THE I REPTILE BOOK BY RAYMOND L.DITMARS THE REPTILE BOOK Nature Books With Colour Plates AMERICAN ANIMALS Wltroer Stone and Wm. Everitt Cram AMERICAN FOOD AND GAME FISHES David Starr Jordan and Barton W. Evermann BIRD HOMES BIRD NEIGHBOURS GAME BIRDS NATURE'S GARDEN THE BUTTERFLY BOOK THE FROG BOOK THE INSECT BOOK THE MOTH BOOK THE MUSHROOM BOOK THE REPTILE BOOK THE TREE BOOK A. R. Dugmore Neltje Blanchan Neltjc Blanchan Neltje Blanchan Dr. W. J. Holland MaryC. Dickerson Dr. Leland O. Howard Dr. W. J. Holland Nina L. Marshall Raymond L. Ditmars Julia E. Rogers *» _j r O 1 *•§ §• "§ a •-J o g C M - ^ 3 « - I J - 52 x = = c b s .3 C C si THE REPTILE BOOK A COMPREHENSIVE, POPULARISED WORK ON THE STRUCTURE AND HABITS OF THE TURTLES, TORTOISES CROCODILIANS, LIZARDS AND SNAKES WHICH INHABIT THE UNITED STATES AND NORTHERN MEXICO BY RAYMOND LEE DITMARS Curator of Reptiles in the New York Zoological Park EIGHT PLATES IN COLOUR AND MORE THAN FOUR HUNDRED PHOTOGRAPHS FROM LIFE GARDEN CITY NEW YORK DOUBLEDAY, PAGE & COMPANY 1920 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IT is difficult, in type, to express my sincere appreciation for the hearty assistance I have received, in the preparation of this work. To Director William T. Hornaday, of the New York Zoolog- ical Park, I wish to express my thanks and esteem, for his en- couragement and suggestions. The most pleasant period of my life, has been the seven years past, spent in the Zoological Park in charge of the collection of reptiles. Nowhere else but in a reptile house like that erected by the New York Zoological Society, could one find such opportunities to observe reptiles at their best. A number of the photographs are of specimens that have been exhibited at the Park. My thanks are also extended to Dr. Leonhard Stejneger, Curator of Reptiles, at the United States National Museum for assistance in the identification of specimens. To Director Arthur Erwin Brown, of the Philadelphia Zoological Gardens, I am indebted for much helpful advice. For courtesies that have been valuable in the preparation of this book, I wish to thank Dr. Samuel Carman and Mr. Thomas Barbour, in relation to reptiles at the Museum of Comparative Zoology, at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Through the coopera- tion of these gentlemen, photographs of a number of very rare species were procured. To the following gentlemen I also wish to extend my thanks: Mr. C. S. Brimley, Raleigh, North Carolina; Dr. John Van Denburgh, San Francisco, Calif.; Mr. Herbert Lang, Am. Mus. of Nat. Hist., New York; Mr. Morris Pearsall, New York; Mr. Adam Dove, New York; Mr. Otto Eggling, New York; Mr. Wit- mer Stone, Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, Pa.; Prof. E. L. Moseley, Sandusky, Ohio. In- conclusion I wish to express my obligations to Keepers Charles Snyder and John Toomey, of the Reptile House, in the New York Zoological Park. New York RAYMOND L. DITMARS. vii PREFACE IN THE great procession of zoological events, we find elab- orate representations of all the branches of animate creation but that of reptiles. Occasionally, a technical work passes before the eager student, but its phraseology and complication fail to attract and it finds its way only to the library of the great institutions where it remains as a reference for a scientific few. The shelves of our libraries groan with masses of literature upon mammals, birds, fishes, insects and the lower forms of life — literature of a kind that may be comprehended by the Great Majority, but the gap — in the scale of classification between the birds and the fishes — has steadily remained unchanged. The descriptions of reptiles in the works of general natural his- tory, excellent though they may be, are mere bird's-eye views of a great subject. The works of the technical writers, voluminous enough, are imperatively necessary in the records of Science, but pure science is so far over the head of the average student, that without proper steps to reach it — popularised books — he would never know the reason for which it was created. But one condition can bring about more general knowledge and in- terest in the great Class of Reptiles and that is the special treat- ment of structure and habits in a manner sympathetic to the needs of the Many, who crave to learn. In the present work the writer has sought to compile a popular review of a great fauna — the Reptiles of North America. He has excluded technical phraseology and tried to produce two results: i. A popular book, that may be comprehended by the beginner and 2 — A book valuable in its details to the technical worker. Though some scientists scoff at all lan- guage except that which is obscure to everybody but them- selves, I feel sure that to even that Few, this book will be of interest, for the illustrations alone tell the story. My friend the Camera: Through the several years of prep- aration of this book, my most useful ally has been a camera. ix Prefec* All of the illustrations of the reptiles themselves, are photo- graphic; every photograph, of this large series, is an original. The illustrations were procured under the most varied