TARAGUIRA TORQUATA. 321 



extended forwards, reaches the orbit with the extremities of the longest 

 toe only. The arms and forearms are covered with scales, similar in 

 shape and structure to those of the dorsal region, larger above than 

 below, and somewhat larger also on the arms than on the forearms ; 

 the carination becoming obsolete upon the carpi, while their poste- 

 rior margin is either bicuspid or emarginated. On the palm of the 

 hands, the scales are small and subtuberculous. The fingers are 

 unequal, compressed, protected by imbricated scales, slightly keeled 

 above, and strongly ridged beneath : a double ridge being observed 

 at their base, and one only towards their extremity. The nails are 

 compressed, acute, and curved. The scales on the upper surface of 

 the thighs and legs are likewise similar in shape and structure to the 

 dorsal ones, and somewhat larger on the legs than on the thighs ; on 

 the posterior aspect of the latter, they are quite small, almost granular; 

 beneath, they are smooth, rather rounded, entire under the thighs, 

 subrhombic and bicuspid under the legvS, where they are also some- 

 what larger than under the thighs. The femoral pores are wanting. 

 On the tarsi, the scales are conspicuously carinated still, while on the 

 sole of the feet, they assume a subtubercular aspect, owing to the keel 

 existing at their extremity only : besides, being quite reduced in size. 

 The toes are unequal, compressed, surrounded with imbricated and 

 keeled scales, strongly unicarinated beneath. The nails having the 

 same shape as at the fingers. 



The tail is elongated, quite stout, and depressed at the base, sub- 

 conical, slightly compressed, and tapering posteriorly. It is sur- 

 rounded with rather large scales, subrhombic above, sublanceolated 

 beneath, all strongly keeled, the keel projecting beyond their edge, 

 except upon the postanal region, where they are smooth and tricuspid; 

 at the base and depressed portion, they constitute longitudinal series, 

 converging upwards, whilst on the compressed portion, they are subver- 

 ticillated: the upper medial series being provided with a more conspicu- 

 ous keel, giving that region of the tail a ridged or subcrested appear- 

 ance. 



The ground color above is either brownish-olive or greenish-brown, 

 spotted with black or light olive. A pale streak, more or less appa- 

 rent, may be observed on either side of the back ; and, on the sides of 

 the neck, immediately in advance of the shoulder, there exists a black, 

 white-lined, vertical band. The chin is variegated with irregular 

 dark lines or spots, upon a rather light yellowish or whitish ground. 



81 



