4-78 7. XANTUSIIDJE 



followed by a large subhexagonal frontonasal. Behind this, 

 two prefrontals (in contact), bordered posteriorly by single 

 broad frontal and first superciliary plates. Each of two 

 frontoparietal plates forming sutures with frontal, second, 

 third and fourth superciliaries, first supratemporal, parietal, 

 interparietal, and its fellow of opposite side. Parietals and 

 very large interparietal bordered behind by two large occipi- 

 tals. A row of small supratemporal scutes along outer edge 

 of occipital and parietal plates. Two large loreals, in con- 

 tact below with superior labials and above with frontonasal 

 and prefrontal plates. A large postnasal in front of first 

 loreal. A series of small plates, upper of which are super- 

 ciliaries, usually surrounding eye. Between this ring and 

 larger loreal, two or three small plates. Four or five superior 

 and three or four inferior labials to a point below middle of 

 eye. Eye large, without lids, with vertical pupil. Its diameter 

 contained about twice in distance from end of snout to 

 orbit. Oblique ear-opening with a very weak anterior den- 

 ticulation. Inferior labials in contact with large sublabials. 

 First pair of latter in contact on median line. Back, sides, 

 upper and posterior surfaces of limbs, and gular regions, 

 covered with subhexagonal granules. A series of large 

 plates along edge of last gular fold. Ventrals quadrate, in 

 12 longitudinal and 27 to 30 transverse series. Large pre- 

 anal plates arranged in two rows of two each, sometimes 

 surrounded by a few smaller scales or granules. Tail coni- 

 cal and covered with whorls of smooth, narrow, and trans- 

 versely convex scales; its length very variable. Six to ten 

 femoral pores forming a series along each thigh. 



The ground color in different specimens varies from 

 smoke gray, through many shades of yellow and brown, to 

 clove brown. Scattered granules are dark brown or black. 

 At times these granules are so numerous as to become con- 

 fluent, with a tendency to form longitudinal lines. In other 



