SNAKES, TURTLES, LIZARDS, CROCODILES 255 



hence its name. Sometimes tlie tail is a redilish green. 

 Below, the animal is pearly white. Its body is cyhndrical 

 and eight or ten inches long. It has four legs, each ending 

 in five toes, and the body is covered with scales. Unlike 

 the snake, the jaws are not dilatable. 



Alligator lizard. — This lizard is also known as the 

 "pine lizard." It is six to eight inches long, earthy brown 



Fig. 175. — Alligator lizard. In the straggle for existence, part of the 

 tail was broken off. 



above, and dirty white beneath, with blue side patches in 

 the male (Fig. 175). Its body is covered with scales, which 

 on the back are large ; and when angered , it elevates these 

 scales as a dog does its hair, and rapidly changes its color, 

 thus assuming a very militant aspect. If, by chance, the 

 tail of this animal is pulled off, it will be renewed. The 

 female lays from six to eight eggs in some secluded place 

 in a dry tree trunk, stump, etc. 



American chameleon. — This is a small but very beautiful 

 and interesting lizard found in the southern states. Its body 



