Eurycea Tynerensis Research Articles

Family shapes microbiome differences in Oklahoma salamanders

Family shapes microbiome differences in Oklahoma salamanders

Multiple stressors produce differential transcriptomic patterns in a stream-dwelling salamander

BackgroundGlobal biodiversity is decreasing at an alarming rate and amphibians are at the forefront of this crisis. Understanding the factors that negatively impact amphibian populations and effectively monitoring their health are fundamental to addressing this epidemic. Plasma glucocorticoids are often used to assess stress in amphibians and other vertebrates, but these hormones can be extremely dynamic and impractical to quantify in small organisms. Transcriptomic responses to stress hormones in amphibians have been largely limited to laboratory models, and there have been few studies on vertebrates that have evaluated the impact of multiple stressors on patterns of gene expression. Here we examined the gene expression patterns in tail tissues of stream-dwelling salamanders (Eurycea tynerensis) chronically exposed to the stress hormone corticosterone under different temperature regimes.ResultsWe found unique transcriptional signatures for chronic corticosterone exposure that were independent of temperature variation. Several of the corticosterone responsive genes are known to be involved in immune system response (LY-6E), oxidative stress (GSTM2 and TRX), and tissue repair (A2M and FX). We also found many genes to be influenced by temperature (CIRBP, HSC71, HSP40, HSP90, HSP70, ZNF593). Furthermore, the expression patterns of some genes (GSTM2, LY-6E, UMOD, ZNF593, CIRBP, HSP90) show interactive effects of temperature and corticosterone exposure, compared to each treatment alone. Through a series of experiments we also showed that stressor induced patterns of expression were largely consistent across ages, life cycle modes, and tissue regeneration.ConclusionsOutside of thermal stressors, the application of transcriptomes to monitor the health of non-human vertebrate systems has been vastly underinvestigated. Our study suggests that transcriptomic patterns harbor stressor specific signatures that can be highly informative for monitoring the diverse stressors of amphibian populations.

The Lack of Nasolacrimal Ducts in Plethodontid Salamanders?

Nasolacrimal ducts are a terrestrial vertebrate adaptation and appear to have co-evolved with orbital glands. Although plethodontid salamanders possess orbital glands, a recent study concluded that plethodontid salamanders lack nasolacrimal ducts. Functionally, the absence of nasolacrimal ducts closes the route for orbital gland secretion passage into the nasal and vomeronasal organ cavities. Orbital glands have been implicated in enhancement of vomeronasal function so loss could have important implications for communication. Multiple older studies depict or discuss nasolacrimal ducts in plethodontid salamanders. Interestingly, the only consensus between recent and older literature is that Desmognathus lacks nasolacrimal ducts. To determine if plethodontid salamanders truly lack nasolacrimal ducts, we sectioned plethodontid salamander heads for general histological examination of species from the majority of the plethodontid tribes. From our representative sample, we found only two species that completely lacked nasolacrimal ducts (Desmognathus fuscus and Eurycea tynerensis) and one species that possessed nasolacrimal ducts that ended blindly before reaching the nasal cavities (E. spelaea). Bayesian ancestral state reconstruction resulted in the presence of nasolacrimal ducts on the branch leading to Plethodontidae and both subfamilies within Plethodontidae, with two independent losses in Desmognathus and Eurycea. Anat Rec, 301:765-775, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Friends in Low Places: Responses of a Benthic Stream Fish to Intra‐Prey‐Guild Alarm Cues

AbstractMany aquatic species produce chemical alarm cues that serve as a warning to nearby conspecifics. In mixed‐species aggregations, individuals may also benefit by ‘eavesdropping’ on the chemical alarm cues of other species that are in the same prey guild. Rainbow Darters (Etheostoma caeruleum) are benthic fish that co‐occur with native Ozark Minnows (Notropis nubilus), recently introduced Western Mosquitofish (Gambusia affinis), and native Oklahoma Salamanders (Eurycea tyrnerensis), all of whom are vulnerable to the same predators. We tested the responses of darters to the damage‐released alarm cues of conspecifics (positive control), minnows, and mosquitofish; alarm cues from Bumblebee Gobies (Brachygobius doriae) served as a negative (allopatric) control. We also tested the response of sympatric and allopatric darters to the damage‐released alarm cues of Oklahoma Salamander. Darters exhibited a fright response to conspecific and minnow alarm cues, but not to cues from mosquitofish or gobies. Lack of response to mosquitofish cues could be because they are introduced or because they typically occur higher in the water column than darters. Darters that were sympatric with the salamander exhibited a fright response to the alarm cues of the salamander, while allopatric darters did not. Rainbow Darters can develop responses to the alarm cues of syntopic species (minnows and Oklahoma Salamander) within their prey guild.