con- ditions, but most of them are exposures of from one to five seconds, and were taken through a ray filter. With the exception of six illustrations* (of turtles), all of the photographs were taken by the writer. My camera has worked hard and faithfully and the details of structure have been fully portrayed, but in a work like this, colour value in the pattern is of great importance, and here the camera has its limitations, though assisted by the ray filter and colour-sensitive plates. A great amount of work was done upon the negatives themselves, and in this, the use of restrain- ing dyes formed an important part; some of the developed plates were put through a half-dozen processes before they passed a satisfactory test. Those illustrations of snakes that are blotched or ringed with scarlet (a difficult problem for the camera) are good examples cf the final result. * For these T am indebted to Mr. Herbert Lang. INTRODUCTION THROUGHOUT this work the writer has tried to assist the beginner — yet he feels that he has left out little that will interest the technical worker. He believes that the trend of scientific, publications should be more in this direction. Let us consider but one argument, and that in relation to the study of reptiles. Suppose an intelligent farmer, with an inclination for the study of popular natural history, should find a snake upon his lands, and, wishing to find whether it was harmless or poisonous, opens a strictly scientific book, dealing with North American reptiles. What does he find? Elaborate descriptions of anatomical characters, many of these internal, and these descriptions under technical headings, each followed by a long list of synonyms and often a lengthy debate as to the former classification by other scientists than the author; about the only popular words in the description, are the articles "the" and "a"; even the colours are defined in intricate fashion. To this man, such a book is useless. He has no time to master the bewildering, new language he has discovered, so is unable to learn whether the snakes living on his farm are harmless or dangerous, bene- ficial or otherwise. In preparing the descriptions, the writer has excluded com- plicated references to structure. Of these characters, his valu- able assistant, the camera, has described intricate details far better than if such were put in type; in fact, many of the species need little description beyond that of their colours and sife, as the photograph of the animal and the attendant illustrations of the head (above and from the side) show most of the features of the structure and pattern. Use. of scientific names. — The practice of often changing generic names, simply according to the ideas of this or that authority, is very confusing to any but the advanced student and adds to the steadily increasing list of synonyms. The writer has made no attempt to discuss the alleged good-standing of xi Introduction generic names, but has uniformly adopted technical names that have been well established. Thus there will be no lists of synonyms in this book. His policy has been to devote more time in pre- paring a popular presentation of his subject, than to add another, to the many searches for "priority." Following is an example of a title, and its different parts: PIGMY RATTLESNAKE, a Sistrurus miliarius, (Linn.), b a. — The popular name. b.— The technical name and authority. The parts of the technical or scientific name may be described thus: Sistrurus a. miliarius, b. (Linn.) c a. — The generic name. b. — The specific name. c. — The authority. In strictly scientific writings, the placing of the name of the authority in a parenthesis, signifies that the name of the genus has been changed from that in which the species was placed in the original description. Under the head of scientific names comes another subject. This is discrimination in the recognition of species and sub- species— varieties. In a purely scientific book, those species and varieties that have been rejected as doubtful, or forming mere varietal phases of well-established species, are placed in the list of synonyms, beneath the name; relating to their re- jection is usually an argument, explaining the cause of their exclusion. As this is a subject that will interest the technical herpetologist only, we will pass it with the explanation that such lists have not been treated in this work, and the final result of the writer's discrimination stands illustrated in the array of those species and varieties (sub-species) that have been recognised. System of measurement. — Nearly every description has a table of measurements; these lists have been prepared in uniform style throughout ; most of them stand as average dimensions, taken from a series of specimens. The measurements of the length and width of shells of xii Introduction the turtles, are on a straight line (not following the curve of the shell) and were made with calipers in the fashion shown, in miniature, in the illustration. In procuring the width and length of the head; the width of a lizard's body or the greatest diameter of a snake's body, the calipers were necessarily