CORDYLUS CATAPHRACTUS. 



and body covered with transverse zones of nigged scales, each scale more or 

 less distinctly carinated, and the carina; of those of the lateral parts much 

 prolonged, so as to constitute prominent spines, which on the neck project 

 directly outwards, and on the sides of the body outwards and backwards. Tail 

 encircled with rows of rugged keeled scales, the hinder extremity of the keels 

 very strong, and produced so as to form high triangular spines. The scales of 

 the fore-legs are somewhat triangular in shape and strongly keeled, the keels 

 prolonged into spines ; those on the under surface smallest ; the scales on the 

 upper surface of the hinder legs like those on the fore-legs, only larger ; those 

 on the anterior surface large, somewhat quadrangular, and quite smooth ; on 

 the under surface small and smooth ; scales between rami of lower jaw small, 

 somewhat quadrangular, and arranged in incomplete transverse rows, the four 

 scales nearest to the mental plate much the largest ; the scales on the throat 

 rather large, somewhat quadrangular, and placed in arched rows, the convexity 

 backwards ; the scales of the belly are arranged in transverse rows, fourteen 

 or sixteen in each, and are quadrangular in shape and perfectly smooth. 

 Pre-anal space covered with smooth scales, irregularly shaped and disposed ; 

 space immediately behind anus with a transverse band of small irregular 

 scales, and on each side the anterior angle of this band is bounded by a 

 large solitary prominent and spiny scale. Feet small ; toes and claws short, 

 the latter much curved and pointed. Full grown specimens of this species 

 sometimes measure twelve inches in length, and the tail in those instances is 

 generally about seven inches long. 



This species is rather rare in South Africa, and the only specimens which have come under 

 my notice were obtained on the western coast of the Colony, towards the Namaqua country. 

 It inhabits rocky precipices, and when disturbed in those localities, it endeavours to conceal 

 itself under masses of stone, or in crevices which may exist in the rock. The remarks which 

 will be found under Cordylus microlepidotus, will equally apply to this species; indeed it holds 

 so firmly by means of the prominent spinous scales of the temples and sides, that before it can 

 be extricated from its retreats, it is often necessary to displace the masses of stones between 

 which it may have insinuated itself. 



