A Structural Feature Connected with the Mating of Diemyctylus viridescens

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THERE seems to be very little doubt at present that the fertilization of Urodela is internal. Since Spallanzi in I785 proved internal fertilization must take place with Triton, many investigators have shown conclusively that such is the case in other species. The mating habits of a number of salamanders have been observed, but very much is yet to be learned about many forms concerning which we now know little more than the mere fact that fertilization is internal ; however, it seems very probable that in all Urodela fertilization is accomplished by a similar method. In most cases the courtship is more or less complicated and terminates with the female following the male, who emits a spermatophore containing zobsperms, which is received by the cloaca of the female as she passes over it. There are many variations in the mating habits of different forms described, but unfortunately few species are easy to observe. Of American forms practically nothing is known of the more terrestrial species. Dieiyctylus v'I zdcsccOns and D. lorosits of the aquatic species are about the only ones in which a satisfactory idea of the matinghas been obtained. A number of observations have been made upon European salamanders by Robin ('74), Gasco ('80), and Ze]ler ('90), who have given good accounts of their habits. With Triton, for instance, Zeller has carefully described the antics of the male before the female ; these may extend over a period of hours; he rubs against her and rushes before her. At length she is attracted by him, and as he moves off she follows and receives 643