em- ployed. The length of a serpent's head is from the tip of the snout to the back of the bulge, behind the mouth; by running the finger nail along the neck, near the base of the head, the junction of the jaw-bones may be felt; this is the end of the head. (See illustration). The width of the head, is always the widest part. "Si%e." — In the descriptive matter will be found the desig- nations, "very small," "small," "moderate" and "large." At the beginning, these sizes should be understood. Any of our fresh-water turtles having a shell 10 to 12 inches long, are designated as large species; a small species has a shell from 2 to 4 inches long. Lizards under 5 inches in length are small; those between 5 and 10 inches long are of moderate size; over 10 inches, they are of large size — for North American lizards. A snake under 14 inches long is small; over 14 inches and up to 3^ feet might it be described as of moderate size; serpents over 3^ feet long are large among the species em- braced in this work. References to structure. — In a few of the descriptions, con- cise reference has been made to certain parts of the structure; the resulting terms would be confusing without explanation and figures. Turtles. — The upper shell is known as the Carapace; the lower one as the Plastron. For the sake of con- venience, these terms have been frequently used. Lizards. — As some of the species are more readily separated in the keys by using the arrangement of the head shields as distinguishing features, the student should have a general idea of the situation of the more important head-plates in case there be reference to such. (See illustration.) Snakes. — The serpents, being scaled reptiles, fall under much the same form of description as the lizards, and a general idea of the head-plates should be acquired. (See illustration.) xiii Introduction With both snakes and lizards the character of the scales of the upper surfaces, is important. The scales may be smooth or keeled (carinated) ; in the latter case, weakly or heavily keeled. A keeled scale has a distinct, line-like keel running from its base to the tip. Some of the lizards have a very fine, granular scalation above and large, square shields on the abdomen; others have large, keeled scales above and smaller scales on the under-surface. Many have the head plated, like the snakes; others have small scales on the top of the head. Such details of structure are easily understood and largely employed in the descriptions. It should be noted that the body scales of a snake are ar- ranged in symmetrical, oblique rows, from one side of the abdo- men to the other; the abdomen is covered with a single row of broad plates. By counting the scales in one of the rows, on the upper surface, we have another important point to be used in identification. The pupil of the eye of snakes or lizards, may be round or elliptical: this should be noted. Little more can be said by way of explanation. Preced- ing each Part of the work is a classified list showing the arrange- ment of families, genera and the number of species of North American reptiles in each of the genera. Preceding the de- scription of each list of species of the various genera, is a key to those species. Thus the way is paved, step by step, to assist the beginner. Before examining the succeeding chapters, it is interesting to get a bird's-eye view of the subject involved. The Class Reptilia is represented in North America by four Orders given below: The CHELONIA — Turtles and Tortoises. The CROCODILIA — Crocodilians. The LACERTILIA — Lizards. The OPHIDIA — Snakes. The total number of North American species of these Orders, is 254. Of these 44 are Chelonians, 2 are Crocodilians, 97 are Lizards and 1 1 1 Snakes. xiv CONTENTS ACKNOWLEDGMENTS PREFACE ... INTRODUCTION .... ... PART I: THE TURTLES AND TORTOISES Order CHELONIA vn ix xi I. CLASSIFICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN TURTLES AND TORTOISES 3 II. THE S E A TURTLES ; Families S^bargida and Cbelonidce Largest of the Chelonians. These Strictly Aquatic Reptiles May be Recognised by their Seal-like Flippers ....... 4 III. THE SNAPPING TURTLES; Family Ckelydridat A Small Family, Composed of Three Large and Powerful Species 1 1 IV. THE MUSK OR MUD TURTLES; Family Cinostcrnida The Genera Aromocbelys and Cinosternum, Com- posed of Small and Thoroughly Aquatic Species, the Majority Inhabiting North America . 17 V. THE TERRAPINS; The Genera Cbrysemys, Malaco- cUmmys, and Cbelopus. Family T estudinida. A Group of Aquatic Chelonians Known Commonly as Pond Turtles and River Turtles. They are Characterised by their Broad, Flat Shell. Most of the Species are Edible ... 28 VI. THE Box TURTLES; Genera Emys and Cisfado Turtles with Divided, Hinged Plastrons — Descriptions . of the Species — Their Habits .... 54 VII. THE TORTOISES; Genus Testudo Strictly Terrestrial Chelonians. Represented in North America by Three Species .... 65 xv Contents VIII. THE SOFT-SHELLED TURTLES; Genus Trionyx. Fam- ily Trionycbida Strongly Characteristic Chelonians, with a Soft, Leathery Shell ...... 