Zoology.] NATtTRAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. [Beptiles. 



present species, at first glance, resembles the young of the G. muri- 

 c'ata or "Blood-sucker" of colonists, figured on our plate 111, so 

 much as to be easily mistaken for it. The absence of the large 

 distinct external tympanum easily distinguishes it, however, as 

 well as the shorter blunter head ; the large pointed scales being 

 irregularly scattered instead of forming distinct median and lateral 

 keels, and the absence of femoral poi*es on the underside of the thigh 

 are also ready distinctions. Most specimens have no pre'anal pores, 

 but occasionally there is one large, prominent preanal pore on each 

 side, as in the genus Diporophora (which, however, has distinct 

 external ear-drums)-. 



The habits of this little Lizard are entirely different from those 

 of the G. muricata, never ascending trees or bushes like that 

 creature, but inhabiting stony plains and ^retreating into small 

 holes, like those of the " Trap-door Spider," in the ground when 

 alarmed. 



Not very uncommon at Essendon and plains near Sunbury, &c., 

 to the north of Melbourne. 



This interesting rejitile has not been figured before. 



Explanation of Figures. 



Plate 181. — Fip;. 1, avprage specimen, natural size, side view. Fip;. la, head, viewed from 

 top, magnified two diameters. Fig. li, liead and neck, side view, showinf; absence of ears, 

 magnified two diameters. Fig. Ic, front view, showing large chin plate, raagnilied two 

 diameters. Figs. \d, Ic, underside of foot, magnified two diameters. Fig. ]/. preanal pores, 

 magnified three diameters. Fig. 1;/, scales of neck, magnified three diameters to show spines. 

 Fig. lA, spinose scales of dorsal portion of side and sniootli scales of ventral portion of side, 

 magnified three diameters. Fig 2, another specimen, viewed from above. Fig. 3, young, short- 

 tailed specimen, about entering hole. 



Frederick McCoy. 



[ 398 ] 



