19. VERTICARIA 



559 



which granules intrude between the supraoculars and the 

 large medial head plates, seems, however, to present a good 

 average distinction between the two forms, as is shown in 

 the following table: 



As this difference is merely an average one, it becomes 

 necessary to regard V. beldingi as a subspecies of V . hypery- 

 thra. A trinominal is therefore used. 



Another difference between these two subspecies is found 

 in the number of dorsal stripes. V . h. hyperythra may have 

 two dorsal lines (40 specimens), but usually has three (120 

 specimens of 160 examined). V. h. beldingi usually has 

 two dorsal lines, rarely three or one. 



The supraoculars in V. h. hyperythra are 4 — + in 102, 

 ^ — 3 in 16, and 3 — 3 in 36 specimens. 



Habits. — Mr. Slevin says this species ranged from sea- 

 level to 1,400 feet, and was found abundant throughout the 

 lower levels among fallen cacti and the numerous brush 

 heaps. The native name is Waco. This little lizard keeps 

 well under cover, seldom coming into the open, and moves 

 along with a short jerky motion a few inches at a time, until 

 becoming alarmed when it makes off at top speed for the 

 dense undergrowth. A pair were found mating at San Pedro 

 the first week in July. 



