11 EFT ILIA. 
Order Saura. 
Sub-order LtjptoglossjB. 
Tribe Cyclosaura. 
Family Moriitoridse. 
Genus Hydrosaums. 
Hydrosaurus Salvator (Gray, Cat, Brit. Mus. p. 1 3). 
Varanus bivittatus (Dum, and Bib-). 
Biawak (Malay name). 
Colour — upper parts black j the back irregularly speckled with 
yellow, a few ocellated spots of the same colour occurring here and 
there ; on the tail the yelloAV markings are arranged so as to form 
transverse bands at irregular intervals, and towards the tip become 
distinct rings embracing the whole circumference of that part of the 
tail— the lower parts are yellow; above the line where the black 
and yellow of the upper and lower parts meet, the black is varied 
with large distinct ocellated spots of yellow, between which black lines 
extend at regular intervals towards the centre of the belly; below 
the throat and chin some of these lines meet below — the muzzle 
is yeDow, with a transverse black band between tbe nostrils and the 
tip. The outer skin of the specimen we have taken the above 
description from, and which is preserved in spirits, has in a great 
measure peeled off, leaving the prevailing colours of the animal black 
and white ; when fresh killed, however, they were black and yellow\ 
Size and measurements — the nostrils are placed a third part of the 
way from the tip of the muzzle to the front corner of the eye. 
Total length, 2 feet 2 inches. 
Length from the tip of the muzzle to the base of the tail, 10 inches. 
„ of head, from the tip of the muzzle to the ear, 1 inch 10 
lines. ' -- 
„ from the tip of the muzzle to the anterior corner of the 
eye, 1 inch. 
On the feet, the fourth claw is the longest. 
These Lizards are not uncommon in Labuan, sometimes 
attaining the length of five or six feet, and in some Malay 
coimtries they are called Biiaya diderat or “ Alligator ashore.’’’ 
When large they are very destructive to fowls, and when 