72 PART II: THE CROCODILIANS Order CROCOD1LIA IX. THE CROCODILIANS; Order Crocodilia An Order Represented by Two Species in the United States — The American Crocodile and the Alligator ....... 83 PART ni: THE LIZARDS Order LACERT1L1A X. THE LIZARDS Classification of North American Lizards . . 95 XI. THE GECKOS; Families Geckonida and EubUpbarida A Large Group of Granular-scaled Lizards, Repre- sented by Four Species in North America . 97 XII. THE AMERICAN CHAMELEON; Genus Anolis The North American Representative of a Large, New World Genus of Lizards that are Re- markable in the Habit of Frequently Changing their Colours . . . . . .102 XIII. THE IGUANAS Large Species that May be Recognised by their Fine Scalation and Spine-like Crest. . .106 XIV. THE GENERA Sauromalus AND Crotapbytus. Fine-scaled Representatives of the Iguanidce . .in XV. THE SPOTTED LIZARDS; ZEBRA-TAILED LIZARDS Small and Strictly Terrestrial Species of the Genera Callisaurus, Uma, and Holbrookia . . .116 XVI. THE SWIFTS Two Genera— Ufa and Sceloporus— Small, Rough- scaled Lizards ...... 122 xvi Contents CBAPTBR XVII. THE HORNED LIZARDS; Genus Pbrynosoma A Genus of Lizards that are Most Commonly Known as the Horned "Toads" . XVIII. THE PLATED LIZARDS AND SNAKE-LIKE SPECIES The Families Anguidce and Aniellidce, Embracing the North American Genera Gerrbonotus — Plated Lizards, Opbisaurus — Glass "Snake" and Aniella — Ground "Snake" . XIX. THE BEADED LIZARDS; Family Helodermatidce A Family Composed of but Two Species — The Gila Monster and the Mexican Beaded Lizard — Both of the Genus Heloderma. Descriptions of the Species — Their Habits XX. THE FAMILY Xantusiida A Small Family of Diminutive Lizards — Five Species Inhabit Southwestern North America XXI. THE STRIPED LIZARDS OR "RACE RUNNERS"; Family Teiida — Genus Cnemidopborus XXII. THE WORM-LIKE LIZARDS The Families Eucbirotidce and Ampbisbaenida, Embracing the Most Degenerate of the Liz- ards— Descriptions of the North American Species XXIII. THE SKINKS OR SMOOTH-SCALED LIZARDS; Family Scincidce Small, Glossy-scaled Lizards of a Large Family, Represented in North America by Two Genera and Fifteen Species '43 160 169 178 184 190 '95 PART IV: THE SNAKES Order OPHIDIA XXIV. CLASSIFICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN SNAKES 207 XXV. THE BLIND SNAKES; Family Glauconiidce, AND THE DWARF BOAS; Family Boidce A Few Northern Representatives of Tropical Families. 209 xvii Contents XXVI. THE STRIPED SNAKES — GARTER SNAKES; Genus Eut&nia A Genus of North American Snakes that are Noted for their Abundance and the Great Variation of Pattern Among Some of the Species — Key to the Identification of Species — Detailed Descriptions — Keys to the Iden- tification of Varieties — Habits . . • XXVII. THE WATER SNAKES; Genus Tropidonotus A Large Genus of Semi-aquatic Serpents that Occur in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres — Descriptions of the North American Species — Their Habits . . XXVI 1 1. SMALL, MISCELLANEOUS KEELED-SCALED SER- PENTS; Genera Chnopbis, Tropidoclonium, Sem- inatrix. and Liodytts ..... 241 261 XXIX. THE BROWN SNAKES Small and Secretive Species, Representing the Genera Storeria, Haldea, Ampbiardis, and Virginia ...... 266 XXX. THE RACERS; Genera Spilotes and Zamenis Large Non-constricting Serpents, Characterised by their Great Agility . . XXXI. THE FLAT-NOSED SNAKES; Genera Salvadora and Pbyllorbyncbus Unique Serpents of the Southwestern United States and Mexico ..... XXXII. THE RAT SNAKES OR COLUBERS; Genus Coluber Large and Powerful Constricting Serpents. They are of Considerable Economic Value in Destroying Animals that are Injurious to Agricultural Pursuits XXXIII. THE BULL SNAKES; Genus Pituopbis Large Constricting Snakes that are Closely Allied to the Rat Snakes — Descriptions of the Three North American Species— Their Habits xviii 274 291 Contents CHAPTB* XXXIV. PAGB XXXV. XXXVI. XXXVII. XXXVIII. XXXIX. XL. XLI. XLH. THE GREEN SNAKES Representatives of the Genera Cyclopbis and Liopeltis — Small Serpents that are of a Uniform, Pale Green Above, and thus Characteristic Among North American Snakes SMALL, MISCELLANEOUS SMOOTH-SCALED SER- PENTS; Genera Hypsiglena, Stilosoma, Rbadi- nea, and Contia THE RING-NECKED SNAKES; Genus Diadopbis Small, Smooth-scaled Serpents with Char- acteristic Markings .... THE KING SNAKES; Genus Opbibolus Smooth-scaled Constricting Serpents of Small, Medium and Large Size, which Derive the Popular Title from their Habit of Killing and Eating Both Harmless and Venomous Snakes THE RAINBOW SNAKES Large and Brilliantly Coloured, Burrowing Serpents, of the Genera Abasior and Farancia ...... THE SHARP-NOSED SNAKES; Genera Carpbo- pbis, Ficimia, Cbilomeniscus, Cemopbora, and Rbinocbilus Small, Burrowing Species, with Smooth Scales THE HOG-NOSED SNAKES; Genus Heterodon Three North American Species that are Inter- esting from their Peculiar Form and Habits THE OPISTHOGLYPH SNAKES OF NORTH AMERICA A Division of Mildly Poisonous Serpents, with Grooved Fangs in the Rear of the Upper Jaw — The Many Species Occur in Both the Eastern and the Western Hemispheres . THE ELAPINE POISONOUS SNAKES; Sub-family Elapince A Large Sub-family of the Colubridce, Embracing the Old Worlf1 Cobras and their AKies, xix 322 327 333 339 365 369 377 386 Content* and the American Coral Snakes — Resume* of the Elapina — Descriptions of the North Amer- ican Species — Their Habits . . . 