2500 



SCALED REPTILES 



fasdatus} are characterized by the shortness of the row of pores on the thigh, 

 the present species is one of those in which they form a long series; and it is 

 further characterized by the presence of a serrated crest down the back and tail, 

 and also by a pouch and slight transverse fold on the throat. The head is large, 

 swollen below the ears, and furnished with enlarged scales on the snout; while the 

 body and tail are compressed, the body being covered with small scales. The 

 species derives its name from the rings of keeled scales which form regular segments 

 on the sides of the tail, each segment being composed of from three to five series of 



RING-TAILED IGUANA. 

 (One-fourth natural size.) 



small scales, and a single series of larger and somewhat spinous ones. The toes are 

 compressed, and covered below with keeled plates. In total length this iguana 

 reaches about forty-eight inches; and its general color is green or dark olive, 

 speckled with darker and lighter, and frequently marked with blackish transverse 

 bands. The ring-tailed iguana is a somewhat local species, occurring most abundantly 

 in Jamaica, on the limestone mountains in the neighborhood of Kingston harbor 

 and Goat island, but also met with on the low grounds lying between the coast 

 ranges and the higher mountains of the interior, where hollow trees occur. Shy 

 and retiring in their habits, the crentures live in pairs, and display no great 