Reduced effects of thyroid hormone on gene expression and metamorphosis in a paedomorphic plethodontid salamander.

It has been over a century since Gudernatsch (1912, Wilhelm Roux Arch Entwickl Mech Org 35:457-483) demonstrated that mammalian thyroid gland extracts can stimulate tadpole metamorphosis. Despite the tremendous developmental diversity of amphibians, mechanisms of metamorphosis have mostly been studied in a few model systems. This limits our understanding of the processes that influence the evolution of developmental aberrations. Here we isolated thyroid hormone receptors alpha (TRα) and beta (TRβ) from Oklahoma salamanders (Eurycea tynerensis), which exhibit permanently aquatic (paedomorphic) or biphasic (metamorphic) developmental modes in different populations. We found that TRα and TRβ were upregulated by thyroid hormone (T3 ) in tail tissues of larvae from metamorphic populations, but basal levels of TR expression and T3 responsiveness were reduced in larvae from paedomorphic populations. Likewise, we found that T3 treatment resulted in complete loss of larval epibranchials in larvae from metamorphic populations, but little to no epibranchial remodeling occurred in larvae from paedomorphic populations over the same duration. This is the first study to directly demonstrate reduced gene expression and metamorphic responses to T3 in a paedomorphic plethodontid compared to metamorphic conspecifics, and the first salamander system to show differential expression of thyroid hormone receptors associated with alternative developmental patterns.

Life between predators and a small space: substrate selection of an interstitial space‐dwelling stream salamander

AbstractPhysical space is a fundamental habitat constraint for interstitial space‐dwelling organisms; however, few studies have examined how physical space variation structures predator/prey interactions within such communities. Streambeds in the western Ozark Plateau are composed of Silurian/Ordovician chert gravel and contain a rich assemblage of interstitial space‐dwelling species, including macroinvertebrates, fishes and aquatic salamanders. Here, we used field and lab experiments to examine interstitial space size preference and structure of an Ozark streambed community, with emphasis on the Oklahoma salamander, Eurycea tynerensis, and its predators (crayfish) and prey (isopods and amphipods). In the field, we implemented a three by six grid of enclosures containing three distinct size classes of well‐sorted substrate (small, medium and large) that represented three categories of interstitial space size. Isopods and amphipods were the most abundant macroinvertebrates at the site, and the average size of isopods increased with substrate size. Salamanders were significantly more abundant in medium‐sized substrate enclosures, whereas isopods of consumable size and amphipods were more abundant in small and medium substrate, and crayfish were found exclusively in large substrate enclosures. Pairwise choice experiments in the lab showed that salamanders always preferred the largest gravel size (i.e. large or medium to small, and large to medium). A subsequent experiment performed with uniformly large gravel demonstrated that salamanders avoided positions near and adjacent to crayfish. We suggest that the finite interstitial space distribution of Oklahoma salamanders is limited by physical constraints of small, prey‐rich spaces, and avoidance of predators and prey scarcity in the interstitial spaces among large substrates. This study demonstrates the strong influence of interstitial space size on community structure and predator/prey interactions in chert‐bottomed Ozark streams.

Learning to Avoid Dangerous Habitat Types by Aquatic Salamanders,Eurycea tynerensis

AbstractThere should be intense selection for predation avoidance mechanisms when prey live in close proximity to their predators. Prey individuals that can learn to associate habitat features with high levels of predation risk should experience increased survival if they subsequently avoid those habitats. We tested whether or not habitat learning occurred in a benthic stream community consisting of adult Oklahoma salamander (Eurycea tynerensis) prey and a syntopic predatory fish, the banded sculpin (Cottus carolinae). We exposed individual salamanders to chemical stimuli from sculpin, non‐predatory tadpoles, or a blank control in training tanks containing either rocks or grass. Two days later, the salamanders were tested in tanks that offered a choice of rocks or grass. Salamanders showed significant avoidance of the habitat where they had previously encountered chemical cues from sculpin in comparison to the non‐predatory controls. Learning to avoid dangerous habitats may be particularly important for prey whose predators are visually cryptic ambush foragers, such as sculpin.

