*l :, 1*1 PE EPS AT N AT U RE BIOLOGY LIBRARY PEEPS AT NATURE EDITED BY REV. CHARLES A. HALL, F.R.M.S. XI. BRITISH REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS OTHER VOLUMES IN THIS SERIES WILD FLOWERS AND THEIR WONDERFUL WAYS By the Rev. CHARLES A. HALL, F.R.M.S. BIRD LIFE OF THE SEASONS By W. PERCIVAL WESTELL, F.L.S. BRITISH LAND MAMMALS By A. NICOL SIMPSON, F.Z.S. BRITISH FERNS, CLUB-MOSSES, AND HORSE-TAILS By DANIEL FERGUSON, M.A. BRITISH BUTTERFLIES By A. M. STEWART. NATURAL HISTORY OF THE GARDEN By W. PERCIVAL WESTELL, F.L.S. ROMANCE OF THE ROCKS By THE Rev. CHARLES A. HALL, F.R.M.S. THE NATURALIST AT THE SEASHORE By RICHARD ELMHIRST, F.L.S., Superintendent of the Millport Marine Biological Station. POND LIFE By the Rev. CHARLES A. HALL, F.R.M.S. COMMON BRITISH MOTHS By A. M. STEWART COMMON BRITISH BEETLES By the Rev. CHARLES A. HALL, F.R.M.S. PUBLISHED BY ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK, 4, 5 AND 6 SOHO SQUARE, LONDON, W. AGENTS AMERICA . . . THE MACMILLAN COMPANY 64 ft 66 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW AUSTRALASIA . OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS •05 FLINDERS LANE, MELBOURNE CANADA . . . THE MACMILLAN COMPANY OF CANADA. LTD. ST. MARTIN'S HOUSH, 70 BOND STREET, TORONTO IWDIA . . . MACMILLAN & COMPANY, LTD. MACMILLAN BUILDING, BOMBAY 309 Bow BAZAAR STREET, CALCUTTA PLATE i. 1. COMMON FROGS (Rnnn lemporarta}. 2. SLOW-WORM, OR BI.INH WORM (Angttisfragilis). BRITISH REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS A. NICOL SIMPSON, F.Z.S. AUTHOR OF "BRITISH LAND MAMMALS" WITH A CHAPTER BY REV. CHARLES A. HALL, F.R.M.S. CONTAINING 26 ILLUSTRATIONS, viz. : 8 FULL-PAGE IN COLOUR 12 IN BLACK AND WHITE FROM PHOTOGRAPHS 6 DRAWINGS IN THE TEXT LONDON ADAM AND CHARLES BLACK 1913 EDITORIAL NOTE THIS little volume, dealing with the British Reptiles and Amphibians, may well find a place in the " Peeps at Nature " Series. Britain has few representatives of these two classes of animals, but their fewness in number has enabled the author to deal with each species at some length ; and, besides, we have the additional advantage of being able to illustrate all but two of the British species in colour. We are indebted to Miss Scrivener for the capable way in which she has prepared the drawings from which the coloured plates have been prepared. The reader's attention is par- ticularly directed to the series of photographic repro- ductions on Plates III., VI., VII., X., and XL, which illustrate admirably the story of the development of the frog. The publication of this volume is another step towards the accomplishment of our ideal — the giving 426589 Editorial Note to the nature-loving public a series of books which will, it is hoped, ultimately cover practically the whole gamut of nature, particularly as represented in the British Isles. CHARLES A. HALL. Paisley , 1913. VI CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGE EDITORIAL NOTE - - - - - V I. INTRODUCTORY , - - I II. BRITISH REPTILES : LIZARDS - . 6 in. BRITISH REPTILES: SNAKES, TWO TURTLES - - 31 iv. BRITISH AMPHIBIANS: NEWTS _ 49 v. BRITISH AMPHIBIANS: TOADS AND FROGS - - 64 VI. CLASSIFICATION _ 77 INDEX . - 85 Vll LIST OF COLOURED AND PHOTOGRAPHIC ILLUSTRATIONS PLATE 1. SLOW-WORM — COMMON FROGS* - - frontispiece FACING PAGE 2. COMMON LIZARDS - - - - II 3. FROG SPAWN DITTO THREE DAYS LATER - - 14 4. GREEN LIZARDS* - - IJ 5. SAND LIZARD SMOOTH SNAKE* - 24 6. FROG SPAWN I FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS - 2J 7. TADPOLES WITHOUT LEGS : TADPOLE WITH HIND- AND FORE-LEGS - - '3° 8. RINGED OR GRASS SNAKE* - - 33 9. VIPER OR ADDER* - - 40 10. TADPOLES WITH HIND-LEGS- - 51 11. TADPOLE: TAIL BEING ABSORBED — TOAD SPAWN - 54 12. BRITISH NEWTS* - - - - 57 13. WALL LIZARDS* - - - 64 14. RADIOGRAPH OF TOAD • - 73 15. EDIBLE FROG - 80 1 6. NATTERJACK TOAD COMMON TOAD* - on the cover * These eight illustrations are in colour ; the remainder are in black and white from photographs. Vlll UNIV, BRITISH REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTORY THE word " reptile " is not a pleasant one in British phraseology from whatever point it may be viewed. To the average person the word denotes a loathsome creature that crawls subtly amongst the herbage, and whose very touch means danger. This aversion is not confined solely to the reptiles which are poisonous or otherwise dangerous. For instance, the Adder, which is the only British reptile that is provided with a poison fang, is no more dreaded in our Island than the innocent Slow-worm. The like feeling is experienced in handling a common Earth-worm. There is a decided sensation of clammy coldness when the hand comes into contact even with this animal, and this disagreeable feeling makes one instinctively shrink from the writhing body. However elegant the student's eye may deem a reptile's form, the fact remains that ordinary human B. R. I d ^and Amphibians beings look upon all creeping things with pronounced suspicion and dislike. In the case of amphibians this repugnance is not so evident, at least so far as regards those found in the British Isles. Most of our indigenous amphibians secure a degree of patronage that is not conceded to any of our native Snakes. It is not unusual to see Newts kept as pets, but the reverse is the case as regards any creature that crawls. Yet there are some observers who venture to keep reptiles in a vivarium, and find great interest in the study of their captives. Toads and Frogs are treated with not a little considera- tion even by the schoolboy, but any Snake crossing his path has a stone hurled at its glittering frame. Yet there is a place for all the members of our native fauna. It is an open question if the continual warfare that is waged against the crawling reptile, and in a lesser degree the Newts and other amphibians, tends to the good of the immediate districts concerned. The slaughter of a Grass Snake is not of itself likely to cause an upheaval in Nature's realm, nor will the tragic death of a Natter- jack prove adverse to the locality where its body lies. It is when it comes to indiscriminate killing that Nature is outraged. Persecution is one of the main reasons why certain animals are