidylus viridescens 38 10. Distribution of Bufo americanus 40 11. Distribution of Hyla versicolor 42 12. Distribution of Hyla pickeringii 44 13. Distribution of Acris gryllus 46 14. Distribution of Chorophilus nigritus 48 15. Distribution of Rana pipiens 50 16. Distribution of Rana palustris 52 17. Distribution of Rana clamitans 55 18. Distribution of Rana cantabrigensis 56 19. Distribution of Rajia septentrionalis 58 20. Distribution of Rana catesbeana 60 21. Head of snake, side view, to show arrangement of scales 68 22. Head of snake, top view, to show arrangement of scales 68 23. Scales on the body of a snake 68 24. Carapace of Emydoidea blandingii to show position of plates 70 25. Plastron of Emydoidea blandingii to show position of plates 71 26. Plastron of Chelydra serpe^itina 72 27. Plastron of Kinosternon odoratum 73 28. Distribution of Evmeces quinquilineatus 80 29. Distribution of Storeria dekayi 84 30. Distribution of Storeria occipitomaculata 86 31. Distribution of Heterodon platyrhinus 88 32. Distribution of Elaphe obsjletus 91 33. Distribution of Elaphe vulpinus 94 34. Distribution of A^atrix sipedon 97 35. Distribution of Regina leberis 99 36. Distribution of Clonophis kirtlandii -. 101 37. Distribution of Liopeltis vernalis 103 38. Distribution of Diadophis punctata 106 39. Distribution of Bascanion constrictor 109 CONTENTS. 9 Page 40. Distribution of Lampropeltis doliatus triangulus 112 41. Distribution of Thamnophis sauritus 114 42. Distribution of Thamnophis butleri 118 43. Distribution of Thamnophis sirtalis 123 44. Distribution of Sistrurus catenatus 127 45. Distributioi; of Platypeltis sphiifera 132 46. Distribution of Chdydra serpentina 136 47. Distribution of Kinosternon odoratum 139 48. Distribution of Chrysemys cinerea 142 49. Distribution of Chrysemys belli 144 50. Plastron of Chrysemys cinerea 145 51. Plastron of Chrysemys belli 146 52. Distribution of Clemmys gxdtata 149 53. Distribution of Graptemys geographica 152 54. Distribution of Emydoidea blandingii 154 55. Distribution of Terrapene Carolina 158 PLATES. I. Hemidactylium scutatum, Plethodon erythronotus, Necturus maculosus and eggs of Dieniictylus viridescens 160 II. a. Amby stoma jeffersonianuni, Diemictylus viridescens, Amby stoma tigrinum and A . pimctatum 1 60 b. Plethodon erythrrnotus and eggs 160 III. a. Bufo americanus 160 b. Hyla versicolor and H. pickeringii 160 IV. a. Chorophilus nigritus and Rana cjntabrigensis 160 b. Ra7ia palustiis and R. pipiens 160 V. Rana clamitans 160 VI. Chelydra serpentina, Graptemys geographica, Thamnophis sauritus and Elaphe obsoletus 160 VII. Terrapene Carolina, Platypeltis spinifera, Emydoidea blandingii, Clemmys guttata, Chrysemys cinerea and Kinosternon odoratum 160 VIII. Nest and eggs of Eumeces quinquilineatus. . 160 IX. a. Elaphe vulpinus 1 60 b. Heterodon platyrhinus 160 X. Bascanion coristrictoi- on a limb ten feet from the ground 160 Photos taken near Hamburg, Livingston County, by Erail Body. XI. a. Platypeltis spinifera 160 b. Sistrurus catenatus ". 160 XII. Thaynnophis sirtalis 160 XIII. a. White's Woods near Ann Arbor. Habitat of Rana pipiens, R. cantabrigen- sis, R. palustris, R. clamitans, Chorophilus nigritus, Acris gryllus, Hyla pick- eringii, Diemictylus viridescens, Bufo americanus, Ambystonia tigrinum, A. punctatum, Thamnophis sirtalis and Lampropeltis doliatus triangulus 160 b. Margin of pond in White's Woods near Ann Arbor. Habitat of Diemic- tylus viridescens 160 XIV. a. Pond south of Cassopolis. Habitat of Rana pipiens 160 b. Shore of Charity Island, Saginaw Bay. Habitat of Ambystoma jeffersonia- num 160 XV. a. Chri.stiann Creek, Cass County. Habitat of Rana catesbeana 160 b. Pine barrens at Port Austin. Habitat of Hyla versicolor and Heterodon platyrhinus 160 XVI. a. Carp River, Ontonagon County. Habitat of Rana septentrionalis and Chrysemys bellii 1 60 XVII. a. Woods of Charity Island. Habitat of Laupropeltis doliatus triangulus. b. Decaying log in woods at Port Austin. Breeding place of Plethodon erythronotus 164 XVIII. a. Pond near Geddes, Washtenaw County. Habitat of Rana palustris and R. clamitans 166 b. Undergrowth in woods near Port Austin. Habitat of Plethodon erythronotus XIX. Moss-covered stumps in Cady's Woods south of Ann Arbor. Habitat of Hemi- dactylium scutatum 168 XX. General view in woods near Port Austin. Habitat of Plethodon erythronotus 170 THE HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. GENERAL INTRODUCTION. BY ALEXANDER G. RUTHVEN. In view of the geographical situation of Michigan, it miglit be expected that its reptile and amphibian faunas would by this time be at least as well known as those of other states east of the Mississippi River. As it is our knowledge of the status of these groups in the state is astonishingly meager. It is true that all of the species known to occur in the state are well known to herpe- tologists, as they are, without exception, forms that occur com- monly elsewhere in eastern North America, but of the actual num- ber of forms that occur within our limits and the distribution, habits and variations of these we have as yet most inadequate data. Furthermore, there are practically no general works on the amphi- bians and reptiles of the state for the use of students and other persons interested in natural history. Recognizing the need of a summary of the herpetology of Michi- gan the survey set aside out of the appropriation for 1907, |250.00 for the preparation of a work on the reptiles of Michigan and out of the appropriation for 1911, |200.00 for the preparation of a re- port on the amphibians of the state. The writer took personal charge of the reptile work, and with the appropriation engaged Miss Frances Dunbar, assistant in zoology in the University of Michigan, to assist him. The second appropriation was given to Miss Crystal Thompson and Miss Helen Thompson, who have had charge of the amphibian work under the direction of the writer. In the pursuit of the work two ideas have been kept in mind: first, to make the results of genuine scientific value as a summary of our knowledge of the status of the groups in the state, and, second, to present the results in such form that the}^ may be readily grasped by students and teachers and used as a reference work in the schools of the state. In order to place Michigan herpetology on a firm basis only those species are included (a) of which the writers have examined specimens^ from authentic Michigan local- 1 All specimens refeired to in this report are in the University of Michigan Museum of Nat- ural History unless otherwise stated. 