OCR Text |
Show REPTILES. 15 DESCRIPTION.-The general form of this new species is similar to that of Pr. Weigmannii, but less elongate and somewhat more depressed, resembling in general appearance some of the forms of the genus Sceloporus. Head covered with rather small and consequently numerous scales, slightly elevated, and separated from each other by distinct and deep lines. A single series of small scales between the labial scales and the orbit. The exterior margin of the ear is entire and even. Scales of the temple and at the sides of the neck wholly granular, the latter very small. The scales of the back are small, flat, with a very low carina, and not pointed at the posterior extremity. There are about twenty rows of dorsal scales. The posterior surface of the thighs is granulated, excepting a small patch near the tail of imbricated scales, similar to those of the inferior surface, as .in Pr. Weigmannii. The tail is of moderate length, and the scales which cover it arc short, depressed, and obtuse in comparison with those of several other species. The pre-anal pores, which are peculiar to the male, are about ten in number. The general colour is gray, with two light longitudinal lines on each side, and a row of black spots along the inner margin of the dorsal ones. The under surface is nearly white, with black dots under the throat. The anterior legs, when stretched backwards against the side, reach about two-thirds towards the thigh ; and the posterior when stretched forwards, extend to the shoulder. DIMENSIONS. Inches. Lines. Length of the head •••• , , •••• , •••.• of the body ••••••••••••• of the tail •••• , , •••••••••. Total length., •• Length of anterior extremities • , ••.• of posterior extremities •••••• 0 5 1 6 a 4 5 0 5 8 2 It is at first sight extremely difficult to distinguish this species from younger individuals of Pt·. Fitzingerii, from which, however, it differs in the more linear form of the supralabial scales, in the absence of imbricated scales on the lateral fold of the neck, the more entire margin of the ear. In the existence of a patch of larger imbricated scales on the posterior surface of the thighs, it resembles Pr. Weigmannii; from which, however, it may be at once distinguished by the single row of supralabial scales, the later species having a double row. PnocTOTRETUS WEIGMANNII. PLATE VIII.-Fw. 1, 2. Capite squamis lcevibus non imbricatis tecto; au1·ihus 1·otzmdis margine anteriore |