found in specially selected localities. It is this that causes the Viper and its kind to hide in remote places. Toads and frogs are in a sense tolerated, and hence they are found close to man and his civiliza- tion. Were the decree to go forth that the same treat- 2 Introductory ment was to be meted out to Toads and Frogs which presently holds good in the case of creeping reptiles, it would be either a matter of extermination, or a gradual retreat of the Toads and Frogs to a place of safety. While the miniature serpents of our land are hiding in unfrequented paths, the favoured few of our amphibians croak just outside our city walls. Thus the reptiles hide from their enemies, as outlaws, in remote situa- tions, while we have the Toads and Frogs practically at our doors. Between these two extremes the Newts, which are the kindred of both, inhabit the middle regions. This is true in a general sense, although each and all overlap the zones named, at times. In a broad survey, however, it will be seen that there are three great divisions, the most remote being that occupied by the creatures against whom man's wrath is constant. No wild animal can compete with man once he pro- nounces its death-warrant. No creature of the moors or hedges can vie with the trapper's arts. The gun of the gamekeeper is a mighty weapon ; it can make or mar a landscape. But Nature, apart from man, works out its daily round and common task in simplicity ; it is the intervention of man and his arts that upsets Nature's balance. Food is the first, climate the second, and general environment the third factor in the dis- tribution of the British fauna. Given food, an animal will face rigorous climatic conditions ; given genial air- currents, it will adapt itself to extraneous circumstances ; given freedom and peacefulness, it will live out its days 3 British Reptiles and Amphibians and perpetuate its species. Reptiles as a whole have no peace where men congregate, hence these creatures dwell in curious places remote from cities. It is natural for the eye and mind to feel refreshed when the face of the earth is clothed anew in the springtime of the year ; as one notes the emerald colouring gradually creep over the fields, he is apt to imagine that all things are new. Yet every seed that breaks the earth's surface is but the kernel of the past. Even the Reptile and the Bat retain through winter's cold the mysterious vital spark until the warm sun lends them energy for another spell of active life. It is during the springtime that Nature adorns herself for the banquet of summer. The tiny Stickle- backs in the ditch assume vivid colours, while the Heron on the watch for these finny denizens has its crest renewed and its lappets refurnished as the waters wash against its bony legs. In the rock-pools the Crested Newt assumes its helmet, and its body takes on its rouge and crimson spots when the sun stands in the heavens. In the deeper waters, where the crystal flow babbles over the pebbly bottom, the yellow Trout gets dappled with finer spots, and the Salmon looks more silvery, even when lying dead upon the bank. It is then that the Lizard gains the metallic colouring on its throat-pouches. The ponds and ditches give correct records of the atmospheric conditions. A cold east wind sends the Sticklebacks under the debris, and the brown Trout 4 Introductory lies idly beneath the projecting bank. If the weather be mild in late March, the fishes come out into the channel and search eagerly for food. Then the blackish-coloured eggs of the Frog may be seen aim- lessly moving with the swaying reeds and aquatic vegetation. Examined closely, these clusters of trans- parent balls will reveal bright beady dots — the embryos of the Frog-Tadpoles. Where the Tadpole hatches out, life is active, energetic, pregnant, and full of interest. Even while the gorse and broom are being painted in yellow upon the bank-sides and across the commons, the aquatic denizens are struggling for existence. Every pool shields not only the Tadpole, but its enemies. These aquatic poachers lie in wait amongst the vegetation, keen to catch any defenceless creature within their area. Such waterside birds as the Coot, Dipper, or Moorhen, seldom reject such a dainty morsel as an immature Frog. Even should the Tad- pole evade capture during its early days, when it issues forth as a tiny Frog among the grass some dewy evening it may be picked up by some prowling Heron. This bird is a most voracious feeder, and is account- able for the death of many a Frog, even before that creature leaves the water. Eels, Shrews, Toads, Newts, Water-Voles, even Grey Rats, and many more, all fall victims more or less to this gaunt bird of the brook- side and tree-top. British Reptiles and Amphibians CHAPTER II BRITISH REPTILES : LIZARDS To the uninitiated observer a reptile is a serpent or a creature that crawls upon its belly, and is commonly accounted legless. A reptile is a cold-blooded verte- brate having scales or plates over its body in place of fur or feather as in other animals. It breathes by lungs throughout life. The existence of legs is not a sufficient distinction between what is and what is not a reptile. By way of illustration, the student may take the British Slow-worm, and find that the creature resembles a serpent to all outside appearance. Yet this appearance is somewhat misleading. Scientific classification decrees that the Slow-worm (or Blind-worm, as it is sometimes termed) is nothing more than a legless example of a Lizard, and is comparable with the so-called " Glass Snakes " of South-Eastern Europe and America. Although externally exhibiting no signs of legs, the Slow-worm has within its skin the rudiments of these organs. The eyes also give further evidence of its affinity to the Lizard. These are furnished with movable eyelids, a phenomenon which does not occur amongst the true Snakes. There are other minor details that uphold this scientific classification which need not be specially referred to here. It is, however, rather curious to note that the Slow-worm casts its skin after the manner of snakes ; yet this fact does not 6 British Reptiles : Lizards in any way place it within the realms of snakedom. Thus it will