THE REPTILES OF THE MALTESE ISLANDS. 327 



We come now to the Chelonians, which are represented by one 

 species : the Loggerhead Turtle (Thalassochelys caretta, Linn.). 



The Loggerhead Turtle is very common in our seas, and from 

 August to November is taken in large numbers ; in spring it also 

 reappears, and has been known during that season to lay its eggs 

 on our unfrequented sandy beaches, especially at Gozo. It is 

 largely used as an article of food by the majority of the population. 



[Dr. Gulia includes three species of Tortoises amongst our 

 Chelonians, namely, the Testudo grceca, which he says has been 

 naturalized in such a way that it cannot be excluded from 

 amongst our indigenous fauna. To this he says can be added 

 the T. mauritanica and the T. marginata, which are often 

 imported from the north coast of Africa. Dr. Gulia adds that 

 the last species is rather rare. As regards the T. mauritanica 

 and the T. marginata, there is surely no need of proofs to show 

 that they have no right to be included in our list. As regards 

 the T. grceca, it is only found in gardens, w T here it is generally 

 kept as a pet, and I am sure that no one ever found in Malta a 

 Tortoise in a wild state.] 



Malta having only one Batrachian, the Painted Frog (Disco- 

 glossus pictus, Otth.), it might be also included in this list. This 

 Frog is very common, and in some localities it is most abundant, 

 being found in myriads. It lives both in fresh and brackish 

 water. The most peculiar fact about this Frog is that while in 

 other countries it is said to spawn several times from March to 

 October, in Malta it seems to spawn during the other four 

 months too. 



The following are the local names for the reptiles of Malta : — 



Turkish Gecko = " Wizgha tad-diar." 



Wall-Gecko = " Wizgha." 



Wall-Lizard = " Gremxula." 



Filfola Lizard = " Gremxula ta Filfla." 



Ocellated Skink = "Xahmet Tart." 



Dark-green Snake = " Serp." 



Leopard Snake = " Lifgha." 



Loggerhead Turtle = " Fecruna tal bahar." 



Painted Frog = " Zring." 



Note. — Dr. Gulia's list, alluded to above, is included in his 

 very interesting note which was communicated to the Ninth 

 International Zoological Congress held at Monaco in 1913, 

 entitled, " Uno sguardo alia Zoologia delle ' Isole Maltesi.' ' 



