5. SAUROMALUS 85 



size and certain structural features, but also by a similarity 

 in habits. The head and body are much depressed, and but 

 little shorter than the heavy conical tail. All of the head 

 plates are small. The labials are juxtaposed. The ear- 

 opening is large with a very strong anterior denticulation. 

 The dorsal scales are small and nearly uniform. Long 

 series of femoral pores and a strong transverse gular fold 

 are present. The lateral neck folds are spinose. The super- 

 ciliaries are juxtaposed. The species described may be dis- 

 tinguished as follows: 



SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES 



a. Scales in a caudal whorl at largest part of tail not fewer 

 than 50 j largest nuchals not larger than largest scales 

 on top of head, usually smaller than largest preauricu- 

 larsj not fewer than 25 dorsals in a head-length. 

 b. Smaller j most caudal scales with short posterior spines; 

 upper surfaces cross-banded, clouded, speckled, or 

 finely mottled with black or dark brown and olive, 

 yellow or red. 



c. Scales in a caudal whorl at largest part of tail not 

 fewer than 63 (63 to 88) 5 ventral scale-rows between 

 gular fold and anus more than 153 (154- to 194). 

 d. Scales on limbs smaller, less strongly keeled and 

 spinose. 



S. ater. p. 86. 



d*. Scales on limbs larger, more strongly keeled and 

 spinose. 



S. townsendi. p. 93. 



c. Scales in a caudal whorl not more than 64 (51 to 

 64) j ventral scale-rows between gular fold and 

 anus not more than 153 (128 to 150). 



S. interbrachialis. p. 95. 



