BuLLEE. — On a new Variety of Tvatara Lizard. 221 



At the first glance at this lizard I observed that it was very different 

 from ordinary examples, and on a closer examination it api^eared to me, if 

 not a distinct species, a sufficiently well-marked variety to deserve special 

 notice in om* " 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 . . . , . . 14-5 inclies 

 From chin to vent .. .. .. .. .. 8 ,, 



,, vent to end of tail . . . . . . . . 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-shaj)ed 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 (rejiroduced) tail. Claws 

 horn-colour. Irides as in the ordinary form. 



As will be seen from the above descrix^tion, this remarkable example 

 approaches more nearly, in the general character of its markings, to Sphenodon 

 guiitheri than to S. pimctatum, 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 recollection 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 voice. 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 cast its skin, and it then became 

 restless, making every endeavour to get underground. About the 1st 

 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 had an opportuniLy of comparing notes with the natives. 



