THE IGUANOID LIZARDS 



2497 



Although originally included in the same genus as its aquatic cousin 



("relict Del 2*05 



* d there seems no doubt that the land lizard of the Galapagos ( Conolo- 



Lizards P^ us subcristatus) is entitled to stand as the representative of a distinct 

 generic group; the nearly cylindrical tail and perfectly free toes being dis- 

 tinctive characteristics which cannot well be overlooked. Not reaching within some 

 eleven inches of the dimensions attained by the last, this lizard is likewise a stoutly- 

 built creature, with the rather small head slightly longer than broad, the body 

 somewhat depressed, a slight spiny crest on the nape, continued as a low ridge on 

 the back, and the scales of the latter small and keeled, while the slightly larger ones 



GALAPAGOS LAND LIZARD. 

 (One-fifth natural size.) 



on the lower surface are smooth. Although devoid of a pouch, and with but a very 

 slight transverse fold, the throat is strongly plicate longitudinally, and is covered 

 with minute granules. The stout limbs terminate in very short toes, of which the 

 third in the hind- foot is serrated on the inner margin of its basal joint. On the 

 thigh the pores are arranged in a long series, and vary from seventeen to twenty- 

 one in number. In length the tail scarcely exceeds the head and body, while in 

 form it is slightly compressed, having a low ridge superiorly, and being covered 

 with small keeled scales of uniform size. In general color the creature is dark 

 brown, with the head and under parts lighter. 



