AGAMOID GROUP. 



121 



as the first, and the third slightly longer than the fourth, as well as by the scales 

 on the abdomen being keeled. Both sexes have a low crest on the nape of the neck, 

 whereby the species is distinguished from most of its South African congeners ; 

 while the males have two rows of twelve thickened horny scales in front of the 

 vent. Although variable, this handsome lizard is strikingly coloured. Generally 

 the upper-parts are olive-brown, with the enlarged scales lighter ; and there is a 

 double series of darker blotches along the back ; the under surface being lighter, 



Spinose Agama. 



ARMED AGAMA (f nat. size). 



and the throat marked with dark longitudinal streaks. Known to the natives of 

 Mozambique by the name of toque, this species appears to feed chiefly on beetles, 

 grasshoppers, and ants. 



Very different in general appearance to the last species is the 

 spinose agama (A. colonorum) of West Africa, which is a rather 

 large form, and said to be the most common reptile met with on the Gold 

 Coast. It differs from the preceding species by the shields on the back 

 being of uniform size and furnished with spines, as well as in the absence of a 

 crest. The body is not much depressed, and the sides of the head near the ear, as 

 well as of the neck, are ornamented with radiating groups of short spines, which 

 are at least equal to two-thirds the diameter of the ear-opening. From an allied 

 species (A. rueppelli) it may be distinguished by the scales on the back being very 

 numerous, and considerably larger than those on the tail ; the latter being strongly 

 keeled and arranged in fairly distinct rings. Attaining a length of rather more 





