reptiles of victoria - 2 



by Hans Besth 



PLATE 3 



PatOsUta hrevicaudu (Worrell)— Mitchell's Short-Tailed Snake. 



A small colourful snake of the western desert areas of this state. 

 Length: to 18 inches. 



Head long, oval, slightly distinct from body. Snout rounded. Upper 

 part of head black (like cap), with a black line extending along the spine 

 to the tip of the tail. General colouration, yellowish-brown to orange, very 

 shiny. Each scale outlined with black. Under cream. 



Found: rare, in desert areas. 



Best distinguishing features— hewd marking, very short tail (less ihan 30 

 scales from anus to tip of tail). Anal scale single. 



Amphihohtius hctrlniius— Bearded Dragon. 



The familiar Jew Lizard of the inland. 

 Length: to 24 inches. 



Head large triangular with enlarged spinous scales forming a collar and 

 encircling the body. Scales on head, body, legs and arms rough and enlarged 

 Five lingers and five toes. Legs powerful. Toes on hindlegs long. Colour 

 variable — in this stale yellowish-ochre to bluish-grey. Under off white with faint 

 grey pattern. 



Found: in open as well as forested areas, often seen sunning itself on 

 fence-posts or tree stumps. 



Best distinguishing features — general appearance. Uses blulT when cor- 

 nered; inflates body and erects beard. 



PLATE 4 



156 



Vict Nat. Vol 88 