Considering alternative life history modes and genetic divergence in conservation: a case study of the Oklahoma salamander

Alternative life history strategies can provide important variation for the long-term persistence of a lineage. However, conservation of such lineages can be complicated because each life history mode may have different habitat requirements and may be vulnerable to different environmental perturbations. The Oklahoma salamander (Eurycea tynerensis) is endemic to the Ozark Plateau of North America, and has two discrete life history modes, biphasic (metamorphic) and aquatic (paedomorphic). Until recently, these modes were considered separate species and conservation attention focused only on paedomorphic populations. We perform phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (Cytb) and nuclear gene proopiomelanocortin (POMC) to assess patterns of historical isolation in E. tynerensis, and test whether life history mode is randomly distributed with respect to the phylogeny and geography. We find three divergent Cytb lineages and significant shifts in POMC allele frequencies between the eastern, western, and southwestern portions of the distribution. Life history mode varies extensively, but paedomorphosis is largely restricted to the widespread western clade. Therefore, the two most divergent and narrowly distributed clades (southwestern and eastern) were previously overlooked due to their metamorphic life history. Paedomorphosis has allowed E. tynerensis to drastically increase its niche breadth and distribution size. Nevertheless, metamorphosis is also an important attribute, and metamorphic populations are the ultimate source for paedomorphic evolution. Preservation of divergent genetic lineages, and regions that include adjacent habitat for both life history modes, may be the most effective way to maintain historical and adaptive variation and provide gateways for ongoing life history evolution.

Sphyranura euryceae (Monogenoidea: Polystomatoinea: Sphyranuridae) from the Grotto Salamander, Eurycea spelaea and Oklahoma Salamander, Eurycea tynerensis (Caudata: Plethodontidae), in Northeastern Oklahoma, U.S.A.

Abstract Seventy-four Oklahoma salamanders, Eurycea tynerensis, and 12 larval grotto salamanders, Eurycea spelaea, were collected from 4 stream sections of Sawmill Hollow Creek, Cherokee County, Oklahoma, and examined for monogenoids. Thirty-seven of 74 (50%) E. tynerensis were found to harbor Sphyranura euryceae. Fifteen of 25 (60%) of the E. tynerensis in the far-downstream section were infested by S. euryceae, 8 of 31 (26%) of the mid-downstream Oklahoma salamanders were infested, and 14 of 19 (78%) of the near-downstream E. tynerensis had the highest prevalence of S. euryceae. Analyses of variance with Fisher's least significant difference test of mean intensity of S. euryceae on E. tynerensis showed significant variation among groups. One of 2 (50%) E. spelaea from the near-downsteam section harbored S. euryceae; none of the 10 E. spelaea from the pond inlet were infested. We report the first population study of S. euryceae in E. tynerensis and a new host record for this monogenoidean in E. spelaea.

Distribution, Abundance, and Genetic Diversity of Clinostomum spp. Metacercariae (Trematoda: Digenea) in a Modified Ozark Stream System

Land-use alterations can have profound influences on faunal distributions, including host-parasite relationships. Yellow grub trematodes ( Clinostomum spp.) have complex life cycles involving 3 hosts: a snail, a fish or amphibian, and a bird. Here, we analyze the distribution, prevalence, intensity, abundance, and genetic diversity of encysting metacercariae of Clinostomum spp. in salamanders and fishes throughout an aquatic system that includes a natural Ozark stream and man-made ponds. We found Clinostomum sp. infecting permanently aquatic Oklahoma salamanders ( Eurycea tynerensis ; 56% prevalence) and larval grotto salamanders ( Eurycea spelaea ) immediately downstream from a man-made pond. However, Clinostomum sp. did not infect any salamanders in the spring that supplies this pond, or in sections farther downstream (~0.5 and 2 km). Metacercariae of Clinostomum sp. were present in ~90% of introduced largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ) in the man-made pond adjunct to the stream. Morphological examination and phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase 1 ( Co1 ) and the nuclear ribosomal gene 18S show that fishes and salamanders at this site are primarily infected with Clinostomum marginatum . There is a relatively high degree of mitochondrial haplotype diversity in C. marginatum at this site but no consistent genetic difference between parasites in largemouth bass from the man-made pond and those in salamanders from the stream. Based on the microgeographic distribution and relationships of metacercariae of C. marginatum at this site, we hypothesize that the adjunct man-made pond has created an ecological situation that brings the cercariae of this parasite into contact with novel stream salamander hosts.