12 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. ities, or (b) of which specimens have been examined by competent authorities, or (c) that have been reported to us by reliable observ- ers who could unmistakably describe them. We have rigidl}^ ex- cluded all records by persons who possibly did not know the forms in question. It is believed, therefore, that the work is reliable as far as it goes, and, altho it is of course incomplete, for there are large areas in the state from Avhich no or only a few records have been obtained, we trust that it will serve as a basis for future work and as an incentive to further investigation. It should be added that all descriptions of species are based on Michigan specimens unless othei^wise stated. Januarv 1, 1912. THE AMPHIBIANS OF MICHIGAN. BY CRYSTAL THOMTSON AND HELEN THOMPSON. INTRODUCTION. One of the greatest difipiciilties encountered by the general student when he attempts the study of Michigan amphibians is the lack of a general work on the subject. Many papers have been published, but these are principally local lists and are so widely scattered that they are not generally available. The general books on the group are quite adequate for the determination of species, but they do not, as a rule, give the correct distribution of the forms in the state, so that, aside from the disadvantage of having to deal with many more forms in the keys than we have within our limits, the further objection to their use is that one can scarcely tell from them what species to expect in any region. It is the purpose of this paper to present in a concise and con- venient form the present knowledge of the amphibian fauna of Michigan. The work is necessarily far from complete because of the lack of data from many parts of the state, but it is hoped that it will prove of assistance to students. It should also serve to arouse an interest in this group of vertebrates that will result in the ac- cumulation of data on the intrastate distribution of the species, particularly as an effort has been made to show just how much in- formation is at hand for each section. LITERATURE. The published papers that deal either entirely with Michigan amphibians, or that include definite records for Michigan are as follows : 1. Sager, Abram. Report to the State Geologist. Senate Doc, State of Michigan, 1839, 294-305. Includes a catalogue of the am- phibians of the state. The following sjrecies are listed : Bufo musicus [americaniis) , Eyta versicolor, Rana clamitans, Rana halecina {pipiens), Rana palustris, Rana sylvatica, Rana grijllus [Acris grylhis) , Salamandra symetrica (Diemictylus viridescens) , 14 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. Salamandra cinera {Pletliodon erpthronotus) , Menohranches latera- lis (Necturus maculosus). 2. Holbrook, John Edwards. North American Herpetology, Vol. IV, 1842. Holbrook states, on the authority of Dr. Kirtland, that Rana sylvatica is common in the woods of Michigan. 3. Miles, M. A Catalogue of the Mammals, Birds, Reptiles and Molluscs of Michigan. First Biennial Report of the Geological Sur- vey of Michigan, 1861. This, as the name implies, is merely a cata- logue of the species supposed to occur in Michigan. The list of amphibians includes: Biifo americanus, Acris orepitans {grylliis), Eyla versicolor, Eyla pickermgii, Helocaetes triseriatus {Cliorophi- his nigritus), Rana cateshearm, Rana fontinali^ {clamitans), Rana pipiens, Rana palustris, Rana sylvatica, Amhystoma punctatum, Aniby stoma luridum (tigrinum), Aml)ystoma laterale {Jefferson- ianum), Diemictylus viridescens, Pletliodon cinereus, Necturus lateralis {maculosus) . There are a few footnote references to local- ities. 4. Milner, James W. Report on the Fisheries of the Great Lakes. Report of the U. S. Fish Commission, 1872-3. Milner re- ports Necturus from Grand Haven, Ecorse and the Detroit River. 5. Smith, W. H. The Tailed Amphibians, including the Caecil- ians; A Thesis presented to the Faculty of Michigan University, 1877. Descriptions are written of the specimens in the University of Michigan Museum. In no case is the specific locality given. 6. Smith, W. H. Catalogue of the Reptilia and Amphibia of Michigan. Supplement to Science News, 1879. Under Amphibia Smith lists: Rana lialecina {pipiens), Rana palustris, Rana tem- poraria var. sylvatica, Rana clamitans, Rana cateshyana, Bufo lentiginosus, Eyla versicolor, Eyla pickeringii, Chorophihis triseri- atus, Acris gryllus var. crepitans, Plethodon erythronotus, Pletlio- don erythronotus var. cine^^eus, Notophthalmus viridescens {Diemic- tyhis viridescens), Amhystoma punctatum, Am'bystoma opacum, Amhystotna tigrinum, Aml)y stoma jeffersonianum and Meno hranchus lateralis {Necturus tnaculosus). The species known to occur at Ann Arbor are starred. 7. Smith, W. H. Report on the Amphibians and Reptiles of Ohio. Report of the Geological Survey of Ohio, Vol. IV, 1882. Mentions Plethodon erythronotus, Amhystoma tigrinum and Amhy- stoma opacum as coming from Ann Arbor. 8. Cope, E. D. Batrachia of North America. Bulletin 34, U. S. National Museum, 1889. Specimens of Necturus maculosus, Amhystoma tigrinum, Plethodon cinereus, Plethodon glutinosus, AMPHIBIANS. 15 Rana clamitans and Rana palustris are listed from Michigan. 9. Kirseli, Philip H. A Report on the Investigations in the Maumee River Basin during the summer of 1893. Bulletin U. S. Fish Commission, Vol. XIV, 1894. In the list of amphibians ob- served in the Maumee River Basin, Rana syivatica and Rana clamitans are recorded from near Hudson, Mich. 10. Clark, H. L. Notes on the Batrachians and Reptiles of Eaton Countj^ Fourth Ann. Report Michigan Academy of Science, 1902. This list includes the species found in Eaton County by the writer and those reported to him b}^ reliable observers. 11. Ruthven, Alexander G. Notes on the Molluscs, Reptiles and Amphibans of Ontonagon County, Michigan. Sixth Ann. Report Michigan Academy of Science, 1904. Records the amphibians col- lected by the writer in Ontonagon County. 12. Ruthven, Alexander G. The Cold-Blooded Vertebrates of the Porcupine Mountains and Isle Royale, Michigan. Ann. Report of the Geological Survey of Michigan, 1905. The list of amphibians includes all of the data "available to the author on the occurrence of these animals in the Northern Peninsula." 