136 
HORN EXPEDITION—REPTILIA. 
cantlms rostralis indistinct. Nostril broadly oval, as in V. puncfatiis, V. 
ncantkurus, etc., directed backwards and outwards, slightly nearer the end of the 
snout than the anterior angle of the eye. Limbs and digits moderate, latter 
strongly compressed, with strongly re-curved claws. Tail round, flattened 
ventrally, depressed at the base, not keeled. Head covered with flat granular 
scales, unequal in size, largest between the orbits, .smallest on the supraocular 
region and about the nostrils. Scales of upper surfaces small, oval, convex, rather 
longer than broad, each scale on the body and limbs, except those on the pre-axial 
surface of the carpus and to a less extent the tarsus, surrounded by a conspicuous 
ring of small granules. About eight rows of flat, smooth, sub-equal genal scales. 
Oular scales similar to abdominal, but more convex. Abdominal scales .smooth, 
in eighty-five to ninety transverse rows between gular fold and groin. Caudal 
scales all tricarinate, the central keel strongest, raised posteriorly, almost 
mucronate. Pineal cornea di.stinct, inconspicuous. Colour .—Light brown above, 
with darker spots and sti’eaks, arranged more or less plainly in longitudinal series 
or continuous lines on the head and distal three-fourths of the tail, and in 
transverse series or bands across the neck, trunk and proximal fourth of the tail. 
The markings on the trunk of a dull red. Six narrow longitudinal bands on the 
head and front part of the neck, on each side one commencing behind the ear and 
another more continuous along the temporal region commencing behind the eye, 
the two median dorsal bands anastomosing with one another and with the 
temporal streak. Lips with vertical streaks. Under surfaces cream-coloured ; 
chin dark spotted. 
Dimensions 
Total length ... 
... 341 
From tip of snout to gular fold ... 
51 
From gular fold to vent 
93 
Maximum width of head 
17 
Fore-limb 
38 
Hind-limb 
... 46 
Tail 
... 197 
5) 
55 
55 
Habits .—Found on trees. 
Locality .—One specimen, caught up a Casnarina decais7ienna tree between Glen 
Edith and Deering Creek-; another caught up a gum-tree near Charlotte Waters. 
Named after F. J, Gillen, Esq., the chief oflicer of the Alice Springs 
Telegraph Station. 