Life History and Color Variants in a Matriline of Oklahoma Salamander (Eurycea tynerensis)

Until recently, two surface-dwelling species of multi-ribbed brook salamanders (i.e., the metamorphic Eurycea multiplicata griseogaster (Graybelly Salamander), and the strictly paedomorphic E. tynerensis (Oklahoma Salamander)) were recognized as living in the Missouri Ozarks. The current understanding is that a single species (Oklahoma Salamander) is resident in the Ozarks, and that this species is polymorphic for life-history mode from population to population. We recently discovered that multi-ribbed salamanders at two locations in Christian and Barry Counties, MO, show striking polymorphism in eye-coloration, with individu- als possessing either gold or black irises. To test whether the gold- and black-eyed forms may be different species, we conducted a phylogeographic analysis of mtDNA variation in multi-ribbed salamanders across the Missouri Ozarks. We present se- quence data from the mitochondrial cytochrome-b gene that show that transforming and paedomorphic individuals, and the alternative eye-color morphs can all arise from the same mitochondrially defi ned matriline, and thus seem to comprise a single species. We hypothesize that color-pattern variation in multi-ribbed salamanders is under simple genetic control.

Streambed microstructure predicts evolution of development and life history mode in the plethodontid salamander Eurycea tynerensis.

BackgroundHabitat variation strongly influences the evolution of developmentally flexible traits, and may drive speciation and diversification. The plethodontid salamander Eurycea tynerensis is endemic to the geologically diverse Ozark Plateau of south-central North America, and comprises both strictly aquatic paedomorphic populations (achieving reproductive maturity while remaining in the larval form) and more terrestrial metamorphic populations. The switch between developmental modes has occurred many times, but populations typically exhibit a single life history mode. This unique system offers an opportunity to study the specific ecological circumstances under which alternate developmental and life history modes evolve. We use phylogenetic independent contrasts to test for relationships between a key microhabitat feature (streambed sediment) and this major life history polymorphism.ResultsWe find streambed microstructure (sediment particle size, type and degree of sorting) to be highly correlated with life-history mode. Eurycea tynerensis is paedomorphic in streams containing large chert gravel, but metamorphoses in nearby streams containing poorly sorted, clastic material such as sandstone or siltstone.ConclusionDeposits of large chert gravel create loosely associated streambeds, which provide access to subsurface water during dry summer months. Conversely, streambeds composed of more densely packed sandstone and siltstone sediments leave no subterranean refuge when surface water dries, presumably necessitating metamorphosis and use of terrestrial habitats. This represents a clear example of the relationship between microhabitat structure and evolution of a major developmental and life history trait, and has broad implications for the role of localized ecological conditions on larger-scale evolutionary processes.

ASSOCIATION BETWEEN THE OKLAHOMA SALAMANDER (EURYCEA TYNERENSIS) AND ORDOVICIAN-SILURIAN STRATA

Abstract The Oklahoma salamander, Eurycea tynerensis, is an endemic species restricted to the superficial currents that exist in mountain streams of the Ozarks in Oklahoma, Missouri, and Arkansas. The results of our study show a close relationship between the salamander and the presence of rocks from the Ordovician/Silurian period. The small interstitial spaces created by the structure of this type of rock provide ideal habitat for the development of this neotenic species.

