reptiles off victoria - 3 



by Hans Bisti 

 Plate 5 



Amphibolous muricatus — Tree Dragon or Jacky Lizard. 



A handsome dragon which is rarely found away from foresled areas. 

 Length: to 12 inches. 



Head long, narrow much more pointy than that of A. harhutus. Ear- 

 opening large. Mouth and tongue yellow to pale orange. Five fingers and five 

 toes. Hind loot and toes slender and long. Colour greyish, with several rows 

 of spinous scales forming vertebral crests. Two rows of spots on upper sur- 

 face which may run into each other. Usually pale yellow but indistinct grey 

 in western parrs of the state. Under pale grey with faint grey pattern. Throat 

 often black. 



Found: on tree stumps, fences or rocks, while sunning itselt. throughout 



state. 



Best (lisimfwishinH features — slim build, vertebral crests. 



Plate 6 



Amphlbohtrus diemensis — Mountain Dragon. 

 A drab dragon of the high country. 

 Length: to 9 inches. 



Head, short and rounded, distinct from body. Snout blunt. Mouth lilac. 

 I egs well developed, five lingers and five toes. A fast lizard, expert at catching 

 Hies. Colouration grey to brownish-grey, with indistinct pattern. Texture of 

 skin rough, like sand paper. 



Found: in alpine areas, also in Grampians. 



Best distinvuishins! features— blunt round head. Lilac coloured mouth 

 and gums. 



296 



Vict. Nat Vol 88 



