Acanthodactyhis. 99 



several small shields aud granules; fourth small, if distinct, often 

 separated from third by granules ; second and third supraoculars 

 separated by one or, i-arely, two series of granules from the 

 superciliaries, which are G or 7, rarely 5, in number, the first longest 

 and usually in contact with the whole outer border of the first 

 supraocular. Anterior loreal much shorter than second ; 5 upper 

 labials, rarely 4 or C, to below the centre of the eye ; subocular 

 sharply keeled below the eye, lower border rounded or very openly 

 angular, resting on the fourth, fifth and sixth (rarely fourth and 

 fifth, fifth to seventh, or fourth to seventh) upper labials Two 

 large upper temporals (rarely one), first the longer ; temporal scales 

 granular, convex or obtusely keeled, upper minute, lower much larger ; 

 a small tympanic shield rarely present ; 3 to 5 rounded or obtusely 

 pointed lobules usually forming a denticulation in front of the 

 tympanum. 



5 pairs of chin-shields, the first three in contact in the middle. 

 "25 to 41 gular scales in a straight line between the symphysis of 

 the chin-shields and the median collar-plate, juxtaposed in front, 

 gradually enlarged and imbricate towards the collar; gular fold 

 usually present, sometimes very indistinct. Collar free, curved, 

 composed of 8 to 13 plates. 



Dorsal scales granular or subrhouiboidal, usually feebly keeled, 

 sometimes smooth or flat and rather strongly keeled, scarcely 

 enlarged on the posterior part of the back, 60 to 80, usually 65 to 75, 

 across the middle of the liody * ; the scales minutely granular on 

 the upper part of the sides, enlarged on the lower part and passing 

 gradually into the ventral plates. Ventral plates mostly as long as 

 broad, but some a little broader than long or a little longer than ^ ^, ,^ 



broad, forming irregular )longitudiual and angular transiers.e series ; ^ "^ 



14, rarely 16. very rarely 12, plates in a transverse series in the 

 middle of the body ; 27 to 36 transverse series. Preaual region often 

 covered with small irregular plates, sometimes with an enlarged 

 median plate in front of the vent. 



15 to 27 femoral pores on each side, the two series usually meeting 

 in the middle. Fingers with 4 series of scales, the series on each side 

 forming the feeble denticulation ; toes with only 3 series of scales, the 

 serration on the outer side much stronger than that on the inner, very 

 strong on the fourth toe, where the lobes of the fringe at least equal, 

 and usually exceed, the diameter of the toe; 21 to 26 unicarinate, less 

 frequently feebly tri- or quinquecarinate, lamellEe under the fourth toe. 



* Anderson usually gives higher numbers wliich is due to his having- counted 

 )iigher up than the middle of the body. 



