^16 



SPINE-TAILED LIZARD. 



be considered as a variety rather than a truly dis- 

 tinct species. It differs, however, in colour, and 

 in some degree in the disposition of its variega- 

 tions, which are generally pale yellow instead of 

 white, and in some specimens even of a bright 

 gold-colour. The markings on the body also, in- 

 stead of the general ocellated pattern of the pre- 

 ceding, consist rather of rounded or slightly sub- 

 angular spots and variegations : the limbs, as in 

 the preceding, are marked either with numerous 

 bands or spots, and the tail is banded : the claws 

 are very large and strong. This Lizard is a na- 

 tive of New Holland. 



SPINE-TAILED LIZARD. 



Lacerta Acanthura. L. giila suhtns plicata, corpore squamis mi- 

 nntis tectOj cauda longa squamis carinatis spinoso'trifidis ver* 

 ticillata. 



' Lizard with the throat plaited beneath ; the body covered with 

 minute scales ; the tail long, and verticillated with carinated 

 triple-spined scales. 



A SPECIMEN of this animal is preserved in the 

 British Museum, where it is distinguished by the 

 title above mentioned. Its length is about a foot 

 and half, but it probably grows to a considerably 

 larger size. The head, which resembles that of 

 the Ameiva and Teguuvin in shape, is covered with 

 somewhat small subhexagonal scales, and is very 

 distinctly marked off, as it were, from the body : 

 beneath the throat is a very conspicuous transverse 



