TEGUEXIN, OR VARIEGATED LIZARD. 



43 



WE now arrive at another family of Lizards, called from the typical species, the Teguexins. 

 In these reptiles, the head is covered with large, regular, many-sided shields, the sides are flat, 

 and the throat has a double collar. 



Our first example is the TEGUEXIN, or VARIEGATED LIZARD, so called on account of the 

 contrasting colors with which it is decorated. It is also known by the name of SAFEGUARD, a 

 title which has been given to it because it is thought to give notice, by hissing, of the approach 

 of the alligator. The monitors derive their name from a similar belief, they being thought 

 to warn human beings of the approach of poisonous serpents. 





TEGUEXIN, OR VARIEGATED LIZARD.- Tejw tejuvAn. 



Several species of Teguexin are known, all inhabiting the warmer portions of America, 

 and possessing similar habits. It is said that, although strong and agile, they do not ascend 

 trees, but range at will the hot sandy plains or the dense damp underwood on the margins of 

 lakes and rivers, into which they plunge if alarmed, and remain below the surface until the 

 danger has passed away, their capacious lungs and imperfect circulation permitting them to 

 endure a very long immersion without inconvenience. 



The Teguexin is a large and powerful Lizard, exceeding five feet in length when full 

 grown, and extremely active. It feeds mostly, if not entirely, upon animal food, and makes 

 great havoc among snakes, frogs, toads, and other semi-aquatic creatures. It often indulges in 

 diet of a higher nature, and when it can find an opportunity, devours poultry, or breaks and 

 eats their eggs. Sometimes it has been known to eat Lizards of a closely allied species, a fact 

 which has been proved by finding some bones, and other portions of the Ameiva lizard within 

 the stomach of a Teguexin that had been killed. Together with these relics were found the 

 shelly wing-cases of beetles, and the skins of sundry caterpillars. 