be seen that external appearance is often of little value when it comes to actually placing an animal under its specific heading. British reptiles are represented by eight species. These are the Slow- worm, Viviparous, Sand, Green, and Wall Lizards, and the Smooth Snake, Ringed Snake, and Adder. These eight animals possess certain common and peculiar characteristics that link them together as being all of one class. The fewness of the British reptiles becomes the more noticeable when we remember that there are nearly 4,000 different reptiles in the world, of which nearly 2,000 are Lizards. The SLOW- WORM (Anguis fragility Plate I.). This is found all over the mainland of our Island, but does not seem to be indigenous to Ireland. As a rule our reptiles are seldom seen early or late in the year, and perhaps the Slow-worm appears first, and is seen later than the other seven enumerated. It is what is termed " ovoviviparous," which means that it brings forth its young alive. The number may range from six to twice that number at a time. This reptile on being touched has the faculty of stiffening its whole body, and if roughly handled a portion of its tail will break off. This deleted portion can be replaced by a fresh growth, more or less a replica of the original. The adult Slow-worm dines on small Slugs, Worms, 7 British Reptiles and Amphibians etc. It is a reptile of i o inches to 1 2 inches in length, and the general outline is cylindrical, gradually diminish- ing in circumference towards the tail. The latter is practically as long as the body, and terminates rather abruptly. The whole body is covered with minute and finely rounded, close-fitting scales. The tongue is notched at the tip, and the teeth are somewhat hooked. At birth the young are dull white in colour, becoming light sable-grey with age. A dark streak runs down the back. As they mature, the colour of the upper parts becomes more distinct and takes on a metallic sheen. A number of parallel rows of dark spots extend along the ridge of the back and sides at this stage. Beneath, the colour is whitish, overspread with a bluish lustre. I recall my first acquaintance as a budding naturalist with this reptile. I had read of the Slow-worm in text- books and elsewhere, but so far I had never seen the reptile in the flesh. I had been trout-fishing from early morning, and had sat down to enjoy my lunch. As I munched my dry biscuit and cheese, I idly observed a big worm (as I then thought) cross over the adjacent bank. Instinctively I followed, to find the animal coiled upon the edge of the grassy footpath. At the time, I confess, I was at a Joss to identify the species, and with (I am afraid) special precautions I reconnoitred the situation. As I did so, I was rather surprised that the creature appeared reluctant to move. It was evidently unconscious of my presence. I pushed 8 British Reptiles : Lizards the end of my rod against its body, when it immediately glided away amongst the ranker vegetation. As it moved off I renewed my efforts to locate it, but that first Slow-worm I never saw again. Had 1 caught it, no doubt the creature would simply have " left its tail behind it " in the orthodox manner of its species. In certain districts the Slow-worm is known as the Blind- worm. The latter designation may be traced to the fact that the eyes are small and not readily observed ; or it may be accounted for by the fact that when dead the animal's inconspicuous eyes are hidden by their lids. Yet close examination proves that these optics are quite clear and sufficient for their purpose. As a rule, Slow-worms are located upon dry gravelly soils, open heaths, airy moors, and old meadows. They seem to object to dampness in any form, and love to bask upon sandy slopes, and this characteristic is generally observable in the females during the breeding season. Once the direct rays of the sun have crossed the uplands, the Slow-worm goes out to forage. When it secures a worm, it slowly sucks the same, and ultimately swallows the morsel. Both insect and slug are treated in the same way. The Slow-worm, even while hunting, loves to have a retreat in case of danger. A stone heap or a bed of dense vegetation provides this security, and to such quarters the Slow-worm retreats when danger threatens. Although the young are generally brought forth in late summer or early autumn, the Slow-worm is usually in its winter-quarters before that season is actually B. R. 9 2 British Reptiles and Amphibians written on the calendar. In late October, for instance, the creature may be unearthed from any rubbish heap, where it has gone to sleep, or it may be rudely un- covered by the roadman's -spade from his pile of road metal. At other times the hibernating Slow-worm may be found in some crevice of the bank-side or a rabbit- burrow, absolutely oblivious to atmospheric conditions. Like Squirrels and a few other hibernating animals, the Slow-worm often issues from its winter retreat during an abnormal blink of winter sunshine, and may be seen hunting the bank-sides during the height of the day. While dormant, the circulation is tardy and the respira- tion is extremely low. In a sense, this hibernating means that the animal is for the time being practically dead to the world ; but the summer warmth quickens its blood, and it then awakes to renewed life. While having the outward form of a serpent, Slow- worms have no venomous sting, nor can they injure the hand that lifts them from the ground. In the realms of ornithology and entomology one is ever reminded how Nature has adapted its creatures to their environments. There is a charming adaptation in the nest of the Chaffinch, with its exterior decoration of lichen, the edifice resembling a miniature bulge from the tree-trunk. The Redbreast's mossy building in a mossy bank is another of the wonderful beauties painted on Nature's easel. There are millions of such marvels in every field and bank-side, every wood and pond. 10 PLATI^ British Reptiles : Lizards The entomologist, net in hand, chases the Meadow- Brown Butterfly in the heated rays of the sun. This common insect drops amid the grasses, and the eye fails to note its anchorage. A Red Admiral dances around a patch of