346 CORAL AND ATOLLS 



KEPTILIA. 

 Species determined by G. A. Boulenger, F.R.S., V.P.Z.S. 



(A) Lacertilia, 



Fam. GECKONiDiE. 



Lepidodactylus lugustris, D. & B. 



Native name, Gheechah. 



A very abundant species, inhabiting dwelling-bouses, and 

 also living beneatb the loose bark of coconut palms. Six or 

 seven eggs are laid at a time — as a rule beneath some con- 

 venient chink of bark. It has the characteristic voice of its 

 family, which has given rise to its name. 



(2) Gehyra mutilata, Wiegm. (Plate xxt. Fig. 1.) 



Not nearly so common as the first species, and lives 

 exclusively out of doors, being always found beneath the 

 bark of the coconut palms. It is at once distinguished 

 from No. 1 by its flattened tail. It lays from three to four 

 eggs, and the incubation period is as long as two months 

 (June to August). 



(B) Ophidia. 

 Fam. Typhlopid^. 



(3) Typhlops braminus, Daud. 

 Native name, Ular minyah. 



This is not a common species in the islands, and its habits 

 lead to its being very rarely seen. It is most commonly found 

 beneath large coral boulders, and it is extremely active. It is 

 found on practically all the islands in the atoll. The average 

 length is 1 5 millimetres. 



None of these species is found in Christmas Island. 



