PDF (9.91 MB) - Academy Research - California Academy of Sciences

54,
CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES [Oc. Papbbs
The back may be unicolor, but usually a broad reddish band
extends along the whole dorsal surface from snout to tip of tail,
being broadest on back of head. In
the larger alcoholic specimens,
this band varies in color from blood-red to orange-vermilion,
while in small it
specimens
is rufous. This reddish band is
bordered laterally throughout
its entire length by a narrow black
stripe which fades gradually into the brown of the lateral regions.
Lower part of sides and ventral surfaces of body and tail are
minutely marbled with brown and yellowish-white, or in some
specimens are blackish-brown. Limbs are similarly marbled
except on upper surfaces of thigh and arm, which are light yellowish-red.
Upper surface of head clouded with dark brown
centrally, and close examination shows a considerable number of
minute white dots scattered over its surface. Gular region yellowish-white
clouded with brown. A few small brown markings
are to be seen in the red dorsal band.
Measurements of 7 Specimens in the Collection of the
California Academy of Sciences
Snout to anus 24 27 30 48 50 57 66
Front of anus to end of tail 17 19 40 49 48 53 71
Width of head 4 4 6 6 6 8 9
Nostril to orbit 112 2 2 2 2
Snout to orbit 2 2 3 3 3 4 4
Snout to gular fold 6 7 10 10 11 13 15
Snout to fore limb 7 8 13 13 14 17 18
Gular fold to anus 18 20 20 38 39 44 51
Axilla to groin 14 15 15 30 29 32 40
Adpressed limbs separated
by 4 4 4 8 9 5 10
Fore limb 5 6 6 10 10 13 15
Hind limb 6 7 7 12 13 16 18
Heel to end of longest toe.. 2 2 2 5 5 7 8
Breadth of foot 112 3 3 4 4
Remarks.— This salamander was originally described from one
specimen said to have been secured by John Xantus while stationed
at Fort Tejon, California, but the records of the National
Museum show that this locality probably
is erroneous. In 1886,
Cope described Plethodon crassulus from a specimen said to have
been collected in "California" by Dr. J. G. Cooper. This name
seems to have been based upon a specimen of P. intermedius which
shows no dorsal band.
Distribution.— This salamander is common in British Columbia,
Washington and western Oregon.