stinging-nettles, settles, shuts its wings, and is unseen. The Wasp, moving deftly over the broom bank, is a mere dot on the wing ; once it rests, its individuality is scarcely noticed. The same with the Aphis on the rose-leaf once it falls to the gravel-path, and the same with the Spider brushed from the corner of the greenhouse. From whatever point of view one looks at Nature, he has to confess that it has made provision for its offspring. Nature not only creates, but protects. The Slow-worm that lies idly upon the cart-track, with the sun beating down upon its elongated body, is pro- tected even in its apparent helplessness. As the creature glides from place to place, the friendly fern-fronds drop into their accustomed grooves, the grass-blades bend and sway backwards, and all things conspire to cover the track of this legless Lizard. As a rule the Slow-worm basks in sunny places. Some say it sleeps at such hours, and only hunts in the evenings, when the dew is on the grasses. There is some truth in the belief, for Slow-worms do bask in the sun ; a low temperature sends them under stones or other debris. There is a tendency in all reptiles to shun coldness in any form, and hence it follows that it is useless hunting for Slow- worms in the heat of a July ii British Reptiles and Amphibians noon. Provided, however, that these creatures are known to frequent a given locality, a search under stones or other debris during the cooler hours of the day may be undertaken with some success. Yet it must be allowed that Slow-worms are not easily de- tected, as they have the facility of remaining quite motionless in the presence of surprise or danger. Some few years ago Slow-worms were reported to be very numerous in a certain locality on the borders of England and Scotland, and the author made it a point to visit this district in view of identifying Anguis fragilis, as scientists name this reptile. For some days our party searched every bank and meadow in vain. We had our quarters in the village inn, and one evening, while in conversation with the landlord, a man, evidently a tradesman, remarked : " If you want Slow-worms, try the parson's meadow." Very little more was said, but our party was early astir next morning hunting the rector's grounds for Slow-worms. Our search proved fruitless. As we dined, the man of the preceding evening's conversation passed the window. I knew him at once, and called out that we had failed to get a single Slow-worm about the rector's grounds. From the street he informed me he would bring me a few on his return to the village, and he did so. This worthy brought four alive in a handkerchief to the inn during the afternoon, which he had caught upon the very ground our party had been over some hours before. 12 British Reptiles : Lizards We invited this hunter to supper at the inn, but he declined to dine in what he termed "a hotel." If it was all the same to us, he would call during the evening and partake of light refreshments, we were made to understand. Later that day we learned " light refresh- ments " meant " four beers." From his conversation it appeared he was the village slater — not a very steady or remunerative job, one might surmise, in a rural village ; but at odd times he undertook the duties of grave-digger, stableman, and scavenger of the village. He was a curious compound of fact and fancy. If this man had had even an ordinary school-board education, he might have attained a high place in life ; a University training would cer- tainly have fitted him for a professorship. He was perhaps the most extraordinary individual I ever met, considering his sphere in life. He was somewhat of a geologist, botanist, zoologist, and historian, and a naturalist in the broadest sense. He had had no training in any branch of science, only an innate love for Nature formed the basis of all his acquired knowledge. We engaged him to hunt for Slow-worms the follow- ing day. He was at the inn door an hour before we had breakfast, and sat outside the door in the same fashion as if he were engaged for a grouse-drive. Before we started we offered him a glass of beer, knowing his love for this beverage. He declined, as he changed his oaken star? from one hand to the other. " I never 13 British Reptiles and Amphibians taste liquor afore evening," he remarked. We naturally commended his principles, and then strolled leisurely down the village street. We had followed our guide, and had walked nearly two miles, when our friend stepped over the fence and stalked energetically up a steep embankment. There was the rectory, just beyond the hill. When we reached the crest our guide gave us a lecture on Roman forts, indicating that we stood in the centre of one of these ancient landmarks. Cutting a twig from an adjacent beech- tree, this worthy led us towards a heap of stones which seemed to be the debris from the arable land beyond. He probed this heap for a time in vain, but after a while the head of a Slow-worm appeared, only to be withdrawn. Still he probed with his rude wand, and we were ultimately rewarded by seeing no fewer than eight Slow-worms glide out into the neighbouring vegetation. My companions secured seven of the eight, three full-grown specimens and four about half matured. From this place he led us towards a farm, with fields lying beneath it, on a southern slope. A rude cartway led from this homestead down into the valley, where we could see a stream cross the county. He halted as we neared the farmsteading, and at a gravel-quarry turned sharp off, probing the loose stones with his staff. Nothing resulted from this, however, and our party marched down the cart-track. We had not gone fifty yards when our guide lifted a dozing Slow-worm, (I) •• '•* * (1) Frog Spawn soon after being laid. (Natural size.} (2) Same Spawn photographed three days later, showing development of Tadpoles. (Natural size.