330 
Auffenberg 
visual displays of other lizards. However, 
courtship in Komodo monitors does include 
many tactile cues. There is much touching 
by the tongue tips or pushing of the snout 
around the sides and top of the female (Fig. 
18). Detailed anatomical study of these areas 
is currently underway to clarify the func- 
tions of this behavior. It may have a chemi- 
cal, as well as a tactile, basis. Hard scratches 
with the claws administered on the back of 
the female by the male are obviously impor- 
tant tactile cues that may serve to quiet the 
female. Neck and shoulder biting may serve 
to immobilize the female as well as to anchor 
the male and place him slightly posterior, 
where cloacal correspondence is more likely. 
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 
The New York Zoological Society supported all 
field work in 1969-1971, and the Florida State 
Museum and Don Meir Productions sponsored field 
work in 1972. 
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