SYSTEMATIC ACCOUNT OF THE SPECIES. 135 



the smaller birds of prey. In Cuba the local sparrow hawks subsist almost 

 entirely on lizards and might catch these young arboreal Uzards more easily 

 than species of the same size hving near the ground. The adults are agile and 

 capable of biting fiercely. They too are seldom or never seen near the ground, 

 possibly descending for oviposition, although the eggs may be laid in hollow 

 trees. 



The natives have a very widespread beUef that the bite of this species is 

 dangerous, the victim being at once seized with fever and ague. As to the 

 food of the great Anolis we know but Uttle; it is surely insectivorous and Giind- 

 lach records that he once heard the shrill scream of a tree frog (Hyla) and found 

 that it had been caught by one of these Uzards. The country people all declare 

 that they feed largely upon fruit, especially the mango; it is not improbable 

 that this idea arises from the fact that they are frequently found in mango 

 trees. We have always imagined that this circumstance was due in part at 

 least to the excellent cover offered by the splendid growth of rich green foUage 

 of the Cuban mango trees; it, however, has been seen eating berries (Ramsden). 

 With good luck one may occasionally see two males of this fine species chasing 

 one another about, making short rushes and charges at each other, accompanied 

 by much tossing of heads and display of brilhant dewlaps. When this mimic 

 battle takes place about the smooth green top of the trmik of a stately Royal 

 Palm, it is a sight not easily forgotten. 



The Giant Anolis occurs throughout the whole Island and, unlike the Gray 

 Chipojo, is not confined to the virgin forest, but apparently prefers groves and 

 orchards. Its abundance is probably not being affected by the extensive 

 deforestation which is taking place in so many parts of the Island. 



25. Anolis angusticeps Hallowell. 

 Lagartija. 



Diagnosis: — A depressed rather slender Anolis havmg a long and rather 

 flat head; short Umbs; gray in color, variously mottled or longituduially 

 striped, with a peach-pink dewlap. 



Description: — Adult d^ M. C. Z. 7,956. Cuba: Santa Clara Province; 

 region of Sierra de Jatibonico, 1912. Barnum Brown. 



Top of head mth two ridges of keeled scales enclosing a sUghtly depressed 

 oval area; ridges converging gradually and meeting just posterior to the nos- 