13. Clark, H. L. A Preliminary List of the Amphibia and Rep- tilia of Michigan. Seventh Ann. Report Michigan Academy of Science, 1905. A list of amphibians whose presence in the state "is vouched for by at least one of the writers" (M. Gibbs, F. N. Notestein, H. L. Clark), together with the localities from which records were obtained. It includes in the bona fide list; Nectiirus maculosus, Amhystoma maculatum {punctatum), Amhystoma tigri- nuni, Amhystoma jeffersonAanum, Hemidactylium sciitatum, Pletho- don cinereus and P. cinerens erythonotiis , Pletliodon glutinosus, Diemictylus viridescens, Bufo lentiginosus americanus, Acris gryllns, ChoropMlus nigritus triseriatus, Hyla versicolor, Eyla picheringii, Rana pipiens, Rana clamitans, Rana palustris, Rana syivatica and Rana syivatica cantahrigensis, Rana septentrionalis and Rana catesheana. Unfortunately the sources of the individual records are not given. 14. Smith, Bertram G. The Breeding Habits of Amhystoma punctatum Linn. American Naturalist, Vol. XLI, 1907. Work on the breeding habits of Amhystoma punctatum was conducted at the University of Michigan and the material upon which the work was based was collected in the vicinity of Ann Arbor. 15. Hankinson, T. L. A Biological Survey of Walnut Lake, Michigan. Report Geological Survey of Michigan, 1908. A list of the amphibians found at Walnut Lake, Oakland County, during the spring and summer of 1906. 16 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. 16. Ruthven, Alexander G. The Cold-Blooded Vertebrates of Isle Rovale. Report Geological Survey of Michigan, 1909. A sum- mary of the amphibian fauna of Isle Royale, based largely npon the results of the Universitj' of Michigan Museum expeditions to the island in 1901 and 1905. 17. Ruthyen, Alexander G. Notes on Michigan Reptiles and Amphibians. Eleventh Ann. Report Michigan Academy of Science, 31)09. This paper places on record some miscellaneous data upon the amphibians of Michigan. The writer refers the Michigan wood frogs to Rana cantci'brigensis rather than Rcma sylvatica. ^18. Smith, Bertram G. The Nests and Larvae of Necturus. Bio- logical Bulletin, Vol. XX, 1911. A larval specimen taken from the Detroit River, Xov. 21, 1906, is described. METHODS OF STUDY. The amphibians are a group of animals that Avill furnish many interesting problems to Michigan students. In the first place, while most observers of nature know something of their habits and con- siderable has been published on the subject, there is still much to be done upon the species to be found within our limits. Added to this is the fact that the species are not difficult to observe in the field after one becomes familiar w4th their haunts. In taking up the systematic study of amphibians, it is desirable first to become familiar with the general characters of the group. The best method of doing this is to dissect a specimen, following the directions in some manual on the subject. The anatomy is treated in most vertebrate zoologies. The Frog Book, by Mary O. Dicker- son, gives an excellent account of the characters used in the classi- fication of the tailless forms, but unfortunately there is nothing at present available on the tailed amphibians. Other books which will prove helpful are, The Batrachians and Reptiles of the State of Indiana, by O. P. Hay, A Manual of the Vertebrate Animals of the Northern United States, by David Starr Jordan, and The Batrachia of North America, by E. D. Cope, although the latter is at present difficult to obtain and is for the most part technical and rather difficult for the beginner. The external characters are sufficient for the identification of the Michigan species and are alone used in this work. The points to be considered in the identification are : — first, presence or absence of a tail in the adult state. This at once separates the two orders found in this region, the Salientia (tailless forms) and Caudata 1 Since this bibliography was compiled two papers have been published, Thompson, 1911, and Ruthven, 1911a, containing records from Cass and Huron counties. AMPHIBIANS. 17 (tailed forms). In ideutil'viiig llie 8alienti;i the fulluwiiig char- acters are used, — general external appearance, pi'oportionate length of head and body, ])r()|)or1ionate length of hind limb and body, presence or absence of ])arotid glands. ])resence or absence of lateral glandnlar folds', teeth, presence or absence of disks on fingers and Fig. 1. Diagram of Mouth of Frog to Sliow Position of Teeth. n, Internal nares; v, Vomerine teeth; e. Eustachian tuUs; o, Oesophagus; (7, Glottis; t. Tongue, toes, gromid color and pattern. The characters used in the identi- fication of the Caudata are, — general external appearance, propor- tionate length of body and tail, shape of tail, nnmber of costal grooves, number of toes on the hind feet, character and position of teeth (Fig. 2), ground color and pattern. Fig. 2. Diagram of Mouth of Salamander to show Position of Teeth. n, Internal nares; v, Vomerine teeth; p, Paresphenoid teetli; t, Tongue. Teachers mav outline laboratorv and field work from the follow- ing suggestions. Tlie collecting and identifying of s])ecies shouhl precede or go along with the study of habils. The sjning is the best time to observe the species in The field, for this is the breeding 3 18 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. season and the associated habits are most interesting. Particular points to be noted are, — time of appearance in the spring, habitat, food habits, time of breeding, characteristic notes of the different species, method of fertilizing the eggs, nature of egg masses, time of hatching of eggs, habits and metamorphosis of larvae. METHODS OF COLLECTING AND PRESERVING SPECIMENS. Collecting: Since most of the species come to the streams or ponds to breed in the spring this is the best season for collecting. They may also be collected during the entire summer and fall, but as most of the species leave the ponds after breeding and become more solitary, they are much more difficult to find. However, dur- ing the summer many frogs will be found along the borders of ponds and lakes, along the banks of streams, near springs, and in marshes, woods and fields. The toad and the tree frogs as a rule retreat from the water after the breeding season is past. The Caudata, or tailed amphibians, with the exception of Hemidactylium scutatimi, Plethodon enjthronotus and Nectiirus iiiaculosus^ may be found in the spring in small ponds where they have gone to breed. At other times during the year they, with Hemidactylium scutatum and Plethodon erythronotus, are to be found under logs, moss, and in and around decaying stumps and logs in the