107 



Family. LACERTINIDA. Dumeril et Bibron. 



CHARACTERS. 



1. The head is a quadrangular pyramid, the apex in front, and covered above vfith 

 polygonal, symmetrica], horny plates. 



2. The tympanum is distinct, and though sometimes depressed, is often level with 



the skin. The eyes have commonly three movable hds. 



3. The mouth is extensive, with the labial plates large. The tongue is free, fleshy, 



flattened, thin, more or less extensible, with its base sometimes lodged in a 

 sheath, and its apex always notched or bifid; above it is covered with scaly- 

 like papillae, which may be either rounded or angular. 



4. The maxillary teeth vary in form and in length, and are implanted on the 



internal border of a common groove, hollowed on the most prominent portion 

 of the maxillary bones. The palatine teeth are variable, and in some wanting 

 altogether. 



5. The body is round, greatly elongated, without a crest, and is protected by 



scales of variable size. The neck is without a dewlap or sac, though com- 

 monly marked with several transverse folds. The abdomen is covered with 

 square or roimded plates, always larger than those on the back. 