Fessisentis, a Genus of Acanthocephalans Parasitic in North American Poikilotherms

Thirteen of 16 Siren intermedia collected in Union County, Illinois, were infected with from two to 49 specimens of Fessisentis fessus Van Cleave, 1931. There are no previous reports of identified specimens of Acanthocephala from Siren. This is also the first report of F. fessus since the original description and represents new host and locality records. Old siren harbor more and larger specimens than do young siren. Intensity of infection and host age do not, however, relate to variability of other morphological features. Two paratypes, the original description, and specimens from siren form the basis for redescription of Fessisentis fessus. It is now realized that the trunk of females may be up to 52 mm long and unlike all other species of the genus it possesses a subterminal genital pore. It is also known that lemnisci of males seldom reach the anterior testis and that proboscis hooks may be in as many as 21 longitudinal rows. Contrary to the original description, F. fessus possesses two retinacula. The proboscis receptacle departs from usual acanthocephalan morphology in consisting of 2 muscular layers of tubular bundles with contractile fibers at the periphery enclosing a central area of noncontractile cytoplasm. Fessisentis necturorum Nickol, 1967, and F. vancleavei Haley and Bullock, 1953, also possess 2 retinacula and have proboscis receptacles identical in construction to those of F. fessus. Fessisentis and Fessisentidae are redescribed to conform to this additional information. Acanthocephalus vancleavei Hughes and Moore, 1943, agrees with Fessisentis as redescribed with the exception of cement gland number. One male specimen was reported to have a cement gland number atypical of both Acanthocephalus and Fessisentis. It is felt that this deviation should not be emphasized to the point of obscuring unique features shared with species of Fessisentis. Because of transfer of this species to Fessisentis, a new name, F. friedi, is proposed for F. vancleavei Haley and Bullock, 1953. Richard Heard has collected Fessisentis necturorum near Athens, Georgia, from larval Ambystoma opacum. This represents additional knowledge of host and geographical distribution. In 1931, Van Cleave described Fessisentis fessus as a new species of Acanthocephala and named a new genus, Fessisentis, and a new family, Fessisentidae, to reflect its taxonomic position. He felt that the form of the proboscis receptacle (with a pouchlike thickening containing several prominent nuclei at the posterior end of the outer wall), form of the testes (filiform with indistinct boundaries and extending at least three-fourths the length of the trunk), possession of one retinaculum (rather than two), an unusual number of cement glands (four), and protonephridial organs associated with the uterine bell served as evidence of the distinctness of the Fessisentidae. Van Cleave later recognized that structures originally interpreted as protonephridia are pockets of the selector apparatus (Haley and Bullock, 1953). F. fessus was described from freshwater drum, Aplodinotus grunniens, collected at Money, Mississippi, and until the current paper there is no published record of additional collections. Hughes and Moore (1943) described Acanthocephalus vancleavei from neotenic, streamReceived for publication 3 August 1971. dwelling Eurycea tynerensis collected near Tahlequah, Oklahoma. For reasons discussed below, this species is now considered a member of the genus Fessisentis. The only other report of A. vancleavei was by Malewitz (1956), who tentatively identified specimens from E. multiplacata collected near Tahlequah, Oklahoma, as A. vancleavei. In 1953, Haley and Bullock described a new acanthocephalan, Fessisentis vancleavei, from sunfish, Lepomis gibbosus, collected at Durham, New Hampshire. Bullock has since collected F. vancleavei from other species of fish (see Materials section), and Fried and Koplin (1967) collected it from white sucker, Catostomus commersoni, taken in Northampton County, Pennsylvania. Nickol (1967) described Fessisentis necturorum from Necturus beyeri collected near Folsum, Louisiana. F. necturorum has since been collected from larval Ambystoma opacum (see Materials section). Golvan (1969) expanded the Fessisentidae to include all members of the superfamily Echinorhynchoidea with four cement glands, elongations of the middle egg membrane,

Utilization of Radioiodine by Thyroid of Neotenic Salamander, Eurycea tynerensis Moore and Hughes

Utilization of Radioiodine by Thyroid of Neotenic Salamander, Eurycea tynerensis Moore and Hughes