woods. Some may also be found, before entering the water in the spring, under logs and stumps in woody places. Nec- turiis maciilosus may be caught at all seasons of the year in the larger lakes and streams. Plethodon erythronotus never enters the water. It may be found under the bark of decayed logs and similar places. Hemidactyliu'm scutatum, so far as is known, does not enter the water. It may be collected, during the spring at least, under loose moss and in old stumps in low, wet woods. The two year old form of Diemictylus viridescens may be found in decaying logs with the other species, but younger and older forms occur in the ponds at all seasons. Amphibians may be readily caught with the hands or by means of a net. The best net to use is a long handled dip net of small mesh and deep enough to prevent the escape of frogs after they are caught. The net is useful in collecting frogs or toads when in the water, or for scooping them out of the mud at the bottom of ponds. A 22 caliber rifle shooting cartridges loaded with dust shot (No. 14), or a 28 gauge shot gun loaded with light loads of powder AMPHIBIANS. 19 and dust shot, are very effective means of collecting large series of frogs. The tailed amphibians are rather slow in their movements, and when on land they can be readily picked up bj^ hand. ^Alien ob- served in the o]>en water they may be easily caught in the dip net. Digging up with the net the leaves and mud from the bottom of ponds in woody places will usually result in the finding of several specimens. Specimens may be carried from the field in a minnow pail in which there is enough water to keep them moist. When it is neces- sary to keep several collections separate, the animals may be placed in cheesecloth bags with some wet moss. Small specimens should be kept separate from the large ones so that the former may not be injured. Keeping Live Material: It is often desirable to keep amphibians alive in the laboratory and the following suggestions may be found useful. Toads and frogs may be kept in large glass jars, covered over the top with netting and containing some moss and a small amount of water. Flies and earthworms placed in the jars will be eaten readily. The frogs should be sorted according to size and those of approximately the same size placed in the same jar, other- wise the large individuals will eat the smaller ones. The small tailed amphibians which are terrestial in habit, Hemi- dactylium seutattini and PJetliodon erytlironotus, may be kept in l)acteria dishes with a little damp moss. If the moss is renewed fre- (juently they will find sufficient numbers of insects and larvae in it to keep them in good condition. The Ambystomas and Diemifctilus riridescens should be kept in dishes containing moss, bark and dead leaves with some water at one side, so that thev mav enter it at will. They will eat insects, worms and small pieces of meat if ottered to them. Small tadpoles placed in the water will furnish food for Dieini/ctilus viridescens. The aquatic forms will need a larger supply of water. Xecturus should be kept in a tank containing running water to the depth of two or three inches. There should be some floating plants or other objects under \\hich they may partially conceal themselves. Raw beef cut in small pieces and presented on the end of a fine wire will sometimes be taken as food. If this method of feedins: is not sue- cessful, small frogs and fish may be eaten if placed in the tank. Necturus will remain in good condition for a few weeks without food. Preservation of Specimens: Amphibians which are to be per- 20 HERPETOLOGY OE^ MICHIGAN. manentlj preserved should be properly killed and ])iit nj) iu a pre- serving fluid, for a poorly preserved speeiiiieii is usually Avorse than none. The best method of killing is to drown the animals. This can easily be done b}' placing them in small cheesecloth bags and immersing them in water so that no air can reach them. The air should be excluded from the bag b}' gently kneading it in the hands while under water. The amphibians will drown within twelve hours. After killing, the specimens should be placed in 4% formalin for at least a week to harden. The formalin must be allowed to enter the body cavity or otherwise the internal organs will decompose be- fore the preservative can penetrate to them. This is best accom- plished by injecting the formalin into the body cavity, by means of a hypodermic syringe, but if this is not convenient, the abdomen may be slit open with a pair of scissors. When thoroughly hard- ened, the specimens should be transferred to from 55% to G0% alco- hol for permanent storage. It is important that the alcohol be of this strength, for stronger solutions will shrivel them and weaker will not properly preserve them. Each, specimen should be pro- vided with a tag tied rather loosely about the body just in front of the hind legs. This label should give the locality', date, name of col- lector and habitat unless a catalog is kept, in Avhich case a number may be placed on the label and in the notebook with the habitat data. DESCRirTIOX OF SPECIES. KEY TO MICHIGAN AMPHIBIA. a\ Tailed throughout life. Caudata. b^ External gills persistent in adult. Proteiclae. c^ Body lizard-like. Limbs four, equally devel- oped. External gills. Color brown, spotted Avith black. Four toes on each foot yecturus maciilosus, p. 23. b-. Adult without external gills. Limbs well developed. Eyelids present. Mutahilia. c^. No parasphenoid teeth ; vomero-palatine teeth in parallel or posteriorly diverging series that do not extend posteriorly over the parasphenoid. Body lizard-like. Costal grooves distinct. Tail compressed. Amhjj- stomidae. AMPHIBIANS. 21 (L^ Costal "Tooves 12. r>ack dark brown Willi large iiTcgular yellow spots. Body and head stont. IMantar tubercles well developed Aml.)