HOPLODACTYLUS. 293 



transversely elongated plates or scutellae may be observed along its 

 under surface. 



The color of the upper regions is brown, with two longitudinal series 

 of black spots, one on each side of the dorsal line, and which may be 

 traced along the tail, the spots combining into one patch upon the 

 conical portion of the same organ, giving to it a semi-annulated appear- 

 ance. One or more, indistinct series of smaller spots, may be observed 

 along the sides of the back, extending even over the limbs, where they 

 have a tendency to assume a transverse arrangement. The inferior 

 regions are unicolor, of a dull whitish hue. 



Log. — Singapore. 



Genus HOPLODACTYLUS, Fitz. 



Gen. Char. — Body elongated, rather slender, and depressed. Back 

 minutely granular ; abdomen protected by small and smooth scales. 

 Head depressed, subconical anteriorly, granular. Pupil vertical. 

 Nostrils lateral. Auricular aperture large, simple. Labial plates 

 diminishing posteriorly, extending as far as the posterior rim of the 

 orbit. No mental shields. Chin covered with small plates ; throat 

 minutely granular. Limbs moderately developed. Palms and soles 

 minutely scaly. Fingers and toes, five, unequal, dilated, with trans- 

 verse and simple plates beneath; last joint compressed, inflexed, in- 

 serted above the dilated edge of the antepenultimate joint. Tail of 

 moderate development, subcylindrical, tapering, provided, on each 

 side of the base, with spine-like scales. A patch of interfemoral 

 pores disposed upon several ogees. Femoral pores wanting. 



SYN.—Roplodacti/his, Fitz. Syst. Kept. I, 1843, 100. 

 Pentadactylus, Gray, Catal. Lizz. Brit. Mus. 1845, 160. 



Observ. — The history of this genus is more or less interwoven with 

 that of Nauliinus. J. E. Gray does not appear to have understood 

 these genera, though both of them are of his own creation. We are 

 compelled, however, to substitute Fitzinger's name for Gray's, as having 

 priority. They bear to each other close affinities in many structural 

 points ; the chief difference between the two resides in the structure 

 of the toes. 



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