108 SAUEIA. 



lower lateral edge ; back of the tail with cross series of spinous tubercles which are larger 

 than those on the trunk. Eleven upper and eight lower labials. The scales of the middle 

 of the belly form from thirtyrseven to forty-one longitudinal series. The series of femoral 

 and prseanal pores are but slightly interrupted in the middle of the preeanal region, or some- 

 times continuous. Brownish olive above, irregularly spotted or banded with brown ; a brown 

 band runs from the first upper labial through the eye to above the ear. 



This appears to be the most common species of India ; we have seen specimens from 

 China, Lahore, Bengal, Singapore, Ceylon, and from the Anamallay Mountains. According 

 to Bibron it is found also in the Philippine Islands and in Mauritius. It is one of the 

 common House Geckos. 



Hemidactylus stkesii. (Plate XII. fig. C.) 



Back with numerous trihedral tubercles of moderate size, all being considerably smaller 

 than the opening of the ear. Tail rounded and smoothish on the sides, with cross series of 

 tubercles above, which are larger than those on the trunk. Eleven or twelve upper and ten 

 lower labials. The scales of the middle of the belly form forty or forty-two longitudinal 

 series. The series of femoral pores are not continued on into the prseanal region. Browiiish 

 olive above, with cross series of rounded brown spots, sometimes confluent into bands ; two 

 brown streaks behind the eye, and one before it. 



The single specimen which I have observed of this species, and which is in the British 

 Museum, is 7| inches long, and was brought by Colonel Sykes from the Deccan. 



Hemidactylus fr^natus. The Cheecha of Ceylon. 



Hemidactylus frenatus, Dum. ^ Bibr. iii. p. 366. Kelaart, Prodr. Faun. Zeyl. i. p. 161. 



Back with scattered, very small, obtusely conical tubercles ; tail but slightly depressed, 

 with cross series of small spinous tubercles above. Eleven upper and nine lower labials. 

 The scales of the middle of the belly form about forty longitudinal series. The series of 

 femoral pores are continuous across the preeanal region, or but slightly interrupted in the 

 middle. Brownish olive 5,bove, irregularly marbled with darker ; sometimes a dark band 

 through the eye ; sometimes of uniform coloration. 



We have observed specimens of this species from Ceylon, Pinang, Singapore, from Siam 

 and Gamboja, from Bengal and Assam. According to Bibron the same species would occur 

 in Southern Africa, in the East Indian Archipelago, and in Polynesia. It scarcely ever 

 exceeds the length of 4 to 5 inches ; and is one of the most common House Geckos, seen 

 soon after sunset in search of prey, which consists of flies and other insects. It does not 

 reject boiled rice and crumbs of bread, always returning to the spot where it has been thus 