}jHi(}inh)r brownish green with small dark spots. Legs spotted or barred with dark. Web broad leaving last two joints of fourth toe free Rana rhunitan^'i, p. 53. c^. Lateral folds present. Ground color variable. Arms and legs barred. A l)hick ]>atch in ear region. Length of hind limb to heel equals distance from anus to some i)oint in front of eye. . . .Rami cantahrigeiisis^ p. 55. c\ Xo lateral folds. Color light olive brown Avith blotches of darker color. Legs spotted or branded Rami scptentriomiUs, p. 57. c^. No lateral folds. Color greenish brown with darker spots. Fold of skin from eye to arm curving behind ear. Hind feet webbed, leaving last joint of fourth toe free Rana catrsheami, p. 59. NECTURUS MACULOSUS Kafiiiesque. MUD PUPPY. (PI- I.) Description: Body elongate, thick and cylindrical. Head broad, flat and depressed. Muzzle rounded; mouth large, upper lip over- hanging lower. Eyes small, situated near fi'ont of head; nostrils at end of snout. Three bushv external gills on each side of neck. Gular fold prominent, fourteen costal furrows and a dorsal groove. Limbs small but well developed, digits four in number. Tail greatly compressed. Skin very smooth and slimy. Two series of teeth in almost parallel rows. Premaxillary series short, forming an angle anteriorly. Yomero-palatine series longer, extending from the angle of the premaxillaries to the angle of the jaw. Ground color varies from dark to ashy brown above, paler below. Upper surface usually mottled with darker color and with small light spots. Gills bright red. In young specimens a dark lateral band is sometimes found. 24 HERPBTOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. Measurements: iSpeciincn Xo. -'/1723. ri^ Total length 243 Length of head and body 155 AVidth of head 034 Hiihits and Hahltat: Xccfiinis hkicuJosus is wholly aquatic and is rather dnll and sluggish during the day time. It usually rests on the bottom with the gills spread out and may sometimes be seen crawling slowly about. When disturbed, the gills are contracted close to the sides and the animal swims raoidly away bv means of the large, flat, paddle-like tail. The fact that it is fre- quently taken throughout the winter would seem to indicate the absence of a hibernating period. At night the Necturus, which is extremely voracious, swims about in search of its food, which consists mainlj' of small Crustacea, worms, fish and their eggs, and insects. In captivity it will some- times eat small pieces of meat, but only when it has been for some time without food. It is frequently caught on hooks or in nets by fishermen, who commonly regard it as ver}' poisonous. This fallacy is no doubt due to the coat of slime which is emitted when the ani- mal is irritated. Adult specimens can also infiict a rather painful bite with their sharp, strong teeth, and it is hard to dislodge them when they have secured a good hold. The flesh is reported excellent by those Avho have eaten it. ^'erv little is known of the breeding' habits of Xecturus. The animals are usually found in pairs in the autumn, and it is possi- ble that this is the mating season. Hay (1892a, p. 12) states that eggs were taken from the Detroit Eiver about the middle of July, while according to Eycleshymer (190G, ]). 133), who has studied their habits in the small lakes of Wisconsin, "the best time for col- lecting is during the middle and latter parts of the month of May." The nest is much like that of a fish, consisting of a small excavation in the sand under some sheltering object, such as a log, board or stone. The eggs are found attached to this shelter ''by the slender stalks of the gelatinous envelopes" (Smith, 1911, p. 191), and cover a surface of from six to twelve inches in diameter. Smith (1911) found the average number of eggs in a nest to be sixty -six. They are about the size of a pea, and lack the pigment which is charac- teristic of the eggs of most amphibians. Further details of develop- ment have not been worked out. Distrihution: Eastern United States, mostlv north and west of Library AMPHIBIANS. 25 the Alleglianies, abnudaiit in tlie Great Lake region. (Jordan, 1899.) Miclii<;aii: SiuM-iineiis in the University Museum fioni Keweenaw (Isle Royale), Dickinson, Cbeboygan, Hnron, Livingston, Washte- ■^o, V D C M I N I 0 ^ OF CANADA Fihores, which are AMPHIBIANS. 27 taken up into the cloaca of the female. The eggs are nsnall}^ laid the day after fertilization, in masses containing from six to ten, and are attached to stems or leaves of water plants. The larvae emerge after an interval of about two weeks. The latter were Fig. 4. Distribution of Amhystoma ligrinum. Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. former!}' supposed to be a distinct species, "AxolotT". due to the fact that metamorphosis may be delayed and breeding take place during the larval stage. Under normal conditions, liowever, the adult form is reached in about one hundred davs after hatchinc^. Distrihutlon: Northeast to ^Minnesota and south. (Jordan, 1899.) 28 HP:RPET0L0GY of MICHIGAN. Michigan : Specimens in the University Museum from Calhoun, Washtenaw, Lenawee and Livingston Counties. Reported from Wayne and Washtenaw Counties (Cope, 1889) ; Montcalm, Washte- naw, Kalamazoo, Eaton and Allegan Counties (Gibbs, Notestein and Clark. 1005) ; Washtenaw County (Smith, ISTO; Smith, 1882). AMBYSTOMA PUNCTATUM (Linnaeus). SPOTTED SALAMANDER. (PI. II a.) Description: Body short and stout. Head broad and slightly rounded, with parotid region greatly swollen. Eyes prominent, nares small. Oular fold prominent, connected by a ridge with another slight fold behind the eye. Eleven costal furrows and a slight dorsal groove. Limbs moderateh^ developed; toes slightly depressed; plantar tubercles indistinct. Tail compressed, with a well marked indentation along each side. Skin smooth and glossy, surface pitted Avith mucous pores which are most prominent in the ]>arotid region and on the tail. Transverse line of teeth in three patches, the central separated from laterals by slight interval at inner edges of posterior nares. Central patch may curve forward in the middle. Ground color blue black or black with large yellow blotches arranged in a more or less irregular row on each side of vertebral column. Legs also spotted. Under surface paler than upper. Measurements: Specimen No. 3o787. Total length 145 Length of head and body 081 Width of head 01G5 Hahits and Hahitat: Amhystojna piinctatiim is nocturnal in its liabits and is found under logs and stones in damp, woody places. It resembles Amhijstoma, tigrininn in its food habits. When in the water the animal swims rapidly by means of the broad, flat tail. Like the other members of the genus, this species goes to the water to deposit its eggs. This migration to the ponds takes place in March or A])ril. The males enter the i)onds and deposit sperniato- phores on sticks and leaves just at the surface of the water. These spermatophores are small, Avhite, mushroom-like bodies, the cap- shaped tops containing the sperm. Several are usually deposited in one place and fertilization probably takes place in the same man- AMPHIBIANS. 