392 XLIII. THE VIPERINE SNAKES; Family yiperidcc The Thick-bodied Poisonous Snakes of the New World — Serpents Distinguished by their Long Fangs, which Fold Against the Roof of the Mouth when it is Closed .... 403 XL1V. THE MOCCASINS; Genus Ancistrodon Descriptions of the Species — Their Habits . . 414 XLV. THE RATTLESNAKES Poisonous Snakes of Two Genera — Sistrurus and Crotalus — That are Unique Among Serpents in the Possession of the Rattle . . . 426 INDEX 467 LIST OF COLOUR PLATES FLATB i. DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus adamanteus. Lar- gest of the North American Poisonous Serpents and Second to Few of the Venomous Snakes of the World in Point of Deadliness . . Frontispiece FACING PACK xii. EASTERN PAINTED TURTLE, Cbrysemys picta . 32 WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE, Cbrysemys marginaia 32 xv. YELLOW-BELLIED TERRAPIN, Cbrysemys scabra . 40 CUMBERLAND TERRAPIN, Cbrysemys elegans . 40 xxx. ALLIGATOR, Alligator mississippiensis ... 88 AMERICAN CROCODILE, Crocodilus americanus . 88 xxxvii. COLLARED LIZARD, Crotapbytus collaris . .114 LEOPARD LIZARD, Crotapbytus wisli^enii . .114 liv. GILA MONSTER, Heloderma suspedum. The only Poisonous Lizard Inhabiting the United States 172 cv. MILK SNAKE, Opbibolus doliatus triangulus. (New York) . .339 SOUTHERN MILK SNAKE, Opbibolus doliatus clericus. (Maryland) 339 SCARLET KING SNAKE, Opbibolus doliatus coc- cineus. (Florida) 339 cxviii. HARLEQUIN SNAKE; CORAL SNAKE, Elaps fulvius . 402 SONORAN CORAL SNAKE, Elaps euryxantbus . . 402 XXI LIST OF HALF-TONE ILLUSTRATIONS PART I: THE TURTLES AND TORTOISES Order CHELON1A PLATB PACING FAB* ii. TRUNK TURTLE, Spbargis coriacea. Largest of the Marine Turtles 6 LOGGERHEAD TURTLE, Tbalassocbelys caretta . . 6 iii. GREEN TURTLE, Cbelonia mydas. Esteemed as an Article of Diet ...... 7 HAWK'S-BILL TURTLE, Cbelonia imbricate. Valuable for its "Tortoise Shell" 7 iv. YOUNG LOGGERHEAD TURTLES, Tbalassocbelys caretta 10 Plastrons of LOGGERHEAD, GREEN, HAWK'S-BILL and TRUNK Turtles 10 v. Eggs of the ARIZONA MUD TURTLE, Cinosternum benrici . . . . . . . , n Newly Hatched MUSK TURTLES, Aromocbelys odoratus 1 1 Eggs of the SPOTTED TURTLE, Cbelopus guttatus n A Yearling MUSK TURTLE, A. carinatus. , n Very Young Box TURTLE, Cistudo carotin* . . it A Young GOPHER TORTOISE, Testudo polypbemus . it vi. Common SNAPPING TURTLE, Cbelydra serpentina . 12 Young SNAPPING TURTLE, Cbelydra serpentina , 12 vii. ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE, Macrocbelys laceriina. Reaches a Weight of 140 Pounds . . 13 Head of the ALLIGATOR TURTLE, Macrocbelys laceriina. Could readily amputate a man's hand or foot 13 viii. Common MUSK TURTLE, Aromocbelys odoratus . . 22 Southern MUSK TURTLE, Aromocbelys trisiycba. . 22 ix. KEELED MUSK TURTLES, Aromocbelys carinatus . 23 Common MUD TURTLE, Cinosternum pennsylvanicum 23 x. LOUISIANA MUD TURTLE, Cinosternum louisianae . 26 BANDED MUD TURTLE, CinosUrnum bauri . , 26 xxiii List of Half-tone Illustrations PACING PAGB FLATS xi. YELLOW-NECKED MUD TURTLE, Cinosternumflavescens 27 ARIZONA MUD TURTLE, CinosUrnum benrici. Lar- gest of the North American Mud Turtles . . 27 xiii. BELL'S TERRAPIN, Cbrysemys belli . . 34 CHICKEN TURTLE, Cbrysemys reticulata . . 34 xiv. Young Specimens of PAINTED TERRAPIN, FLORIDA TERRAPIN, LESUEUR'S TERRAPIN, and WOOD and SPOTTED TURTLES 35 xvi. TROOST'S TERRAPIN, Cbrysemys troosti. Sold Under the General Title of "Sliders" . 46 Young of the YELLOW-BELLIED TERRAPIN, Cbrys- emys scabra ... 46 xvii. Young FLORIDA TERRAPIN, Cbrysemys floridana. . 47 FLORIDA TERRAPIN, Adult . ... 47 xviii. GEOGRAPHIC TERRAPIN, Malacoclemmys geograpbica. 50 LESUEUR'S. TERRAPIN, Malacodemmysksueurii . 50 xix. DIAMOND-BACK TERRAPIN, Malacoclemmys palustris 51 WOOD TURTLE, Cbelopus insculptus. Protected from Capture in New York . . . . 51 xx. SPOTTED TURTLE, Cbelopus guttatus ... 62 MUHLEN BERG'S TURTLE, Cbelopus mublenbergii . 62 xxi. BLANDING'S TURTLE; SEMI-BOX TURTLE, Emys blan- dingii ....... 63 PAINTED Box TURTLE, Cistudo ornata ... 63 Common Box TURTLE, Cistudo Carolina . . 63 xxii. THREE-TOED Box TURTLE, Cistudo triunguis . . 64 BAUR'S Box TURTLE, Cistudo bauri ... 64 xxiii. GOPHER TORTOISE, Testudopolypbemus ... 65 xxiv. DESERT TORTOISE, Testudo agassi^ii ... 68 Plastron of the DESERT TORTOISE ... 68 xxv. BERLANDIER'S TORTOISE, Testudo berlandieri . . 69 Plastron of BERLANDIER'S TORTOISE ... 69 xx vi. Eggs of Trionyx spinifer ..... 76 Head of Trionyx spinifer ..... 76 Front of Carapace, SPINY SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, Trionyx spinifer . . ... 