AMPHIBIA AND REPTILIA OF COLORADO 79 



Genus EUMECES Wiegmann 



Eumeces Wiegmann, Herpt. Mex., p. 36, 1834. 



Scales smooth and polished, very closely and firmly set, moderately 

 large; no gular fold; ear openings not covered; no femoral pores; 

 size small to moderately large. 



A genus of wide distribution, species of Eumeces being known from 

 North America, Africa and Asia. Four species are recorded from 

 Colorado and a fifth will doubtless be found when the collections are 

 made more complete. This fifth species, Eumeces quinquelineatus 

 (Linnaeus), is accordingly included in the key, since it is reported 

 from some of the adjoining states. 



a. Fifth hind toe longer than the second; scales in 28 to 32 rows; head 4. 5 

 in the length without the tail. . . . E. quinquelineatus (Linnaeus). 



aa. Fifth hind toe shorter than the second. 

 b. Scales in 28 to 30 rows. 



c. Free portion of the fifth hind toe more than half the length of the 



head. E. guttulatus (Hallowell). 



cc. Free portion of the fifth hind toe less than half the length of the 



head. E. obsolelus (Baird and Girard). 



bb. Scales in 26 rows E. leptogrammus (Baird). 



bbb. Scales in 24 rows E. muliivirgatus (Hallowell). 



This key is adapted from Cope, as specimens of all of these species 

 were not at hand for examination. 



Eumeces obsoletus (Baird and Girard) 

 Sonoran Skink {Figures 15 and 16) 

 Plestiodon obsoletum Baird and Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., p. 129, 

 1852- 



Head somewhat pointed anterior to the eyes; profiles sloping 

 evenly; length of the head about 5 in the length of the head and 

 body; size rather large; length up to 12 inches. 



Color variable in the different stages; color of the adult, yellowish, 

 greenish or olive brown, head with a reddish cast, tail fighter and often 

 rather blue; five rather indistinct, longitudinal yellowish stripes; 