} British Reptiles : Lizards and allowed it to twine round his fingers in friendly fashion. He told us all Lizards should be allowed the same freedom, otherwise they would let their tails drop off. This latter capture I conveyed to town, and fed it upon the ordinary grey slugs found in gardens, and it lived through the summer. During that time I gave it a dish of water and sometimes milk, both of which it seemed to relish. One day I found it enjoying a bath in the saucer of milk. My pet never awoke from its winter sleep. Lizards as a rule own two pairs of limbs, as is the case with Toads and Frogs. The Slow-worm, with its legless, snakelike form, is an exception. Most Lizards have movable eyelids, and this is a feature which is not present in true snakes. The bodies of Lizards are covered with scales ; in size and shape they are extremely varied, and the variations extend especially to the limbs, tail, tongue, and skin. Quite a number are terrestrial in habit, while some are semi-aquatic. In food habits Lizards are as varied as it is possible to conceive ; some are vegetarian, others are insectivorous, and still others prefer worms, fledglings, and even mammals. Their variations in size and structure are exquisite adaptations to their surroundings. Some are adapted for climbing, and there are fast-running and even flying forms ; others are built for a life beneath the earth's surface, where they live after the manner of '5 British Reptiles and Amphibians Earth-worms. The digestive tract is adapted to the food habit, the flesh-eating Lizards having short intes- tines, while in the vegetable feeders the intestine is relatively long. There is also a great variety of coloration among these creatures. Lizards that dwell in warm quarters, where the sun parches the soil and withers the green blades, are usually a warm brown or faint red in hue, while succulent vegetation usually shelters intense or brilliantly coloured examples. This blending of the colour of an animal with the colour of its habitat is undoubtedly protective, and is common throughout Nature. The Pallas Sand Grouse from Asia Minor and the East, that dwells in sandy wastes and loves the soil of the Steppes of Tartary, is of a pale yellow colour, in keeping with its natural environ- ment. The Yellow Hammer sitting on a furze bush is a homely example of adaptation, the Water Rail moving through the reedy swamp another. A Toad leaping over the lawn in the evening hour rests by the lilac-tree, and the eye fails to detect its presence. In the garden and the field, in the waste lands and on the hill-face, Nature protects and is protected. VIVIPAROUS LIZARD (Lacerta vivipara, Plate II.). As a student and collector of natural objects, my mind can " hark back," as fox-hunters say, to a May morning when the Whinchats and a few Redstarts had taken up residence in our garden policies. Although within a month of midsummer, the trees looked gloomy 16 GRKKN LI/CARDS (Lacertci I'irit British Reptiles : Lizards and the beech hedge that led to the kitchen-garden was still bare of foliage. That year it was late in May before we heard the Cuckoo in our woods, and the season was spoken of as a backward one by Hodge and his servants. But when the first Wood- Warbler was seen in the garden, some days of warm sunshine inter- vened, and the Viviparous Lizard dozing on the sandy bank told of summer as truly as the Martins at the sand-pit. For some days a few White Butterflies danced about the garden, and someone said they had heard the loud screaming note of the Swift near the church tower. The Spotted Flycatchers arrived before the month passed, and the Whitethroat built its little domicile in the wood behind the garden fence. Yet May continued wild, with wet, windy weather, con- firming that old Scottish admonition : " Ne'er change a cloot Till May be oot." Uncongenial although the season was, the Viviparous Lizard had come out from its cranny in the rock garden, and rested under a canopy formed by the dead fern fronds of a past year. This Lizard is frequently termed >»,>f "j '« : iphATE I3 WAI.I. LIZARDS (Lacerttt itinnilisi). British Amphibians : Toads and Frogs When the owner gained possession of the property he occupies, this Toad was already on the ground. It is now over fifty years since that date, and the same Toad looks as active to-day as it was when first observed. There is no room for questioning the veracity of this statement, as the writer has known these facts for many years, and seen this same Toad at all seasons of the year. This aged animal is very tame, and seems to recognize the voice of its owner. It certainly dis- criminates between those belonging to the family and strangers. In its own slow fashion it responds to the call of its owner, and allows itself to be freely handled. In the presence of strangers, however, it is evidently shy, and declines any overtures that may be made, even although a dainty insect be presented as a peace- ofFering. To the average person a Toad is not looked upon with any degree of favour. It is considered, from its shape and general habits, to be loathsome, and what a Scot would speak of as " uncanny." This feeling in a great measure arises from prejudice. The Toad is, indeed, a very cleanly and quite harmless creature. It changes its outer garment frequently, and after such sloughing it does not by any means object to dine on its cast-ofF hide. It should, however, be stated that a mucus, which does not smell pleasantly, and which is slightly poison- ous, is secreted by its skin. This secretion is harmless enough under ordinary conditions, but it might not B.R. 65 9 British Reptiles and Amphibians lead to pleasant consequences were it to reach the mucous membranes of the eye or mouth. Evidently it is this secretion which induces dogs to leave Toads severely alone. Towards the latter end of April or in the early days of May the Toad lays its eggs in the water of some pond or ditch. These eggs are extremely curious- looking objects as they are seen clinging to the aquatic weeds. Attached to the plant is a sort of double cord, somewhat transparent, inside of which are the tiny eggs. As these mature the cords swell considerably, and in some ten or twelve days the Tadpoles issue from their jelly-like covering. The newly-born Tadpoles adhere tenaciously to their floating cord for some days, but ultimately settle upon the adjacent vegetation. It will be observed that they retain their positions by the aid of a sucker beneath their throats. During the early stages of their growth they alter in outward