138 
HORN EXPEDITION—REPTILIA. 
SciNCIDiE. 
Egernia, Gray. 
(1) Egernia whifii, Lacep. (Plate XL, Figs. 3, 4). 
A very fine series of tliis species was obtained, which is especially of interest 
as exhibiting a remarkably wide range of variation in colouring. 
In none of the forms, however, did we find any structural peculiarities which 
could separate them from the type. 
The abundance of material at our disposal enables us to describe a number of 
definite colour patterns. 
In the normal colouring of this species we have a succession of longitudinal 
bands on the back and sides, arranged in the following order from the median line 
outwards :— 
On the back— 
(1) A median band of ground colour, without spots, with a trace of a 
black vertebral line on the nape ; 
(2) A broad black band bearing a longitudinal series of white or light 
spots; 
(3) An uninterrupted white or light dorso-lateral band. 
The sides bear lighter spots and darker streaks and spots, sometimes forming 
longitudinal series. None of the specimens obtained were quite normal in 
colouration. • 
The following were the most conspicuous variations :— 
Specimens 1, 2, 3 (Oodnadatta).—The median band of ground colour is 
replaced by a black vertebral line; on each side is a band of the light brown 
ground colour, beyond which is another black band, in places broken up into 
short continuous streaks; the dorso-lateral light band is absent, the dorso-lateral 
area and sides with irregular lighter spots and black spots and streaks; under 
surfaces pinkish-white; throat greyish speckled with black. 
Specimen 4 (Alice Springs).—Pale olive-brown above, with numerous light 
spots, and black spots and streaks ; each light spot occupies one entire scale ; the 
black streaks on each side of the vertebral region more or less continuous into 
longitudinal lines; sides greyish-brown with lighter and darker spots; under 
surfaces greyish, throat pinkish. 