29 nei* as in AiiiJ)jjsto}na tigrUiuni. After fertilization the eggs are laid in oval masses, the whole mass being embedded in gelatine. They are attached to some sn])])ort in the water, either grass stems or small sticks, ^^'hen hatched the AT^nng- larvae are about half an '^ .;^ DOMINION OF CANADA Fig. 5. Distribution of Ambysloma putictatum. Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. inch in length and metamorphosis does not occur until a length of about two inches has been reached. Distrihiition: Nova Scotia to Nebraska, south to Georgia. (Jor- dan, 1890.) Michigan : Specimens in the University Museum from Manistee and Washtenaw Counties. Reported from Eaton County (Clark, 30 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. 1902; Gibbs. Xotestein and Clark, 1905) ; Washtenaw County (KSmith, 1907; Smith, 1879). AMBYSTOMA JEFFERSONIANUM (Green). Jefferson's salamander. (PI. II a.) Description: Body lon<>' and slender. Head elongate and flat: e^'es large and prominent; nares small, situated at end of snout; mouth large. Gular fold distinct, rising on sides of neck. Another fold extends across the throat from a point just behind the corner of the mouth and is met bv a groove running from the corner of the eye. Twelve costal furrows and a dorsal groove. Limbs well developed; toes long, slender and much depressed; no plantar tubercles. Tail compressed and somewhat shorter than body. Skin smooth and covered with numerous pores which may be clearlj' seen under a lens. Teeth in four patches, the two central extending to the inner nares. where they are met by the two lateral patches Avliich form the posterior border of the inner nares. Tongue large and thick. Ground color bluish or brownish black above, paler below. Sur- face with or without pale blue spots. Measurements: Specimen Xo. 37926. Total length .118 Length of head and body 070 Width of head 010 Eahits and Hahitat: Am'bxjstouia jeffersonianiim is secretive, and during the day is found in damp, dark places. It is usually found under logs and stones. It is extremely active, and, according to Gadow (1901, p. Ill), a good climber, ''easily escaping out of high- walled bell-glasses." Little has been done on the breeding habits of this salamander. Smith (1911a, p. 19) states that the early spawning season "sug- gests the possibility of an autumnal fertilization.-' Hahn (1908, pp. 550-552) has taken the eggs in late segmentation stages on Feb. 28, at Mitchell, Ind., while Smith (1911a, p. 17) found the first eggs on April 5, at Syracuse, Xew York. They are laid in small grape-like masses that are usually hung on a leaf or stick. Piersol (1910) has found the number of eggs in a single mass to be about twenty. The hatching probably takes place in from thirteen to AMPHIBIANS. 31 eighteen days and transformation occurs some time during July or August. This species resembles Plctliodo)i glutinosus, which has been re- ported from Kent (Gibbs, Notestein and Clark, 1905), Wayne (Cope, 1889) and Marquette (Ruthven, 1906) Counties. However, Fig. 6. Distribution of Ambystoma jeffersonianum. Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. the specimens listed from Wayne and Marquette Counties are in the University Museum and have been re-identified as Amhijstoma jeffersaniamun. The two species may be distinguished by the fact that the parasphenoid teeth are present in Plethodoti glutmosus and absent in Amhy stoma jeffersonianum. We have not seen speci- mens of the former from the state. 32 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. Distrihutioii: Pennsylvania to Virginia and nortli to Canada. (Jordan, 1899.) Michigan : Specimens in tlie Universit}' Museum from ^larquette, Cheboygan, ^fanistee, Arenac (Charity Island), Hnron, Ionia, Ing- ham, Liyingston, AVayne and Washtenaw Counties. The writers have also examined specimens from Gratiot and Eaton Counties, Reported from Eaton County (Clark, 1902) ; Eaton and Montcalm Counties (Gibbs, Xotestein and Clark, 1905) ; Washtenaw County (Smith, 1879) ; Cheboygan County (Ruthyen, 1911) ; Huron County (Ruthven, 1911a j. PLETHODOX ERYTHRONOTUS (Green). RED-BACKED SALAMANDER. (Pis. I, lib.) Description: Body long, slender and cylindrical. Head small; mouth yery large, upper jaw slightly protruding; eyes large; nares small and situated laterally. Gular fold prominent, reaching up to the dorsal stripe and met there by a groove running from the corner of the eye. This groove is in turn bisected bv a groove extending- upward from the corner of the mouth. Costal folds distinct; the number varying from sixteen to nineteen. A distinct dorsal groove. Limbs extremely slender, inner toes rudimentary. Tail cylindrical. Yomero-palatine teeth extending backward in two converging rows. Parasphenoid teeth in two patches behind the nares. Color brownish black on sides, usually with a broad ashy or red dorsal stripe which is mottled with brown. Under surface yellow- ish, also mottled with a darker color. Jleasiirements: f^pccimen 'No. SoSO). Total length 089 Length of head and body 015 Width of head 005 Hahits and Hahitat: The red-backed salamander is entirely ter- restrial in its habits. It is usually found under rocks and in decay- ing logs in moist, woody ])laces and occasionally on low shrubs and plants. It is very active, the adult disappearing rapidly and hiding under leaves and moss when disturbed, unless accom]^anied by its young. The food consists mainly of insects, larvae, small snails and worms, Avhich are caught by means of the ])rojectile tongue. AMPHIBIANS. 33 The eggs are fonnd in grape-like bunches of from six to eleven attached to the under surface of stones or the bark of decaying trees and are brooded b}^ the female. They are laid, according to Hahn (1008), in May, but have not been found at Ann Arbor until June (Smith, 1882). The writers took eggs in a late stage of develop- DOMINION OF CANADA I L L I N 0 IS Fig. 7. Distribution of Plethodon erijihronotus. Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. ment at Port Austin, Huron Count}^, Aug. 5, 1911. The larvae, which are at first provided with branchiae, are usually found with the parents and are apparently fed by them. When young the ani- mal is very light in color, growing darker with age. Prof. Cope (1889) recognizes two sub-species of Plethodon, P. 5 34 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. cinereus aud P. cinereus var. crythronotiis, which have both been re- ported from Michigan. There are no apparent differences in struc- ture, proportions and general character between these two forms. The distinction is entirely one of color, erythronotus having a red dorsal stripe, cinereus an ashy one. Also, the writers have found the two varieties in the same region, and not infrequently in one log. Without doubt the differences in color are onlv individual. Distrihution: Eastern United States. (Jordan, 1899.) Michigan : Specimens in the University' Museum from Ontona- gon, Baraga, Dickinson, Cheboygan, Benzie, Manistee, Huron, Ing- ham, Washtenaw and Lenawee Counties. The writers have also examined specimens from Gratiot and Eaton Counties. Reported from Eaton County (Clark, 1902) ; Wayne County (Cope, 1889) ; Eaton, Montcalm and Antrim Counties (Gibbs, Xotestein and Clark, 1905) ; Ontonagon County (Ruthven, 1904a) ; Ontonagon, Baraga and Marquette Counties (Ruthven, 1906) ; Cheboygan County (Ruthven, 1911) ; Hurou County (Ruthven, 1911a) ; Wash- tenaw County (Smith, 1879; Smith, 1882). HEMIDACTYL.IUM SCUTATUM (Schlegel). FOUR-TOED SALAMANDER. (PI. I.) Description: Body short and cylindrical. Head broad, muzzle blunt, upper jaw projecting over lower. Eyes large. Gular fold distinct but not prominent, and rising on the sides of the neck. Another dei)ression extending from the eye to the gular fold. Skin Avith slight deju-essions that give it a scuted appearance. Thirteen distinct but not prominent costal grooves. A dorsal groove and a slight depression extending along the sides from limb to limb. This lateral depression forks anteriorly and sends out a branch to the middle of the head between the eves. Limbs verv slender but well developed. Toes four in number, the inner toe and inner and outer lingers rudimentary; third toe the longest. Tail very long, sepa- rated from body by a distinct depression, slightly compressed, large at base and tapering gradually to a point. Yomero-palatine teeth in two series just behind internal nares. Parasphenoidal ])atches distinctly separated. Tongue attached anteriorly, and slightly free posteriorly. Ground color dark brown, spotted with darker color, and becom- ing dark gray on the sides. Limbs, snout and tail lighter in color than back, and blotched with dark above. Small light spot on shoulder just above arm. AMPHIBIANS. 35 A/('((siircui( iil,s: ^pt'ciiiicii Xo. .'/.^/'fU. rv Total leiiulli mi Length of liend juid bodv .0.31 AVidth ol head 005 Hahlfs (111(1 TTahifdt: The loiir-iocMl sahniiainhM- is a rare species Fig. 8. Distribution of Hernidactylium scutatum. Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. in Michigan, liaving been found in only three counties in the state. Clark (1902) reports five specimens, which have been examined by the writers, from Eaton County as follows: "A single specimen of this uncommon salamander was collected May !:>, 1!)01. It was found in the earth on the roots of a violet, which had been pulled up. So far as I can learn, it has not previously been collected in 36 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. Michigan. Four other specimens, two males and two females, were taken together in April, 1902, under a log. The females were fully twice as large as the males." There are at present three live speci- mens in the University of Michigan Museum. One of these was taken in a Avoods about five miles south of Ann Arbor during the summer of 1910, and was presented to the Museum by Miss Jessie Phelps. The other tAvo specimens were taken by the Avriters in the same woods in April, 1911. A single specimen was collected by N. A. Wood at White Fish Point, Chippewa County in August, 1912. Very little is known of the habits of this salamander. Smith (1882, p. 723) states that "it has been found in April under old logs and rails in open woods, at some distance from the water, and was very quick and lively in its movements." The woods in which the Washtenaw County specimens were taken is low and damp. One was found under loose moss and one was just inside the bark of a rotten stump. The movements are lively and erratic, the animal sometimes jumping for some distance. The food probably consists of insects and worms, the writers have observed it to eat small flies in captivity. The eggs are laid under moss or bark, and the salamander, at least in the adult condition, avoids the water. Individuals sometimes emit a sharp squeal when annoyed. Distrihution: From Massachusetts and Canada westward to Illi- nois and south to Georgia. (Jordan, 1899.) Michigan : Specimens in the University Museum from Washte- naw and Chippewa Counties. Keported from Eaton County (Clark, 1902; Gibbs, Notestein and Clark, 1905) ; Washtenaw County (Ruth- ven, 1911). DIEMICTYLUS VIKIDJESCENS Rafinesque. GREEN NEWT. (Pis. I, II a.) Descriptio)i: Body slender and slightly compressed. Muzzle rounded; upper jaw extending a little beyond the lower; eyes large; exterior nares close together. Limbs slender, anterior about half the size of the posterior. First finger and first and fifth toes rudimentar}'. Tail much compressed and as long, if not longer, than the head and bodv. Skin finelv wrinkled; costal grooves in- distinct. On either side of the head below the eye there may be a row of four pits, but these are frequently lacking. Yomero-palatine teeth in two longitudinal row^s which converge close to the internal AMPHIBIANS. 37 iiare?!;. Toiijj;iie attached i)()sl(M'i()i'ly and anteriorly but free on the sides. Ground color varies from reddisli brown to olive green above; lower surface pale yellow. ]>ody covered with small black spots especially noticeable on the lower surface because of the lighter ground color. On either side of the vertebral line a row of small red spots, each having a black border. J\feasi(rc)n€ntf<: ^prc'imoi Xo. Sl'037. Total length 100 Length of head and body 04S Width of head 008 Habits (Hid Hahitat: This newt is aquatic in its habits, the adult spending most of its time in the water. It frequents places with a soft bottom and hides under leaves and water plants. In large ponds it is usually found in the more sheltered ])laces. It is carnivorous in food liabit and extremely voracious. Tlic food con- sists cliietly of Avater insects, small molluscs, worms and tadpoles. When kept in captivity the animal beconies very tame and will read- ily eat small pieces of meat, worms and small tad]>oles. It some- times emits a sharp squeak when disturbed. The breeding season extends from April to Jttne. During this season the genital open- ings of the male become swollen, and transverse horny ])lates a])pear on the posterior surface of the hind limbs and on the under side of the tips of the toes. A spotted crest also appears along the upper and lower sides of the tail. The male deposits spermatophores similar to those of Amlji/stoiiia punctatum except that they are fewer in number. In order to insure the fertilization of the eggs there is a preliminary ^'Liebes spiel". The eggs are laid singly be- tween the leaves of water plants or in other like situations. Ac- cording to Jordan (189/)), the egg laying season for one individual lasts about seven or eight weeks. The young larvae hatch after a l>eriod of about thirty days. After the gills are absorbed, the young animal leaves the water and the color chant>es to a dark red. This stage was formerly considered a distinct s])ecies and called D. miniatus; careful observation, however, has shown that, after the first two or three years of its life, the animal returns to the water and assumes the adult viridescent coloration. Distrihutioii : Eastern United States, abundant north and north- east. (Jordan. 