110 



SAUPJANS. 



In the Green Lizard, L. viridis, the scales of the temple are many- 

 sided and unequal, with a central layer; back granular and oblong, 

 with shelving sides; throat fold distinct. Nothing can be more 

 brilliant than the variegated colouring with which it is ornamented. 

 Its favourite locality is a slightly elevated woody place, where the 

 sun's rays readily penetrate. It is also found in sunny meadows. 

 It feeds upon small insects, and shows no alarm at the presence of 

 Man, but stops to look at him. Snakes, on the contrary, they 



Fig. 27- Green Lizard and Ocellated Lizard. 



seem to fear much, but when they cannot avoid them they fight 

 courageously. In length they are about eighteen inches. 



Green Lizards are found in Jersey and Guernsey, and other warm 

 countries of Europe, on the African coast of the Mediterranean, 

 and they are not rare in France. 



How often have we admired their magnificent colours in the 

 neighbourhood of Montpelier, where they rival the green of the 

 meadows, and glitter in the sun like so many living emeralds ! 



In the Ocellated Lizard, L. ocellata, the upper part of the body 



