498 SAURIANS. 



The species Crocodilurus, (Gr. Crocodile-tailed,) lacertinus, is 

 nearly six feet in length ; inhabiting the waters of Guiana and 

 Brazil. This is sometimes called the Tupinambis. 



The Teius Teguixin, or Teguixin Monitor, of Gray, Tupinam- 

 bis Monitor, (Daudin,) is the true Tupinambis, the Sauvegarde, (the 

 Safeguard.) of Cuvier. This is one of the most noted species. 

 In their habits, the SAFEGUARDS are highly aquatic. They are, 

 indeed, able to run with, great swiftness along the ground, and 

 they dig for themselves burrows or hiding places in the earth, 

 but when hard pressed, are sure to take to the water. They are 

 found in South America, and reach from four to six feet in 

 length. Sometimes they are seen as long as eight feet. 



D'Ayara states, that " they feed on fruits and insects," and that 

 "they also eat serpents, toads, young chicks and eggs." He 

 also relates that "they are fond of honey; and in order to 

 obtain it without injury from the bees, they come forward at in- 

 tervals, and as they run away, each time, give the hive a blow 

 with their tail, until, by repeated attacks, they weary out the in- 

 dustrious insects, and drive them from their home." 



The Thorictes, (Gr. from thorax, coat of mail,) draccena, is a 

 very large species found in Guiana, and, in some instances, 

 being almost seven feet in length, of which the tail occupied five 

 feet. This, and the species Crocodilvrus lacertinus, were for- 

 merly included in the genus Ada, divided into the two genera 

 by M. Bibron. 



The genus Ameiva includes six species, some of which have 

 the tail more rounded or conical, and two plates on the throat. 

 These are more terrestrial or arboreal in their habits. 



The genus Cnemidophorus, (Gr. knlmis, a greave or Irggin ; 

 phoreo, I carry.) is interesting as including the only representa- 

 tive of the family in North America. This is the C. sex-Iineaius, 

 (Lat. six-lined,) which is abundant in the Southern States, and as 

 far North as North-eastern Maryland. It is easily known from 

 the other Lizards by the six yellow lines along the back, and the 

 long tail. When pursued, it runs with almost incredible swift- 

 ness; climbing trees with great facility, but not leaping from 

 branch to branch, like the Green Lizard, Anolis Carolinensis. 



Acrantus, (Gr. akrantos, imperfect,) is a large South Ameri- 

 can genus, which has but four toes visible on the hind feet. 



