JAN., 1912. MAMMALS, VENEZUELA AND COLOMBIA OSGOOD. 41 



ters, if any, distinguish the three forms. Our specimen was obtained 

 through Don Alberto Tinedo who killed the animal a few weeks before 

 our visit to the Empalado Savannas. During the few days we spent 

 in this locality we failed to see any large anteaters, although they are 

 regarded as not uncommon. 

 Local name Oso Palmero. 



Tamandua tetradactyla instabilis Allen. Tamandua Anteater. 



Two specimens, El Panorama, Rio Aurare (i), Empalado Savan- 

 nas (i). 



These agree closely with topotypes in the small size which 

 seems to be the principal character. The animal is only moderately 

 common in the Maracaibo region and the two specimens secured were 

 the only ones seen. One was shot from the top of a small tree where 

 it was discovered and called to my attention by workmen cooking 

 their supper after dark under the tree. The other was met in midday 

 ambling across the end of a small savanna. It quickened its pace 

 somewhat when it saw me and as I advanced it finally broke into an 

 awkward lope toward the nearest tree, which it started to ascend. 



Local name Oso Hormiguero. 



Dasypus novemcinctus Linnaeus. Nine-banded Armadillo. 



Fourteen specimens (skulls), vicinity of Maracaibo, Venezuela. 



The nine-banded armadillo, cachicamo of the natives, is exceedingly 

 abundant in the sandy regions on both sides of the northern end of 

 Lake Maracaibo. Its favorite abode and safe retreat is in the extensive 

 areas grown to the wild pineapple or may a the sharp claws of which, 

 curving both inward and outward, render progress much simpler for 

 armorclads than for animals less protected. The armadillos, the 

 large land turtles, and certain iguanas, therefore, are found associated 

 in these areas which are shunned by other quadrupeds except where 

 open leads or trails permit easy passage. In the Empalado Savannas, 

 armadillos were found inhabiting more accessible places, burrowing 

 under clumps of low bushes, or in crevices of rock ledges. Their flesh 

 is eaten by all classes of people and the stripped carcasses may be seen 

 hanging in the market almost daily. 



Possibly the Venezuelan nine-banded armadillo is not subspecifically 

 identical with the Brazilian one which was the basis of the name, but 

 this can best be settled by examination of the type which is still existing 

 (see Thomas, P.Z.S., p. 142, Mch. 1911). 



Local name Cachicamo. 



