REPTILES 167 
frequently runs along the centre of the back, and. the- 
under surface of the body is yellowish or greenish. 
The head is broad and depressed, and the mouth 
which is large, wide, and furnished with teeth, is on the 
under surface. The eyes are large and prominent, and 
placed near the upper surface of the head. 
The body is long and narrow, and ends in a tapering tail 
about one and a half times the length of the body, the 
whole being covered with scales. A well-grown form’ 
reaches about seven inches in length. 
There are four limbs each ending in five toes. By means 
of these the animal can progress with fair rapidity, a 
curious undulating movement of the tail accompanying its 
progress. | | 
In common with other reptiles the lizard is cold-blooded. 
Breathing is carried on by means of lungs, but the amount 
of oxygen required by the animal is not sufficient to make 
the blood warm. 
The Tuatara (Sphenodon punctatus). One of the most 
remarkable reptiles found in New Zealand is the Tuatara, 
an animal belonging to an order differing from that which 
includes the Lizards. ‘The reptiles of this order in past 
ages had a wide distribution, and were amongst the earliest 
forms of reptilian life. They have long since disappeared 
In other countries, and at present are found only in New 
Zealand. Not many years ago they occurred in many 
parts of the Auckland Province, but they are now confined to 
a few of the outlying islands near the coast. 
In colour the animal is yellowish or greenish olive with 
yellow spots. 
The head is large and bird-like, The body is covered 
with scales, those on the under surface being larger and 
better developed than the ones on the upper surface. A 
low crest of horny spines runs along the back, neck, and 
