Botrer.—On a new Variety of Tuatara Lizard. 291 
At the first glance at this lizard I observed that it was very different 
from ordinary examples, and on a closer examination it appeared to me, if 
not a distinct species, a sufficiently well-marked variety to deserve special 
notice in our ** Transactions." 
It is comparatively short and thick-set in form, and presents a remark- 
able depression in the occipital region. The dorsal spines (twenty in 
number) are very minute; those along the neck are larger, and number 
fourteen. The caudal spines are much thicker and dark coloured, all the 
former being pure white. The tail, which has been broken off at some 
period, is reproduced in the usual thickened form and in darker colours. 
The measurements are :— 
Total length along the dorsal line 
From chin to vent . ; e 
» vent to end of tail y es a vs 6:25 ,, 
The general colour is olivaceous-brown ; sides of the body ruddy yellow 
with a flesh-coloured or pinkish hue, varied, spotted, and marked with olive- 
green and greyish-brown ; on each side of the nape, large irregular ashy- 
white spots washed with yellow. The olive-green is brightest on the back 
and toes; and on the lower part of the former, on each side of the spine, 
there are irregular markings of ashy white. Throat bright ashy grey, with 
longitudinal series of minute white spots. On each side of the neck there is: 
a broad crescent-shaped mark of olive-brown which encircles the pale- 
coloured throat. Under parts generally uniform pale grey; under surface 
of feet greenish-white. Colours darker on the (reproduced) tail. Claws 
horn-eolour. Irides as in the ordinary form. 
. As will be seen from the above description, this remarkable example 
approaches more nearly, in the general character of its markings, to Sphenodon 
güntheri than to S. punctatum, although it is sufficiently distinct in appear- 
ance from both. It may turn out of course to be a merely accidental 
variety; but Mr. White states from recolleetion that another specimen 
obtained by the natives at the same time and from the same locality was 
exactly similar to this one. 
. This lizard has become perfectly tame, and appears to recognize its 
young keeper's voiee. It greedily devours blue-bottle flies, caterpillars and 
insects of all sorts, and also feeds on fresh meat minced up. In the early 
part of December last it commenced to east its skin, and it then became 
restless, making every endeavour to get underground. About the ist 
January the old skin was completely thrown off, the colours of the new one 
being perceptibly brighter and more defined. 
Mr. White states that this lizard was obtained on East Cape Island, 
and he has promised to furnish some further information respecting it after 
he has liad an opportunity of comparing notes with the natives. 
145 inches 
8 
[2 ” 