appearance by the external gills shrinking and the hind-legs being formed. A few weeks later the fore-limbs appear, while the Tadpole tail is dispensed with. It is then that the young Toad " goes up country " and invades the pastures. From that hour the Toad is much more of a terrestrial creature as compared, say, with the Frog ; indeed, it, in future, visits water for one pur- pose only — i.e., to deposit its spawn. Toads are minus teeth in either jaw. They own thick, short limbs, and these are placed well up towards the head ; the hind-limbs are not adapted for leaping 66 British Amphibians : Toads and Frogs as they are in the Frog. The toes are short and webbed ; the head is large, with a flat crown ; the muzzle is short and rounded, and the gape is extremely wide. The whole formation gives the animal a distinctly squattish look. Over the eyes there are small warty protuberances. The iris of the eye is red, marked with a dull mottle. The two hind-legs are quite as long as the body — i.e., an average of 4 inches. In colour the Toad is dark brown above and white underneath. Both the back and belly, however, vary somewhat in different specimens. A pale brown back may often be seen, while a faint rosy tint sometimes overspreads the lighter colouring on the lower parts. The Toad provides us with a good example of protective coloration. On brown earth, when resting, it appears strangely like a lump of earth. If, however, the animal rests among green vegetation during the day, the skin assumes a greenish tint to harmonize with the green surroundings. The male is the smaller of the sexes. For food the Toad chiefly relies on the insects, Worms, Snails, and the like, that it may find during its excursions in the mild summer evenings. Espe- cially after rain the animal may be observed moving amongst the vegetation on the outlook for such small game. It is most active at night when the dew has settled or during damp days ; it avoids glaring sun- shine, and seeks a shady retreat during dry periods. After the summer passes and the frosty nights of autumn come in, the Toad crawls into some crevice in British Reptiles and Amphibians a wall or tree, or any convenient hole likely to afford the necessary shelter, for its annual hibernation. THE NATTERJACK (Bufo calamitay Plate XVI. — on the cover). The Natterjack seldom exceeds 3 inches in length. Casually observed, this animal might be mistaken for the Common Toad, although the latter is larger and more massive in form. More closely observed, it will be seen that the Natterjack has rather projecting eyes, somewhat elevated eyelids, and the head proportions are less striking than in the case of the Toad. Unlike the latter, too, the female Natterjack approaches nearer the size of its mate. In colour the Natterjack is light greenish-yellow, inclining somewhat to brown, with irregular green markings over the upper surface. A distinctive feature is the bright yellow line that passes down the centre of the back, although occasionally this mark is absent in some specimens. The under portion of the body is pale or whitish-yellow, with numerous dark specks. " The Toad crawls, the Frog leaps, but the Natter- jack runs," This is a popular way to phrase the actions of these amphibians, although it is not scientifically correct. Still, the Natterjack in some quarters has been baptized the " Running Toad " from its rather peculiar method of locomotion, that resembles more of a run than a crawl or hop. From infancy onwards the Natterjack much resembles the Common Toad. 68 British Amphibians : Toads and Frogs This species is usually found about ditches, stagnant pools, and such places, where it breeds. Evidently it is local in its distribution, although where found it seems to be quite plentiful. It is by no means common north of the Tweed. The animal has an extremely hoarse croak, and heard in the quiet of a summer evening, this croaking cannot but attract the wayfarer's notice. When heard in concert, the noise is remarkably striking, as the sound carries a long distance in the still twilight. As one looks down upon a Toad or Natterjack in the grass while the afterglow dips beyond the hill-crests, there is something attractive about the eyes of these creatures one cannot well explain. A Toad moving from the shelter of a dock-leaf, or a Natterjack coming from the swamp, arrests the eye, and causes one to question the appearance of such a creature under such conditions. None of the same race do so. Weirdly strange is the fall of eventide as the shadows lengthen out, and the red sun clings to the western hilltops. One then thinks of the fading colours of the garden, and would fain have them remain, but the Owl flies over the meadow, and the dandelion shuts its yellow bloom against the darkening hours. The broad smile of reeking earth fades in the haze, and the still silence marks the hour when the Bats fly round the garden border. " The past is past — I see the future stretch All dark and barren as a rainy sea." Then the Owl comes again on noiseless wing, settles British Reptiles and Amphibians on the field post, turns its massive head around, and again slides over the meadow. At the distance you can see its great round eyes that pierce the shadows — a feathered cat upon the wing. While the Owl is hawking the crepuscular insects issue forth — those big-bodied fliers we speak of as Moths — dancing about the hedges and ditches, especially where willows abound. These are but the Butterflies of the night, just as the Owls and Bats are the birds of the darkened hours. " And pluck the wings of painted Butterflies To fan the moonbeams from his sleeping eyes." These insects live on the honied dew of the night flowers that do not fold their petals with the fall of night. Most of these flowers are very highly scented, and generally bright in colour (white or yellow), and as a rule grow in clusters. These two characteristics are doubtless for the everlasting good of the insects referred to. In this connection the honeysuckle may be named as one of these powerfully scented flowers that throws its petals open when the world sleeps, but which yields food to the roving night-fly in the interval. The Bee cannot draw honey from the