77.V-/ /..\/\. OM i UOMOA 



i !/. I/.7- 



41 



WK now arrive :it :uii.tli.-r family <if Liuml>. .-inl*-.! from the typical *i>eoie*, the Teguexins. 

 In the*- reptile*, the hiid is covered with laix*'. regular, nmny-siiltil .shields, tin- sides an- Hat, 

 and tin- tin-out ha* a double collar. 



Our fint example is the TKOUMIN, or VAKIEOATKO LIZARD, BO called on account of the 

 contrasting colon with which it is decorated. It in also known by the name of SAFEGUARD, a 

 tit ! winch has been given to it because it is thought to give notice, by hissing, of the approach 

 of tin- alligator. The monitor-, .l.-riv thfir name from a similar Mief, they being thought 

 to warn human beings of the approach of poisonous serpents. 



.,/ 



TKOCEXIM, OR VAKUQATKI) UZARD.- 



Several species of Teguexin are known, all inhabiting the warmer portions of America, 

 and possessing similar habits. It is said that although strong and agile, they do not ascend 

 trees, but range at will the hot sandy plains or the dense damp underwood on the margins of 

 lakes and rivers, into which they plunge if alarmed, and remain below the surface until the 

 danger has passed away, their capacious lungs and imperfect circulation permitting them to 

 endure a very long immersion without inconvenience. 



The Teguexin is a large and powerful Lizard, exceeding five feet in length when full 

 grown, and extremely active. It feeds mostly, if not entirely, upon animal food, and makes 

 great havoc among snakes, frogs, toads, and other semi-aquatic creatures. It often indulges in 

 diet of a higher nature, and when it -an find an op|Krtunit\ . devours poultry, or breaks and 

 eats their eggs. Sometimes it has been known to eat Li/^irds of a closely allied species, a fact 

 which has been proved by finding some bones, and other portions of the Ameiva lizard within 

 the stomach of a Teguexin that had been killed. Together with these relics were found the 

 shelly wing-cases of beetles, and the skins of sundry caterpillars. 



