488 7. XANTUSIIDJE 



late ventrals in 16 longitudinal and 32 to Z5 transverse 

 rows. Large preanal plates arranged in two or three series, 

 edged by smaller scales and granules. Tail conical, cov- 

 ered with whorls of smooth, narrow, and transversely con- 

 vex scales. A series of from 10 to 12 femoral pores along 

 each thigh. 



The ground color is smoke gray or cinnamon, with 

 numerous irregular maculations of dark brown or black. 

 These markings are much smaller and less numerous on the 

 lower surfaces. There is considerable variation in the color 

 pattern. One specimen has two narrow parallel black lines, 

 originating at the posterior edge of each occipital plate, and 

 running the whole length of the back. The space between 

 each pair of these lines is unmarked, but the rest of the 

 upper surface is irregularly spotted. Other specimens offer 

 an almost perfect imitation of coarse granitic rock. 



Length to anus 63 82 87 88 95 106 



Length of tail..... _ 60 79 74 75 83 73* 



Shielded part of head.... 17 20 22 22 22 24 



Snout to ear 15 19 20 21 2! 24 



Snout to anterior gular 



fold 12 16 16 17 17 20 



Snout to posterior gular 



fold 23 30 30 31 35 3+ 



Fore limb 18 25 26 26 28 30 



Hind limb 23 32 33 35 35 38 



Base of fifth to end of 



fourth toe 8 12 11 12 12 14 



Distribution. — This largest species of the group has been 

 recorded from San Nicolas, Santa Catalina, San Clemente 

 and Santa Barbara islands, California. No specimens from 

 Santa Catalina are known and it is very improbable that it 



•Reproduced. 