76 Young of the SOUTHERN SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, Trionyx ferox 76 xxiv List of Half-tone Illustrations PLATE xxvii. xxvin. PACING PACK SOUTHERN SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, Trionyx ferox 77 BROWN SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, Trionyx muticus 77 SPINY SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, Trionyx spinifer So SPINY SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, From Beneath 80 PART II: THE CROCODILIANS Order CROCODILIA xxix. THE HOME OF THE ALLIGATOR. An Inlet of the Savannah River . . . . .81 EGGS OF THE ALLIGATOR . . . . .81 PART III: THE LIZARDS Order LACERTILIA xxxi. METHODS OF MEASURING TURTLES, SNAKES, LIZARDS, AND SERPENTS .... 98 xxxii. SCALATION OF THE HEAD. Snake and Lizard . 99 xxxiii. REEF GECKO, Spharodactylus notatus. The Only True Gecko Found in the United States . 10 BANDED GECKO, Eubiepharis variegatus . . 10 AMERICAN CHAMELEON, Anolis carolinensis . . 10 xxxiv. IGUANA, Cyclura carinata . . . . .11 DESERT IGUANA, Dipsosaurus dorsalis . . n xxxv. CHUCKAWALLA, Sauromalus ater . . . .112 xxxvi. SAND LIZARD, Uma noiaia . . . . 113 ZEBRA-TAILED LIZARD, Callisaurus draconoides . 113 SPOTTED LIZARD, Holbrookia maculaia . .113 xxxviii. STRUCTURAL CHARACTERS OF NORTH AMERICAN LIZARDS 116 xxxix. BREEDING HABITS OF LIZARDS . . . . 117 xl. STRUCTURAL CHARACTERS OF NORTH AMERICAN LIZARDS 118 xli. STRUCTURAL CHARACTERS OF NORTH AMERICAN LIZARDS 119 xlii. STRUCTURAL CHARACTERS OF NORTH AMERICAN LIZARDS .124 XXV List of Half-tone Illustrations PLATE fACtttO PACE xliii. STANSBURY'S SWIFT, Uia stansburiana . . 125 WHITE-BELLIED SWIFT, Uia symmetrica . . 125 CLARK'S SWIFT, Sceloporus clarkii . . .125 xliv. COMMON SWIFT; FENCE LIZARD, Sceloporus undu- latus. SPINY SWIFT; TEXAS SWIFT, Scelop- orus spinosus . . . . . .128 PACIFIC SWIFT, Sceloporus undulatus occidentalis ' . 128 BANDED SWIFT, Sceloporus undulatus consobrinus . 128 xlv. WESTERN SWIFT, Sceloporus biseriatus . . . 129 COLLARED SWIFT, Sceloporus torquatus poinsettii. The Finest Species of its Genus. . . .129 xlvi. HEADS OF HORNED LIZARDS, Pbrynosoma . . 144 xlvii. DOUGLASS'S HORNED LIZARD, Pbrynosoma doug- lassii . . ... 145 PAINTED HORNED LIZARD, P. douglassii orna- tissimum . . . 145 HERNANDEZ'S HORNED LIZARD, P. douglassii bernandesi ....... 145 xlviii. DITMARS'S HORNED LIZARD, Pbrynosoma ditmarsii . 148 MEXICAN HORNED LIZARD, Pbrynosoma orbiculare . 148 x ix. REGAL HORNED LIZARD, Pbrynosoma regale . . 149 PACIFIC HORNED LIZARD, Pbrynosoma coronatum . 149 1. TEXAS HORNED LIZARD, Pbrynosoma cornutum. Commonest and Most Widely Distributed of the Horned Lizards. . . . . .156 ASHY HORNED LIZARD, Pbrynosoma calidiarum . 1 56 li. KEELED LIZARD, Gerrbonotus multicarinatus . 157 LONG-TAILED EXAMPLE OF THE KEELED LIZARD, Gerrbonotus multicarinatus . . . 157 lii. BROWN LIZARD, Gerrbonotus liocepbalus . .160 KING'S LIZARD, Gerrbonotus kingii. The Most Brightly Coloured Member of its Genus. . 160 liii. PLATED LIZARD, Gerrbonotus imbricatus . . .161 GLASS "SNAKE," Opbisaurus ventralis . . 16 xxvi List of Half-tone Illustrations PACING PAO« Iv. SIX-LINED LIZARD; RACERUNNER, Cnemidopborus sexlineatus. The Smallest Species of a Genus Remarkable for the Activity of its Members . 188 SPOTTED RACERUNNER, Cnemidophorus gularis 188 TESSELATED LIZARD; WHIP-TAIL, Cnemidopborus tessellatus .188 Ivi. TWO-FOOTED WORM LIZARD, Bipes caniculatus Worm-like and Practically Blind. A Degen- erate Burrowing Lizard . . . .189 FLORIDA WORM LIZARD, Rbineura ftoridana . .189 Ivii. FIVE-LINED SKINK; "SCORPIAN," Eumeces quin- quelineatus .... . . 194 SKILTON'S SKINK, Eumeces skiltonianus . . 194 Iviii. FLORIDA SKINK, Eumeces egregius . . . 195 GROUND LIZARD, Lygosoma laterale . . . 195 PART IV: THE SNAKES Order OPHIDIA lix. EGGS OF NORTH AMERICAN SERPENTS . . . 206 Ix. BREEDING HABITS OF SNAKES .... 207 Ixi. BREEDING HABITS OF SNAKES. FRESHLY HATCHED EXAMPLES OF OVIPAROUS SERPENTS . . 208 Ixii. BREEDING HABITS OF SNAKES .... 209 Ixiii. BLIND SNAKES ....... 210 Ixiv. HEAD OF THREE-LINED BOA, Licbanura trivirgata . 21 1 HEAD AND UNDER PART OF TAIL OF THE RUBBER BOA, Cbarina looiia 211 RUBBER BOA, Cloarina botte . . . .211 Ixv. BREEDING HABITS OF SNAKES .... 222 Ixvi. STUDIES OF HEADS. Genus Eutania . . . 223 Ixvii. RIBBON SNAKE, Eutania sauriia .... 224 SOUTHERN RIBBON SNAKE, Eutania sackeni . . 224 WESTERN RIBBON SNAKE, Eutania proximo. . . 224 Ixviii. PLAINS GARTER SNAKE, Eutania radix . . . 225 BUTLER'S GARTER SNAKE, Eutania buileri . . 225 xxvii List of Half-tone Illustrations PLATE PACING PAGE Ixix. WESTERN GARTER SNAKE, Eutania elegans . . 228 ONE-STRIPED GARTER SNAKE, EuUenia elegans; phase infernalis ....... 228 Ixx. GRAY GARTER SNAKE, Euttenia elegans vagrans . 229 MARCY'S GARTER SNAKE, Euictnia elegans marciana 229 Ixxi. BROWN GARTER SNAKE, Eutania equts . . 236 Phases of the COMMON GARTER SNAKE, Eutania sirtalis ....... 236 ixxii. RED-BARRED GARTER SNAKE, EuUenia sirtalis pari- eialis 237 PICKERING'S GARTER SNAKE, Eutania sirtalis pick- eringii. This is the blackest of the varieties 237 of E. sirtalis ...... SPOTTED GARTER SNAKE, Euiania sirtalis ordinata 237 Ixxiii. HEADS OF THE WATER SNAKES. Tropidonotusleberis, Ohio.- Tropidonotus fasciatus, Florida; Tropi- donoius grahami, Missouri ; Tropidonotus tax- ispilotus, Georgia; Tropidonotus rbombifer, Illinois; Tropidonotus validus, Mexico: Semi- natrix pygaa, Florida ..... 240 Ixxiv. QUEEN SNAKE, Tropidonotus leberis. (Young) . 241 QUEEN SNAKE, Tropidonotus leberis. (Adult) . 