126 
LIZARDS. 
is specially distinguished by the circumstance that two or more transverse rows 
of scales on the lower surface of the tail correspond with one on its upper aspect. 
The Arabian species, which attains a length of about 18 inches, differs from its 
two nearest allies in the minute size of the scales covering the body, coupled with 
the presence of a few scattered somewhat larger tubercular scales on the flanks. 
Its colour is either sandy grey, or greenish above, which may be either uniform or 
clouded with brown. The ornate thorny-tail (U. ornatus), of Egypt and Syria, 
differs from the other three members of the first group in that the scales of the tail 
form complete rings, those on the lower surface being as long as those on the upper. 
With the exception of one species (U. microlepis ) inhabiting Persia, the 
members of the first group are confined to Africa, Arabia, and Syria, whereas 
the three representatives of the second group are exclusively Asiatic, one ( U. 
loricatus ) being from Persia, the second ( U. asmussi ) common to Persia and 
Baluchistan, while the third (Uhardwickei ) is an inhabitant of Baluchistan 
and Northern India. In the whole of these three Asiatic species the rings 
of spiny scales on the upper surface of the tail are separated from one 
another by rows of smaller smooth scales. In the Indian thorny - tail the 
spines on the tail are small, with the lateral ones the largest; there are no 
enlarged tubercular scales on the back; and the front surface of the thigh 
is marked by a large black spot. In size this species is much inferior to its 
Arabian congener, not exceeding some 11 inches in length. Its colour is either 
uniform sandy above, or the same spotted or mottled with a darker, and whitish 
beneath, with the aforesaid dark mark on the thigh. 
Conforming; in their sombre coloration to the desert regions they 
Habits. 6 . & J 
frequent, the thorny-tailed lizards are entirely vegetable-feeders, and 
live in burrows, resembling those of the smaller foxes, which are excavated by 
themselves. These burrows, which may be as much as 4 feet in length, sometimes 
turn almost at right angles to their original course, at a depth of a foot or so from 
the surface. Generally living solitary or in pairs, these lizards are met with 
abundantly in parts of Eastern Persia and the Punjab, and when approached at 
once make for their holes. If they succeed in getting their fore-limbs within 
the aperture of their burrows, it is impossible to pull them out, for, as the 
writer knows by experience, they will rather suffer their tails to be pulled from 
their bodies than let go their hold. They are generally somewhat heavy and 
deliberate in the movements, turning their heads from side to side while walking,. 
but are capable of running with tolerable speed. In the cold season, at anyrate, 
they never leave their burrows till the sun is well up; and while in Persia and 
India they are commonly found on half-desert gravelly plains scattered over with 
low bush, the Arabian species is often met with in the clefts of rocks, vdience it 
issues forth to bask on the smooth slabs or boulders. According to Brehm, as 
many as a dozen of these lizards may occasionally be seen on a single slab of rock. 
All the species appear to be timid and gentle in their disposition, rarely, if ever, 
attempting to bite when captured. Their food comprises leaves and flowers, dried 
fruits, and the seeds of grass, as well as grass itself; but although in the wild state 
they seem never to touch animal food, in captivity the Indian species will greedily 
devour meal-worms. According to Arab reports, the dabb never by any chance 
