SCELOPORUS. 377 



to connect with an occipital and cephalic patch just behind the tym- 

 panum. A second band occupies the middle of the trunk, diminishing 

 also towards the abdomen. A third band is seen upon the posterior 

 extremity of the trunk, extending to the groins. These bands do not 

 extend to the inferior surface of the body. Upon the anterior third 

 of the tail, there are five transverse half-rings, of a bright green, vary- 

 ing in width, as well as the intermediate spaces. The rest of the tail 

 is annulated, as in the variety just described. 



Loo. — Tongataboo and Feejee Islands, where they are said to be 

 quite common. Both varieties of coloration having been observed on 

 the latter islands. 



While at the Feejees, Dr. Pickering remarked : " Several specimens 

 were brought me by the natives, and some were kept alive in my room 

 for several days. They seemed to be of an indolent and gentle dispo- 

 sition, never attempting to bite. They are said to keep about the 

 Banana plants." 



Plate XVIII, fig. 8, represents, size of life, the banded variety, from 

 a specimen caught on the Feejee Islands, in May, 1840. 



Fig. 9, exhibits the outline of a few teeth, somewhat magnified, 

 in order to show their peculiar form. 



Genus SCELOPORUS, Wiegm. 



Gen. Char. — Head rather short and depressed, with its anterior out- 

 line obtuse and rounded. Cephalic plates moderate, polygonal, and 

 smooth ; the occipital larger than the rest. No teeth on the palate. 

 Tongue thick and fleshy, anteriorly emarginated, or bifid. Auricu- 

 lar aperture moderate, oblique, anteriorly denticulated j tympanum 

 rather sunk. Temporal scales keeled. Neck underneath smooth, 

 provided laterally with an oblique fold. Body rather short and de- 

 pressed, without dorsal crest ; covered with imbricated, carinated, 

 and acuminated scales on the back, smooth, though often poste- 

 riorly emarginated on the belly. Limbs well developed ; five fingers 

 and five toes, unequal, slender, compressed, clawed. Femoral pores 

 in both sexes ; no preanal pores. Tail depressed at the base, sub- 



95 