241 GRAHAM'S WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus grabami 241 Ixxv. BANDED WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus fasciatus 244 RED-BELLIED WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus fasciatus erytbrogaster. ...... 244 Ixxvi. COMMON WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus fasciatus sipedon ....... 245 BLOTCHED WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus fasciatus transversus 245 Ixxvii. FLAT-TAILED WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus compressi- caudus ....... 252 DIAMOND-BACK WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus rbomb- ifer 252 Ixxviii. GREEN WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus cyclopium 253 BROWN WATER SNAKE, Tropidonotus taxispihtus. Largest of the North American Water Snakes, Reaching a Length of Five Feet . . . 253 xxviii List of Half-tone Illustrations FACING PAGE PLATS Ixxix. THE HOME OF THE BLACKSNAKE . WHERE THE WATER SNAKES BASK . Ixxx. KIRTLAND'S WATER SNAKE, Clonophis kirtlandi STRIPED SWAMP SNAKE, Tropidoclonium lineatum Ixxxi. BLACK SWAMP SNAKE, Seminatrix pygcea . ALLEN'S SNAKE, Liodytes alleni .... Ixxxii. HEADS OF MISCELLANEOUS SMALL SERPENTS Ixxxiii. DEKAY'S SNAKE, Sioreria dekayi. STORER'S SNAKE; RED-BELLIED SNAKE. Sioreria occipitomaculata ..... Ixxxi v. BROWN SNAKE, Haldea striatula VALERIA'S SNAKE, Virginia Valeria . Ixxxv. HEADS OF NORTH AMERICAN RACERS Ixxxvi. HEADS OF NORTH AMERICAN RACERS Ixxxvii. INDIGO SNAKE, Spilotes corais couperi. The Largest Serpent of the Eastern United States, Attaining a Length of 9 Feet CRIBO, Spilotes corais melanurus Ixxxviii. YOUNG OF THE COMMON RACER, Zamenis con- strictor ....... BLACKSNAKE; RACER, Zamenis constrictor. Adult — Northern Phase ..... Ixxxix. B LACKSNAKE ', RACER, Zamenis constrictor — South- ern Phase BLUE RACER, Zamenis constrictor ftaviventris xc, COACHWHIP SNAKE, Zamenis ftagelliformis . STRIPED RACER; WHIP-SNAKE, Zamenis taniatus xci. FLAT-NOSED SNAKE, Salvidora grdbamia . Fox SNAKE, Coluber vulpinus .... xcii. HEADS OF NORTH AMERICAN COLUBERS xciii. PILOT BLACKSNAKE, Coluber obsoletus BLOTCHED CHICKEN SNAKE, Coluber obsoletus confinis ....... xciv. YELLOW CHICKEN SNAKE; FOUR-BANDED COL- UBER, Coluber obsoletus quadrivittatus — Adult EGGS OF FOUR-BANDED COLUBER, Coluber obso- letus quadrivittatus ..... YOUNG OF THE FOUR-BANDED COLUBER . xxix 256 256 257 257 260 260 261 268 268 269 269 274 275 286 286 299 299 299 Ltet of Half-tone Illustration* FACING PAOB xcv. EMORY'S COLUBER, Coluber tmoryi. A Powerful Example of the Useful, Rat-eating Snakes — Genus Coluber ...... 302 xcvi. CORN SNAKE, Coluber guttatus .... 3°3 SMOOTH-SCALED COLUBER, Rbinecbis elegans . -3°3 xcvii. HEADS OF SMOOTH-SCALED COLUBER, Rbinecbis elegans, Arizona . . . 304 PINE SNAKE, Pituopbis melanoleucus, New Jersey Phase. . . . 304 PINE SNAKE, Pituopbis melanoleucus. Florida Phase. 304 BULL SNAKE, Pituopbis calender. California. . 304 xcviii. COMMON PINE SNAKE, Pituopbis melanoleucus . 305 PINE SNAKE, Pituopbis melanoleucus — Southern Phase . . . . 305 xcix. COMMON BULL SNAKE, Pituopbis sayi. Largest of the North American Serpents. .... 320 PACIFIC BULL SNAKE, Pituopbis catenifer . . 320 c. KEELED GREEN SNAKE, Cyclopbis astivus . . 321 SMOOTH-SCALED GREEN SNAKE, Liopeltis vernalis 321 ci. ROCK SNAKE, Hypsiglena ocbrorbyncba . . 322 PACIFIC BROWN SNAKE, Contia mitis . . . 322 cii. EASTERN RING-NECKED SNAKE, Diadopbis punctaius 323 WESTERN RING-NECKED SNAKE, Diadopbis amabilis 323 ciii. HEADS OF MILK SU\KE, Opbibolus doliatustriangulus, New York . . ... 334 RED MILK SNAKE, O. d. clericus, Virginia . . 334 BROWN KING SNAKE, 0. rbombomaculatus, Virginia ....... 334 COMMON KING SNAKE, O. getulus, Florida . . 334 BOYLE'S KING SNAKE, 0. getulus boylii, Cali- fornia. . . . . . . 334 ARIZONA KING SNAKE, O. {onatus, Arizona . . 334 civ. BROWN KING SNAKE, Opbibolus rbombomaculatus. (Young Adult) .... 335 BROWN KING SNAKE, Opbibolus rbombomaculatus 335 XXX List of Half-tone Illustrations PLATB cvi. PACING PAGB CV11. CV111. cix. ex. cxi. cxn. cxiii. cxiv. cxv. cxvi. cxvii. cxix. cxx. cxxi. RINGED SNAKE, Opbibolus doliatus gentilis. From Nebraska . . 340 MEXICAN RINGED SNAKE, Opbibolus micropholis 340 (Old Example). Adult Examples are a Rich, Golden-brown, with Obscure, Darker Brown Blotches. The Food Consists Mostly of Small Birds and Rodents 340 ARIZONA KING SNAKE; RINGED SNAKE, Ophibolus ^onatus. From Arizona . . . . 341 ARIZONA RINGED SNAKE; KING SNAKE, Opbibolus fonatus. From California . . . -34' SAY'S KING SNAKE, Opbibolus getulus sayi . . 341 COMMON KING SNAKE; CHAIN SNAKE, Opbibolus get- ulus. A notoriously cannibalistic reptile . 348 BOYLE'S KING SNAKE, Opbibolus getulus boylii . 348 HEADS OF MISCELLANEOUS HARMLESS SERPENTS 349 RAINBOW SNAKE, Abastor erytbrogrammus . . 368 RED-BELLIED SNAKE, Paranoia abacura . . . 368 WORM SNAKE, Carpbopbis amaenus . . . 369 SCARLET SNAKE, Cemopbora coccinea . . . 369 LECONTE'S SNAKE, Rbinocbilus lecontei . . 369 HEADS OF THE HOG-NOSED SNAKES . . . 376 COMMON HOG-NOSED SNAKE, Heterodon platyrbinus 377 B LACK Hoc-NOSEoSNAKE, Heterodonplatyrbinus niger 377 SOUTHERN HOG-NOSED SNAKE, Heterodon simus . 