SCINCUSLATERALIS. 73 



after sun-set, in search of small insects and worms, on which they live; yet their 

 motions are so quick, and they disappear so rapidly, that they might at first be 

 easily mistaken for crickets or other insects. Though so numerous, it is difficult 

 to secure them alive; for when approached, they conceal themselves with astonishing 

 quickness under the roots of the old and decaying trees, or beneath fallen leaves, 

 or other vegetable substances; this decaying vegetable matter sometimes forms a 

 stratum several inches thick, containing numerous holes and crevices, to which 

 they can easily retreat. We have never observed it ascend trees in its attempts 

 to escape when pursued. 



General Remarks. This animal bears some resemblance in its small size and 

 markings to the Gymnopthalmus of South America; its eyelids are, however, 

 distinct, and it agrees in every respect with the genus Euprepis of Wagler. It was 

 first described by Say, in Long's expedition to the Rocky Mountains. 



Vol. I.— 10 



