The Plated Lizards and Snake -like Species 



thick base of the original member. (Illustrated.) The new tail 

 rarely attains more than half the length of the first appendage. 



When first captured these lizards will bite viciously, inflicting 

 a decided pinch. They are hardy as captives and ultimately 

 become very tame, learning to take flies and mealworms from 

 the fingers without any signs of fear. To successfully maintain 

 them, they should be kept in a warm and dry place, and pro- 

 vided with sand and rocks. They thrive best if their cage is 

 exposed to a few hours sunlight daily a rule however, which 

 does not apply to the intense heat of the sun in mid-summer. 



The- species of Gerrbonotus give birth to very active young; 

 the young are born in a membraneous sac, like the viviparous 

 snakes. They are much paler than the parent and look smooth 

 and glossy. At this stage they are strikingly like the Eastern 

 Ground Lizard, Lygosoma laterale. 



THE BROWN LIZARD 



Gerrbonotus liocephalus, (Wieg.) 



Size and outlines similar to preceding species, but the scala- 

 tion is different. Eight to ten rows of scales on the back are 

 strongly keeled. The scales of the sides are smooth. 



Colouration. Above, the colour is greenish-brown, with 

 wavy, dark cross-bands, bordered with white spots. In the 

 soft patch of skin above the fold, are usually black spots or rings. 

 With the majority of specimens there is a yellowish streak ex- 

 tending from below the eye to the angle of the mouth. 



Distribution. In the United States, this species occurs 

 only in western Texas. In Mexico, it is widely distributed. 



Like the other allied species, it exhibits considerable varia- 

 tion of colour and scalation, but the differences noted in a large 

 series of specimens are not sufficient to warrant varietal names. 



KING'S LIZARD 



Gerrhonotus kingii, (Gray) 



General outlines and size similar to the preceding, but 

 the scalation is quite different. The scales of the back from 

 six to eight rows are very bluntly keeled; with some specimens 

 these scales appear smooth, unless closely inspected. The scales 

 of the sides are smooth. 



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