Zoology.'] NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Reptiles. 



The Lizards of the genus Egernia resemble Cyclodus and 

 Trachydosaurus (illustrated in former plates) in many respects, 

 but differ in the comparatively long slender toes, the orbit not 

 separated by a row of plates from the labial plates, and in the 

 strongly keeled and spined scales. The tail being conical with a 

 circular section throughout, separates Egernia from Silubosaurus, 

 which, except for the depressed tail of the latter, it otherwise 

 much resembles. 



This rare Lizard was formerly not uncommon at Merri Creek 

 and similar rocky places near Melbourne, and at Sunbury. 



The indigo-blue colour of the tongue is so striking as to 

 suggest the popular name of Blue-Tongue for both the banded 

 and the blotched species of Cyclodus ( C. gigas and C. nigroluteus), 

 and this Egernia ; but the latter, which has the tongue of the same 

 colour, but paler, is easily distinguished by its long slender toes 

 and ridged and strongly spined scales. 



The specimen figured is from Brighton. 



Not fio-ured of the colours of life before. 



Explanation of Figures. 



Plate 141. — Fig. 1, side view of average specimen, two-thirds the natural size. Fig. la, 

 top of head, natural size, to show form and ridging of plates and scales. Fig. lb, side view of 

 head, natural size. Fig. lc, front view of snout, magnified two diameters, to show rostral plate, 

 nasal plates and nostrils. Fig. Id, underside of head and throat, two-thirds the natural size. 

 Fig. le, eye, with surrounding scales, magnified two diameters. Fig. 1/, nasal plate and nostril, 

 magnified two diameters. Fig. \g, teeth of lower jaw, magnified three diameters. Fig. \h, 

 scales of tail, magnified two diameters. Fig. \i, scales of hack, magnified two diameters, 

 Fig. Ik, scales of belly, magnified two diameters. Fig. ll, anterior foot, viewed from below, 

 natural size. Fig. l?n, hind foot, viewed from below, natural size. 



Frederick McCoy. 



[158] 



