THE LIZARDS 163 



try. The reason for such freak distribution of immedi- 

 ately related forms is rather a puzzle. The specific 

 differences may be concisely outlined, thus : — 



Pink (or orange) and black, the pale hue predominating. Head marbled 

 with the light color. Tail very short. 



GILA MONSTER, Heloderma suspectum. 

 Distribution: Arizona and New Mexico. 



Pale yellow and black, the black predominating. Head entirely black. 

 Tail much longer than with the preceding. 



BEADED LIZARD, Heloderma horridum. 



Distribution: Mexico and Central America. 



The Gila Monster, H. suspectum: The popular 

 name is pronounced Hee' la Monster. In every way the 

 animal looks poisonous. The pattern is so coarse and 

 glaring the effect is like the conception of an impres- 

 sionistic artist. 



At no time can the Gila Monster get over the ground 

 at faster than a spry crawling gait, seldom raising the 

 fat body entirely clear from the surface. Despite its 

 apparent sluggishness it is capable of surprisingly quick 

 motions when annoyed, showing it to be a highly danger- 

 ous brute to tamper with. If annoyed while progress- 

 ing in leisurely fashion, it stops immediately, evidently 

 realizing the uselessness of attempted flight. Rearing 

 the forward part of the body, the previously lethargic 

 reptile displays a significant degree of vivacity, hissing 

 sharply, while the forked, purple tongue protrudes from 

 the lower jaw. If the hand of the tormentor ventures 

 too near, woe to the possessor! With a side twist, like 

 a flash, the lizard has made a snap in an endeavor to 

 imbed its fangs. So agile are some specimens, they 

 can, with a jump, entirely reverse their position, so the 

 head occupies the spot where the tail has previously 

 rested. If the jaws do reach their mark, the lizard's 

 grasp is like that of a bulldog. It may retain its grasp 