Iodine Uptake and Turnover in the Frog Tadpole

Previous article No AccessIodine Uptake and Turnover in the Frog TadpoleErnest L. Hunt and James Norman DentErnest L. Hunt Search for more articles by this author and James Norman Dent Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUS Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditEmail SectionsMoreDetailsFiguresReferencesCited by Volume 30, Number 1Jan., 1957 Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/physzool.30.1.30166310 Views: 2Total views on this site Citations: 4Citations are reported from Crossref Journal History This article was published in Physiological Zoology (1928-1998), which is continued by Physiological and Biochemical Zoology (1999-present). Copyright 1957 The University of ChicagoPDF download Crossref reports the following articles citing this article:Kiyoshi Yamamoto, David Kanski, Earl Frieden The uptake and excretion of thyroxine, triiodothyronine and iodide in bullfrog tadpoles after immersion or injection at 25° and 6°C, General and Comparative Endocrinology 6, no.33 (Jun 1966): 312–324.https://doi.org/10.1016/S0016-6480(66)80019-9H. Lipner, S. Hazen Extrathyroidal Iodide Pump in Tadpoles (Rana grylio), Science 138, no.35433543 (Nov 1962): 898–899.https://doi.org/10.1126/science.138.3543.898J. Leloup, M. Fontaine IODINE METABOLISM IN LOWER VERTEBRATES, Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences 86, no.22 (Dec 2006): 316–353.https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.1960.tb42815.x Harold Dundee , and Aubrey Gorbman Utilization of Radioiodine by Thyroid of Neotenic Salamander, Eurycea tynerensis Moore and Hughes, Physiological Zoology 33, no.11 (Sep 2015): 58–63.https://doi.org/10.1086/physzool.33.1.30155417

New Locality Records for Two Oklahoma Salamanders

New Locality Records for Two Oklahoma Salamanders

A New Tapeworm of the Genus Bothriocephalus from Oklahoma Salamanders

The worms used in the present study comprise eight strobilae having scoleces, and a number of fragments. Four of the parasites were found in each of two out of three larval specimens of Typhlotriton spelaeus Stejneger, 1892,1 taken from a spring just below the dam of Grand Lake near Disney, Mayes County, Oklahoma. The salamanders were collected by Professor George A. Moore's class in ichthyology in April 1948. The cestodes were fixed in hot Bouin's fluid, stained in borax carmine, and mounted in toto in Canada balsam.

Notes on Salamanders Collected in Oklahoma

THE recent descriptions of new salamanders, Eurycea tynerensis Moore and Hughes, Eurycea griseogaster Moore and Hughes, and Typhlotriton nereus Bishop, prompted the writer to collect and study salamanders in the Ozark uplift in northeastern Oklahoma. The observations presented herein are mainly from northeastern Oklahoma although interesting notes from other regions of the state are included. Some specimens were placed in the University of Oklahoma Museum of Zoology. Some were presented to Dr. G. A. Moore, and the remainder are in the writer's personal collection. Ambystoma maculatum (Shaw).-An egg mass collected Feb. 28, 1944, in an overflow pool of a small spring fed strealh 2 miles south of Scraper, Cherokee County, was taken to the laboratory where the larvae began emerging on March 10. Unfortunately these larvae failed to survive but others were collected later (Mar. 28, June 11, 16, and 25) in abundance. On June 16 metamorphosing larvae were found and carried to the laboratory where they developed the adult color pattern in sufficient detail by June 27 to confirm their identification as A. maculatum. A thorough search for adults and newly metamorphosed individuals in the vicinity of the pool was futile. Ambystoma texanum (Matthes).-Large numbers of this secretive species were taken from beneath logs in a shallow slough 2 miles south of Norman, Cleveland County. Males taken here as early as December 4, 1942, had greatly enlarged testes which contained active spermatozoa. On February 28, 1942, eggs were collected. At the same time larvae about 8 mm. in length were seen swimming in the slough. Several specimens from Osage County, 3 miles northwest of Tulsa, represent a new locality record. Ambystoma trigrinum mavortium Baird.-Neotenic individuals of this species were taken April 24, 1942, and June 9, 1943, in a cattle tank 6 miles east of Norman, Cleveland County. In April terrestrial adults were found in the same pool. Neotenic males taken in April had enlarged testes containing active spermatozoa. The only previous report of neoteny in mavortium is from Estes Park, Colorado (Gadow, 1908). The new Cleveland County record is 500 miles southeast of Estes Park and at a considerably lower elevation (1200 ft m.s.l.). This suggests that neoteny in mavortium may be considerably more widespread than previously suspected. Plethodon cinereus angusticlavius Grobman.-A specimen taken 2 miles south of Scraper, Cherokee County, on April 27, 1945, appears to be the first record from Oklahoma. It was found beneath moist leaves in a narrow stream valley in rugged limestone hills. Another specimen was collected in Adair County, 5 miles south of Kansas, on March 28, 1944.