honeysuckle flower, but certain Moths, dancing in the gloaming, can, and do. Nature has decreed so. Of course, on the brown earth itself, the rodents move in vast colonies after dark. The Hare then feeds, and the Rabbits, Mice, Weasel, Hedgehog, and others, scour the land for food when the sun goes down and the moon stands silent as the clouds race past. While the 70 British Amphibians : Toads and Frogs Partridges are calling in the cornfields, the aquatic denizens of the marshes croak on far into the night. It is then that the voice of the Natterjack is heard in the land — yet only in regions somewhat proscribed. THE COMMON FROG (Rana temporaria, Plate I.). Practically all over the British Isles the Frog is a well-known frequenter of ponds, ditches, pools, or marshy lands. It is said to have been introduced into Ireland early in the eighteenth century, and to-day is considered as worthy of a place in the fauna of that island. The Frog's year opens usually in late March, when the spawn may be found about the numerous waterways. The eggs are small, round, opaque bodies encased in a protective covering, gelatinous in character, and usually clustered together. These masses sink to the bottom of the pool, where they swell perceptibly until they attain a buoyancy that forces them to the surface of the water. The Tadpoles, on issuing from their envelopes, have gills with a fleshy sucker beneath the head. By the latter appendage they are enabled to hold firmly to any object the sway of the water may drive them against. There is a depression on the under side of the head that later becomes active, and ultimately opens, fashioning the alimentary canal. This enables the creature to feed upon the tender and succulent vegeta- tion within its reach. Then this sucker splits in twain, the external gills are replaced by internal substitutes British Reptiles and Amphibians encased in chambers. The gills are gradually absorbed, only a small aperture being left, through which the water entering the mouth is ejected. When about five weeks old the hind-legs are formed, and these gradually increase in length, size, and usefulness. The lungs, evolved via the gullet, come into action practically with the growth of the hind-legs. Once they are working in unison, the Tadpole gains the surface of the water, and breathes the air direct. In the interval the fore-legs have been forming underneath the skin, and these now protrude. A day or two afterwards the Tadpole tail disappears, the mouth widens, the tongue visibly enlarges, and the eyes break through the skin. These eyes are large and bright, and surrounded by a faint yellow circle. This brilliancy of the eyes continues throughout the days of the Frog, and is one of the many attractive features in the adult animal. It is after the fore-legs become active members that the Tadpole leaves off feeding on vegetable matter, and becomes exclusively a carnivorous animal. Once the Tadpole can paddle through a pool of water with its four limbs, it becomes a cannibal. Field or pond life is ever a battle-field — a Rob-Roy country — a simple question of the survival of the fittest. Tadpoles themselves annually die in thousands in every ditch, a prey to a stronger rival. When the Tadpole reaches the car- nivorous stage, it does not scruple to slay and swallow its miniature brother. Having attained the adult stage, it leaves the water 72 PLATE 14 Radiograph of Toad. British Amphibians : Toads and Frogs and thereafter is more of a terrestrial creature than otherwise. Frogs leave the water occasionally in large numbers, doubtless under certain atmospheric conditions, and abnormal numbers may then be noted in fields and meadows. Such instances no doubt have given rise to the rustic belief in some quarters that the clouds " rain Frogs " sometimes. The head of the Frog is triangular in shape. The teeth are arranged in single file, and an irregular row adorns the palate. The tongue lobs at its tip, and when idle this is kept folded back. The third toe of the fore-feet is longest and the second one the shortest. On the hind-legs the fourth toe is longest, and all are webbed. The hind-legs are half as long as the body, and tucked well underneath when in repose. The skin is smooth throughout unless about the thighs, where some few wrinkles appear. Yellowish-brown is the predominant colour, with distinct black spots. An elongated patch of brown is over the temples, and a faint line runs down either side of the back. Still, beyond the ground colouring no really definite colours can be given, as Frogs vary con- siderably in this direction, doubtless attributable to their special environments. As a rule, however, Frogs are yellow, with dark markings. A casual glance at the creature as it leaps through the vegetation will confirm this. In a semi-domesticated state the writer has seen Frogs varying in colour from a bright yellow to a warm brown, down to decided black. B.R. 73 10 British Reptiles and Amphibians Although a full-grown Frog is only some 3 inches in length, it possesses a very pronounced voice. It gives vent to a loud croak, and there is something attractive about a " Frog concert " when heard in the still evening by the edge of some lonely roadway. Frogs hibernate after the fashion of their kind. They pass the winter months in holes of almost any description. The warmth of spring again forces them from these retreats, when they at once commence love- making. These creatures often live to a great age, and several are known to the writer that have lived in a city garden for twenty and thirty years. THE EDIBLE FROG (Rana escuknta^ Plate XV.). Students, collectors, and the general body of amateur naturalists, have as a rule a desire to add to and augment the number of native species of animals or plants in which they have a special interest. The ornithologist is keen on including in the British fauna the Sand Grouse, Glossy Ibis, Bohemian Wagwing, and others ; the entomologist aims at fixing on his list the exotic specimen that accidentally reaches our shores in a batch of imported fruit ; the botanist's fond hope is to locate some rare plant where no such plant ever existed before. It is all so very excusable, as one may judge human nature. In keeping with the text, the Edible Frog and its claim to inclusion in the British fauna may be put in the same questionable category. No doubt this animal 74 British Amphibians : Toads and Frogs has a certain claim to a place on the British list, but no one can explain the reason why with ?ny degree of satisfaction. In certain localities it has been identified, but how it reached such places is somewhat of a mystery to naturalists generally ; it is supposed that FIG. 4.