282 



much longer than the postmental, followed on each side by 

 four shields, much smaller than the first. Body more slender 

 than in TV. novae-guineae, with 10 13 transverse rows of 

 spinose shields. Gular and ventral scales with a low keel. Spines 



Fig. 98. Tribolonotus gracilis de Rooy. 



of the tail very low, pointing backwards. Hind limb reaching 

 the axilla. Rest like the preceding species. 



Dark brown above; lower parts yellowish; the orbit bordered 

 inferiorly by a red half-ring. Length of head and body 93 mm.; 

 tail 91 mm. 



Habitat: New Guinea (Sermowai river!, Humboldt Bay!, 

 Moso river!, Germaniabucht). 



9. Fam. DIBAMIDAE. 



Body vermiform, covered with cycloid, imbricate scales. 

 Head with large shields. Tongue short, pointed anteriorly, bifid 

 posteriorly, covered with curved lamellae (fig. 1.7). Teeth 

 small and pointed. Eye rudimentary, concealed under the skin; 

 ear-opening absent. No fore limbs; hind limbs absent (9) or 

 rudimentary (cf). No praeanal pores. The egg has a calcareous 

 shell and is not circular. 



A single genus and species, inhabiting the Indo-Australian 

 region. 



i. Dibamus Dum. & Bibr. 



(BUM. & BIBR., Erp. Gen. V p. 833, 1839). 



Snout covered with three large shields : the rostral and a labial 

 on each side, which may fuse into one single shield. Nostril 

 pierced in the rostral, with a straight horizontal suture behind 



