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112 AMEIVA SEX-LINEATA. 



The anterior, as well as the posterior extremities, are brownish above and 

 bluish-white below; and along the posterior part of the thigh runs a whitish line, 

 continuous with the inferior longitudinal line of the tail. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 7 lines; length of bod)', 2 inches 8 lines; length 

 of tail, 6^ inches: total length, 9| inches. They are sometimes seen of greater 

 dmiensions. 



Geographical Distribution. The Ameiva sex-lineata is numerous in the 

 Carolinas, and is found throughout Georgia and the Floridas; how much further 

 west it may exist cannot now be determined. 



Habits. This is a very lively, active animal, choosing dry and sandy places 

 for its residence, and is frequently met with in the neighbourhood of plantations, 

 or near fences and hedges; most usually it is seen on the ground in search of 

 insects; its motions are remarkably quick, and it runs with great speed. The 

 Ameiva sex-liiieata is very timid; it feeds on insects, and generally seeks its food 

 towards the close of the day, when they may be seen in cornfields far from their 

 usual retreat; and not unfrequently I have met male and female in company. 



General Remarks. This animal was certainly first described by LinntBUS, 

 under the name Lacerta sex-lineata, from a specimen sent him by Dr. Garden, of 

 Charleston, who furnished him with numerous rare specimens of plants and 

 animals from Carolina. He observes of it, "Femora postice, ordine papillari ut 

 in Ameiva." It is impossible at this time to understand what led him to consider 

 this animal as the Lion Lizard of Catesby, (vol. ii. tab. 68,) with which it agrees 

 neither in colour, habits, nor geographical distribution. The Lion Lizard is of a 

 " uniform grey colour, streaked with lines of a lighter grey;" — "it frequents the 

 rocks on the coasts of Cuba and Hispaniola, and is often the prey of sea-gulls." 

 It is remarkable that most naturalists since Linnajus have copied this error, and 

 given the same reference. 