— SKELETON OF EDIBLE FROG SHOWN WITHIN THE OUTLINE OF THE BODY. SV/z., Scapula ; 0., humerus ; U., conjoined radius and ulna j Wow., carpal bones ; M., metacarpal bones ; II.-V., digits of manus ; fP., verte- brae ; St., urostyle ; D., ilium ; Osch^ femur ; Usch.t conjoined tibia and fibula ; F, head j r, tooth. classes should be looked upon as " back numbers "; they have lost their ancient supremacy ; numberless forms have become extinct, and in point of size they are now reduced to mean proportions. In the days of their supremacy they were the terrors of the Animal World ; now the dwarfed descendants tread the earth in fear, trembling before the onslaught of the Mammals which are supreme. 80 i5 ' ^_V Carl Edwards, Rana esculent a, or Edible Frog. Classification The Amphibia are classified as follows : Order i. The URODELA (Gr., oura, tail ; delos^ conspicuous). Amphibians with long, round bodies, and FIG. 6. — SKELETON OF A FOSSIL FLYING REPTILE (Pterodactylus crassirostris), AND (A) RESTORATION OF THE ANIMAL ON A SMALLER SCALE. having long, flattened tails which they retain throughout their existence. Order 2. The ANURA (Gr., a-, an-y without ; oura, tail), including those Amphibians which in the adult stage have lost all signs of a tail. B.R. 81 ii British Reptiles and Amphibians Order 3. The GYMNOPHIONA (Gr. gumnosy naked ; aphis, snake). This Order includes wormlike Am- phibians, with only rudimentary eyes, and having no tail or limbs of any kind. As the reader will already have divined, in Britain we have no representatives of the third Order, which, indeed, only includes about twenty-five species the world over. Our three Newts belong to the Order Urodela, Suborder Salamandroidea, Family Salaman- dridae. Of the Order Urodela there are some one hundred species in the world. Our two Frogs and two Toads are of the Order Anura, Suborder Phaneroglossa (visible tongue). This Suborder is classed into two Groups — (i) Arcifera ; (2) Firmisterna. The Arcifera are divided into three Families, to the first of which, the Bofonidae, our Toads belong. The Group Firmis- terna enbraces one Family, the Ranidae, inclusive of our two Froggies. The Order Anura has about eight hundred representatives. From the figures given it will be seen that there are over nine hundred existing Amphibians, of which only seven can be claimed as British. The Reptiles are classified thus : Order i. The RHYNCHOCEPHALA (Gr., runchos, strong snout ; cephale, head). There is but one species of this Order, and it is resident in New Zealand. It differs from all existing Reptiles, and is regarded as a surviving remnant of an Order which has perished. Order 2. LACERTILLIA — Lizards. 82 Classification Order 3. OPHIDIA — Snakes. Order 4. CHELONIA — The partly aquatic Turtles, and the terrestrial Tortoises. Order 5. CROCODILIA — Alligators and Crocodiles. Of these five Orders two are represented in the British fauna — the Lacertillia and Ophidia. The Lacertillia of the world are divided into about twenty families, of which only two are represented in Britain — Family Anguidae by Anguis fragitis, the Slow- Worm ; and Family Lacertidae, by our four Lizards, Lacerta vivipera, L. agilis^ L. viridis, and L. muralis. The world's Ophidia are divided into numerous families, of which two have British species. The Adder belongs to the Family Viperidae ; the Ringed and Smooth Snakes are of the Family Colubridae. The Reptiles of the world number upwards of 4,000 species, and in proportion thereto our eight representa- tives are very inconspicuous. While comparatively few Reptiles are harmful to man, persons who are not naturalists usually regard all as pests ; such, perhaps, may find consolation in the fewness of British Reptiles, and regard it as some compensation to those who endure the changeful meteorological conditions of Great Britain. INDEX ADDER, the, i, 7, 40-47 poison fangs of, 46 Amphibians, 2, 3, 49-77 classification of, 81-82 fossil, 79 of past ages, 79 Anguis fragilis, 7-15 Anura, the, 81 Batrachians, the, 76 Blind-worm, the, 6, 9 British Reptiles, fewness of, 83 J5«/o calamita, 68 valgaris, 64 Chameleons, 30 Chelonia imbricata, 48 Chelonia, the, 83 Classification, 77-83 Common Lizard, 17 Toad, 64-68 Coronella austriaca, 34 Crested Newt, 50 Crocodilia, the, 83 Fossil Flying Reptile, 81 Frog, Common, 71-74 Edible, 74-76 Geckos, 301 Glass Snakes, 6 Grass Snake, 36-40 Great Warted Newt, 50-57 Green Lizard, 7, 25-27 Gymnophiona, the, 82 Hawksbill Turtle, 48 Labyrinthodon giganteuw, 80 Lacerta agilis, 21 muralis, 27 viridis, 25-27 vivipafa, 1 6 Lacertillia, the, 82 Leathery Turtle, 49 Lizard, Common, 17 Green, 7, 25-27 Sand, 7, 21, 22-25 Viviparous, 7, 16-22 Wall, 7, 27-28 Lizards, 6-30 as pets, 28-30 characteristics of, 15 digestive tract of, 16 distribution of, 18 food of, 15 of the world, 7 Molge cristata, 50 palmata, 60 vulgarity 57 Natterjack, the, 68 Newt, Great Warted, or Crested, 50-57 Palmated, 60-63 Smooth, 57-60 Newts, 49-64 Ophidia, the, 83, Palmated Newt, 60-63 Pterodactylus crassirostris, 81 Rana esculenta, 74 Index Rana temporaries, 71 Reptiles, British species of, 7 classification of, 82-83 definition of, 6 of the world, 7 Rhynchocephala, the, 82 Ringed Snake, the, 7, 36-40 Sand Lizard, 7, 21, 22-25 Slow-worm, i, 7-10 Smooth Newt, 57-60 Snake, 7, 34-35 Snake, Grass, 36-40 Ringed, 7, 36-40 Smooth, 7, 34-35, 39 Snakes, 2, 31-47 Glass, 6 Sphargis coviacea, 49 Toad, Common, 64-68 Natterjack, 68 Tropidonotns natrix, 36 Turtle, Hawksbill, 48 Leathery, 49 Turtles, 47-49 Urodela, the, 81 Viper, the, 40-47 Viper a berus, 40 Vivarium, the, 29, 47, 76 Viviparous Lizard, 7, 16-22 Wall Lizard, 7, 27-28 BILLING AND SONS, LTD., PRINTERS, GUILD FORD BY THE REV. 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