CHALCIDES OCELLATUS. 215 
and the transverse lines of black and white spots vary much. Two are coloured 
according to the typical form, and have the same slim body. Another has the same 
general tint, but very few spots ; while one resembling it has the tail pale yellow, 
and thus in somewhat strong contrast to the body with its cross markings. The fifth 
has a slightly heavier body than the rest, but it is the largest, and it is rich pale 
yellowish olive, with only a few spots scattered over it, but not in transverse 
continuity. 
From these facts it is evident that there is a distinct rise in the number of the 
scales round the body as we trace the species northwards from Eritrea to the delta of 
the Nile, and that the tendency is for the low lepidosis of 24 and 26 to be associated 
with a disappearance, or partial disappearance, of the characteristic spots, and the 
high numbers with their presence, but not invariably so. The specimens from the 
Sinaitic Peninsula have 28 to 30 rows of scales, and are of the typical coloration. A 
specimen from the neighbouring region of Midian, with 28 rows of scales, has all the 
general characteristics in form and colouring of the var. tiligugu, but with this slight 
exception, that the brown spots are more marked than the white ones. It measures 
only 100 millim. from snout to vent. A specimen collected by me at Hadrun Khan, 
near the Dead Sea, and others obtained by Canon Tristram in the same great depression, 
and also at Jerusalem, and a specimen in the British Museum from Jaffa, are generally 
characterized by the presence of 30 rows of scales, exceptionally 28, associated with all 
the other features of the typical form ; and this is true also of a specimen from Cyprus. 
Passing to Aden, the species attains there a considerable size, but still adheres to the 
typical form, but with 28 to 30 rows of scales. It differs somewhat in its coloration 
from the Egyptian individuals, as the black and white spots are more strongly deve- 
loped, and the white more so than the black, and their arrangement in transverse lines 
is less apparent. In the intensity of these markings the Aden lizard distinctly recalls 
that prevalent among the lizards on the Berbera side of the Gulf of Aden. Among 
17 specimens from the Hadramut, some have the pronounced coloration of the Berbera 
lizards, while others, so far as coloration is concerned, are in no way distinguishable 
from those from Egypt. Only in 5 specimens out of 17 are there 28 rows of scales, while 
12 have 30, and 1 has 32. A similar condition of things exists at Muscat as regards 
the strength of the coloration ; but associated with it is a marked variation in which 
the whole upper surface of the lizard is rich dark brown, and in place of the black 
spots brown spots occur, a little darker than the general colour, while the white 
spots are reduced to fine points, and the labials become nearly entirely brown, with a 
small white central spot. Proceeding on to Bushire, the typical form is still preserved, 
and the strength of the coloration is as in Berbera, Aden, and Muscat individuals, 
but, as in the last-mentioned, some specimens show a distinct tendency to assume 
the brown garb. Their scales vary from 28 to 30. Further to the north, viz. at Jask, 
in Persia, the Eastern Arabian pronounced coloration is also present ; but one lizard 
