Art. XVI, L — Description of two new Australian Lizards,, 

 Varanus spencer i and Diplodactylus hilineatus. 



By A. H. S. LUCAS, M.A., B.Sc, and C. FROST, F.L.S. 



[Read 9th October, 1902.] 



Varanus spenceri, sp. n. 



Description. — Snout very short, depressed at the end, measur- 

 ing about one-tiftli less than the distance from the anterior 

 border of the orbit to the ear ; can thus rostralis not very distinct. 

 Nostril oval, distant from the end of the snout about one-third 

 less than its distance from the orbit. Limbs stout ; digits 

 strong, moderately elongate. Tail swollen and depressed at the 

 base, compressed with a doubly toothed keel posteriorly, a little 

 longer than the head and body. Upper head scales larger than 

 those on the temples, subequal ; supraocular scales very small,, 

 granular, subequal. Scales of upper surfaces small, varying in 

 size and .shape, round or oval, convex, .sometimes tubercular. 

 Abdominal scales smooth, flat, in from 115 to 120 transverse 

 series. Upper and lateral caudal scales tubercular at the base, 

 bluntly keeled posteriorly. 



Colour. — Pale yellowish-brown above, with numerous broad, 

 dark brown bands on the back and sides, usually rising alter- 

 nately to right and left from the vertebral line ; head with or 

 without dark brown blotches and streaks. Tail with dark brown 

 annuli, under surfaces uniform pale yellowish-brown. 



Dimensions of Type. 

 Total lengtli - - - . 

 From tip of snout to gular fold 

 From gular fold to vent - 

 Max. width of head 

 Fore limb ... - 

 Hind limb . - - - 

 Tail 



