{206}"_Phyllomedusa_ does not lay its eggs in the water, although the larva develops in that element, but in the open air in masses 50 millim. long by 15-20 broad, between leaves hanging over the water. Willows are frequently used for that purpose. The egg-mass contains rather large white ova, wrapped up between two or three leaves in such a way as to be completely enveloped save an inferior opening. My attempts at rearing the eggs failed owing to the leaves drying up; but I am assured that the tailed larvae may be seen wriggling in the gelatinous mass. As at a later period the latter is found empty, we must infer that the larvae drop into the water below. The eggs are found only on plants hanging over stagnant water." [Illustration: FIG. 40.–A branch with eggs of _Phyllomedusa iheringi_, × 1, enveloped in the leaves. (After v. Ihering.)] "The adult animal is a stupid creature, and will let itself be taken without attempting to escape. Their moderately loud voice resembles somewhat the sound produced by running the finger nail over the teeth of a comb. Only during the breeding season, in the month of January in Rio Grande do Sul, do these frogs make their appearance; at other times not one is to be seen, probably because they establish themselves high up in the trees." _Agalychnis_, with two species in Central America, is practically like _Hyla_; but the pupil is vertical, and the tongue is extensively free behind. _Nyctimantis_ differs from either by its round tongue, which is not nicked behind, and is almost completely adherent, much resembling that of the Discoglossidae. The sacral diapophyses are but slightly dilated. The only species, _N. rugiceps_, lives in Ecuador, and grows to nearly three inches in length. The head is large and rough owing to the skin being involved in the cranial ossification. It is further peculiar in its coloration, the under parts being chestnut-brown instead of whitish. The upper parts are olive-grey or brown. The following four genera, each represented by one or two species {207}only, much resemble each other in the curious shape of the head, which forms a flat projecting snout, used probably for digging in rotten wood in search of insects. There is a peculiar degradation in the extent of dentition of the palatal region. _Diaglena_ and _Triprion_ are the only Hylidae which possess a longitudinal row of parasphenoid teeth. _Diaglena petasata_ of Mexico and _D. jordani_ of Ecuador have, moreover, a transverse row of teeth on the palatine bones in addition to those on the vomer.