181)0.) Michigan : Specimens in the University Museum from Houghton, 38 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. Fig-. 9. Distribution of Diemictylus viridescens. Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports onlj-. Marquette, Cheboygan, Huron, Arenac (Charity Ishiud), Ionia and Washtenaw Counties. The writers have also examined specimens from Eaton County. Reported from luiton County (Chuk, 190- ; Gibbs, Xotestein and Clark, 1905) ; Cheboygan County (Ruthven. 1911) ; Huron County (Ruthven, 1911a) ; Washtenaw County (Smith. 1879). AIVIPHIBIANS. 39 BUFO AMEKICANUS L.e Conte. AMERICAN TOAD. (PI. Ill a.) Description : liody sliort and (1e])resse(l. Head very broad, upper jaw protruding' sliglitly and notched in the center. I^yes hi roe. Pjirotid ghmds hir<;e and kidney sliaped. Fr(>nt()-i)aiMetal erests extend back between the eyes and are joined at rii^hl an^h's by the ])Ost-orbital crests Avhicli extend l»a(k of the eyes to a jjoint al)ove the ears. Skin conspicnonsly warty above; nnder surface granu- lated. Toes partly webbed. Two dark-colored metatarsal tubercles, the outer small, the inner with a cutting edge. Jaws without teeth. Ground color varies from grayish to brownish black, with large irrgular spots of dark brown which show more plainly on the speci- mens which are lighter in color. There is frequently a light verte- bral stripe. Under surface a dusky lemon color, S(jmetimes with smaller irregular blotches of dark brown. Throat of male black. -^&' Measurements: Specimen No. 3011 '/- Length of head and bod}^ 0845 Length of hind limb to heel 0505 Width of head 032 Hahits and Hahitat: The common American toad is our best known amphibian. Tliis is due To its abundance and to tlie fact that it is common in gardens and aronnd houses so tlmt it is fre- quently seen. It a])pears witli tlie first warm s])ring days and is found in shaded i)laces until fall. Axlien it burrows inio the ground and hibernates until spring. It is nocturnal in iinbii, coming out in the dusk of evening to search for food, which consists mostly of insects and their larvae. During the day it sits in lis burrow, which it makes by backing into the soft earth or (knise vegetation, and sleeps. It is so protectively coloi*ed that it is usually very hard to distinguish from the clods of earth or the background of parti- ally shaded vegetation in its usual haunts. The i30pular belief that toads ar-e poisonous is erroneous. On the contrary they are ver^' beneficial to man, since about 88% of their food consists of garden pests. They may at times, especially when roughlv handled, excrete a colorless, odorless and harmless fluid from the skin, which makes them somewhat moist. There is also an excretion from the parotid gland region, and this is slightly 40 HERPETOLOGY OF MICHIGAN. poisonous if taken internally. The latter affects the mucous mem- brane of the mouth and protects the toad Avhen seized by dogs and other enemies. The breeding seasou lasts from April to July. The first specimen observed by the writers in 1911 was found on the evening of April DOMINION OF CANADA I L L I N 0 IS Fig. 10. Distribution of Biifo americanus. Horizontal ruling, specimens examined; vertical ruling, reports only. 26, and the next dav lar^e numbers were seen on their Avav to the ponds. The males seem to outnumber the females and struggle to- gether for their possession. A^'hell disturbed. I lie male utters a peculiar chirping sound somewhat like the scolding of a chicken. The souiLi' consists of a sweet high trill that is bird-like in its quality. AMPHIBIANS. 41 The eggs are laid in the water in two ven kjng strands each con- sisting of a roAV of eggs embedded in a gehitinous mass. They hatch in al)ont fonr days, and the Lnrvae remain in the water until the final metamorphosis which occurs in July. The toad does not start breedinc; until it is about four vears old, and it may live for many years. Miss Dickerson tells of one that lived for thirtv-six years and then was killed bv an accident. Distrihution: Eastern North America, west to Arizona and Mexico. (Dickerson, 1906.) Michigan: Hpecimens in the University Museum from Keweenaw ^sle Royale), Baraga, Ontonagon, Dickinson, Cheboygan, Craw- ford, Oceana, Arenac (Charity Island), Huron, Ingham, Washte- naAV, Barry, Allegan and Cass Counties. The writers have also examined specimens from Gratiot County. Reported from Eaton County (Clark, 1902) ; Ontonagon County (Cope, 1889) ; Eaton, Kalamazoo, Washtenaw and Montcalm Counties (Gibbs, Xotestein and Clark, 1905) ; Oakland County (Hankinson, 1908) ; Ontonagon (^ounty (Eutliven, 1901a); Keweenaw (Isle Royale), Ontonagon, Baraga and Marquette Counties (Kuthven, 190()) ; Keweenaw County (Isle Royale) (Ruthven, 1909); Cheboygan County (Ruth- veu, 1911) ; Huron County (Ruthven, 1911a) ; Cass County (Thompson, 1911). HYLA VERSICOLOR Le Conte. com:mox tree fkog. (PI. Ill b.) Description: Form toad like. Muzzle blunt in outline. Eyes prominent. Toes webbed nearly to tips; fingers and toes with large adhesive disks. Upper surface of body slightly warty. Lower sur- face granulated. A large fold of skin across the chest. Vomero- palatine teeth in two patches just behind internal nares. Tongue very large and fleshy, slightly notched behind. Ground color gray, green or brown ^\■ith irregular dark blotches. A large irregular dark star on upper part of back. Limbs barred with dark brown. A dark ear patch and a light spot under the eye. Under parts ])ale yellow, brighter posteriorly. Throat some- times mottled with darker. Concealed leg surfaces vermiculated with brown. ^[('