44 



THE HELODERMA HORRIDUM. 



The teeth of this species are strong, and the reptile can bite with great force. It is a bold 

 and determined combatant when attacked, and if it succeeds in grasping a foe, retains its hold 

 with the pertinacity of the bulldog. The flesh of the Teguexin is eaten, and thought to 

 be excellent. According to Azara, the skin of its tail, when separated into rings, is con- 

 sidered to be a safeguard against paralysis, and worn for that purpose, as well as to remove 

 tumors, another healing power which it is supposed to possess. 



The general coloring of the Teguexin is as follows : The upper parts are deep black, with 

 bold mottlings of yellow or green. On the upper part of each side there are two series of 

 white spots, and the under parts are mostly yellow, with black bands. The coloring is, how- 

 ever, extremely variable. 



THE curious little AMEIVA, which has just been mentioned as falling a victim to the 

 previous species, is closely allied to the Teguexin. It is rather a pretty Lizard, with a very 

 long whip-like tail, and peculiarly elongated toes on the hinder feet. The long tail is covered 

 with a series of scales, arranged in rings, of which about one hundred and twenty have 

 been counted in a perfect specimen. The color of the Ameiva is dark olive, speckled with 

 black on the nape of the neck and front of the back. On the sides are rows or bands of 

 white spots edged with black, from which peculiarity it is sometimes called the Spotted 

 Lizard. There are many species of Ameiva, inhabiting either Central America, or the West, 

 Indian Islands. 



C/lf"' 



CKUST UZAKD.aeloderma harridum. 



THE very odd-looking creature, scientifically termed Heloderma Tiorridum, which is seen 

 in the engraving, is an inhabitant of Mexico, where the natives call it Tola-chini. Though 

 looking somewhat like an Ameiva, it forms a separate family, of which it is the only species. 

 It differs from the Ameiva by the formation of its teeth and tail, the latter being thick, and 

 shorter than the body. As the pointed teeth are set as in the deadly snakes, the natives 

 of Mexico believe the reptile's bite to be fatal. This belief, however, is without any founda- 

 tion, as the reptile really possesses no poisonous fangs. Like some frogs, the Heloderma has 

 a penetrating scent, and when disturbed, it ejects an odorous saliva from its mouth. During 

 the day it hides in self-made holes at the foot of trees, and there it lays in a lethargic position 

 until night, when it chases its prey, consisting of beetles, worms and frogs. The Heloderma is 

 of an earthy-brown color, the whole body being covered with yellow, white, and brownish-red 

 spots, and the tail with dark scales. It attains a length of nearly three feet three inches. 



