4. DIPSOSAURUS 83 



9. Dipsosaurus catalinensis, new species 

 SANTA CATALINA ISLAND CRESTED LIZARD 



Description. Head short, rounded and rather high. 

 Nostril opening laterally in a single rounded plate which 

 is separated from the large rostral sometimes by two rows 

 (25%) but usually by one row (75%) of granules. Supra- 

 ocular regions, separated from each other by two or three 

 series of small convex plates, covered with very small plates 

 and granules. A large subocular, followed and preceded 

 by smaller ones. A series of long, strongly imbricate super- 

 ciliaries. Labials small, about equal in size, and from 10 

 to 13 in number in each series. Symphyseal plate nearly 

 triangular, and forming the apex of a V-shaped series of 

 slightly enlarged plates. Gulars small, either convex or 

 flattened. Eye-lids very slightly fringed. Ear-opening 

 very large, almost vertical, and with weak anterior denticu- 

 lation. Dorsal crest composed of slightly enlarged, strongly 

 keeled scales. Other dorsals small, keeled, juxtaposed, and 

 in series which converge toward the dorsal line posteriorly. 

 Ventrals larger than dorsals, smooth and imbricate. Sides 

 covered with small granular scales. Tail long, tapering, 

 slightly crested and with whorls of obliquely keeled scales. 

 Limbs rather long, covered with keeled scales and granules. 

 Femoral pores varying from 17 to 21 in number j average 

 in 20 thighs, 19.1. 



The general color is grayish brown above, variously 

 barred and reticulated with dark brown and slate, and spotted 

 or blotched with light gray or white. These markings 

 are often less distinct near the vertebral line than laterally. 

 The upper surface of the head is grayish, brownish, or 

 yellowish, more or less clouded with slate, darkest on the 

 supraocular regions. The tail is whitish, yellowish, grayish, 

 or brownish, marked with rings of brown or slate. The 



