EMOA NIORITA. 269 



OBSERV. This species is closely allied to E. cartereti (Eumeces carte- 

 retii, Dum. & Bibr.) : first, by its system of coloration, which is of a 

 uniform hue, and secondly, by its physiognomy, as well as general 

 structure. It differs from it, however, by the absence of erect scales at 

 the anterior margin of the auricular aperture, and the separation of 

 the postfrontal plates (fronto-nasals), owing to the contiguity of the 

 vertex plate with the prefrontal. 



In identifying this species, we have had for sole guidance the fine 

 figure which is given of it in the Atlas accompanying the " Voyage 

 au Pole Sud et dans 1'Oceanie," and in so doing, we have passed 

 over certain details exhibited thereon, ascribing them to the icono- 

 grapher, rather than to infer that the species before us was distinct. 

 It is a subject, however, into which we hope the naturalists of the 

 " Museum d'histoire naturelle," in Paris, will carefully look, comparing 

 the specimens, there preserved, with the description which we offer. 



DESCR. It is a stouter species than E. samoewis, provided with a 

 head much less depressed, a broader and thicker snout, and a shorter 

 tail. The postfrontal plates are separated by the extension of the 

 vertex plate to the prefrontal, which is sublozenge-shaped, nearly as 

 broad as long. The vertex plate is more elongated also. The auri- 

 cular aperture is simple, instead of being denticulated in front. 



The scales are disposed upon thirty-eight longitudinal series, hence, 

 more numerous than in E. samoensw .- six dorsal series, ten abdominal 

 ones, and eleven on either side. The preanal scales of the external 

 series are larger than the rest. They are also larger on the tail, where 

 the middle series above and below are transversely elongated, simu- 

 lating the scutellae which are observed in other families. The base of 

 the tail itself is very broad, stout, and depressed, posteriorly conical, 

 and tapering into a compressed point. The palms and soles are 

 covered with more minute granules than in E. samoensis, and the 

 transverse plates under the digits somewhat broader. 



The color is of a uniform brownish-black above, somewhat lighter 

 beneath. 



Loc. Samoa, Navigator Group. Very common. 



" It is strong and active, biting very severely. Seems to keep chiefly 

 near the ground, among stones, being seldom seen ascending trunks of 

 trees." 



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