384 WESTERN HOG-NOSED SNAKE, Heterodon nasicus . 385 CROWNED SNAKE, Tantilla coronata . . . 400 MITER SNAKE, Tantilla gracilis .... 400 ANNULATED SNAKE, Sibon septentrionale . . 401 HEAD OF HARLEQUIN SNAKE, Elaps fulvius . . 401 HEAD OF SONORA CORAL SNAKE, E. euryxantbus . 401 HEADS OF SERPENTS ...... 416 HEAD OF RATTLESNAKE ..... 417 SKULL OF A PIT VIPER, SHOWING DEVELOPING FANGS 417 COPPERHEAD SNAKE, Ancistrodon contortrix — (Com- mon Phase) 418 COPPERHEAD SNAKE, Ancistrodon contortrix — (Texas Phase) . . .418 xxxi List of Half-tone Illustrations FACING PACK HEADS OF COPPERHEAD SNAKE AND WATER Moc- PLAT> cxxii. CASIN. From Top and Side . . 419 WATER MOCCASIN; "COTTON-MOUTH" SNAKE, An- cistrodon piscivorus 419 cxxiii. A COPPERHEAD "DEN" . . 422 HOME OF THE WATER MOCCASIN. A Bayou in the Georgia Lowgrounds .... 422 cxxiv. PLATES UNDER TAILS OF POISONOUS AND HARM- LESS SNAKES ...... 423 DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE RATTLE . . . 423 LONGITUDINAL SECTION OF THE RATTLE . . 423 cxxv. HEADS OF DWARF RATTLESNAKES . . 426 cxxvi. PIGMY RATTLESNAKE, Sistrurus miliarius . . 427 MASSASAUGA, Sistrurus catenates . . . 427 cxxvii. A RATTLESNAKE "DEN" . . . 430 A HAUNT OF THE DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE . . 430 cxxviii. TIMBER RATTLESNAKE AND NEWLY BORN LITTER 431 cxxix. HEADS OF NORTH AMERICAN RATTLESNAKES . 438 cxxx. HEADS OF NORTH AMERICAN RATTLESNAKES . 439 cxxxi. TIMBER RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus borridus. Yellow Phase ....... 442 TIMBER RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus horridus. Black Phase ....... 442 cxxxii. WESTERN DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus atrox 443 RED DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus atrox ruber ....... 443 cxxxiii. MOUNTAIN DIAMOND RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus atrox — Phase scutulatus ..... 452 BLACK-TAILED RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus tnolossus 452 cxxxi v. PRAIRIE RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus confluentus . . 453 PACIFIC RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus oregonus . . 453 cxxxv. HORNED RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus cerastes . . 460 HEAD OF THE HORNED RATTLESNAKE . . 460 cxxxvi. GREEN RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus lepidus . . 461 PRICE'S RATTLESNAKE, Crotalus pricei . . 461 XXXII PART I. THE TURTLES AND TORTOISES Order CHELONIA CHAPTER I: CLASSIFICATION OF THF NORTH AMERICAN TORTOISES AND TURTLES THE North American Chelonia is composed of Tortoises, Turtles and Terrapins. The two latter names are employed rather indiscriminately in different portions of this country, but the appellation — Terrapin, is generally applied to the hard- shelled, fresh-water species that are edible and consequently have a market value. The Tortoises are strictly terrestrial Chelonians. Following is a classified arrangement of the families and genera: Order CHELONIA NORTH SUBORDER FAMILY GENUS AMERICAN SPECIES Athecse "i SPHARGIDAE ^ Sphargis i Species Marine . (Leather Turtles) (Snapping Turtles) (Musk or Mud Turtles) (Chrysemys 15 " \Malacoclemmys.. 6 " Fresh; brack (Fresh-water Turtles :\ cTstudo '.'.'. '.\ "Terrestrial the Tortoises) [Testudo 3 (Sea Turtles) TRIONTCHID^ •) Trionyx 4 " Fresh-water (Soft-shelled Turtles) ( Total number of Species: 44. CHAPTER II: THE SEA TURTLES Largest of the Cbelonians. These Strictly Aquatic Reptiles may be Recognised by tbeir Seal-like Flippers AH of the tropical and semi-tropical seas of the globe are inhabited by huge turtles, but with this great distribution, we find a peculiar condition relating to the number of species. Over these vast stretches of ocean, stupenduously rich in their variety of life — invertebrates, fishes, a large number of marine serpents, innumerable birds and many mammals — the chelonians are limited to five species ; with the exception of one, each spe- cies occurs in the warmer waters of both the Old and the New World; thus a list of the North American reptiles must include those marine turtles that are found in the vicinity of our coasts. While normally inhabiting the waters of the warmer lati- tudes, the sea turtles are often enticed northward, along our eastern coast, by the mild currents of the Gulf Stream; during the mid-summer months they enter the northern harbours and live comfortably enough, but during the approach of cold weather these wanderers become chilled and stupefied, and fall an easy prey to fishermen. Benumbed during the fall hurricanes, they are battered and cast lifeless upon the beaches of Long Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts, and by the very storms that originated over their native seas. Most of the big Leather- back Turtles in our northern museums, have met a fate like this. Classification. — The marine turtles are divided into two families. From a standpoint of relationship, these families are widely separated ; the classified list of the families and genera of North American turtles and tortoises, in the preceding pages, will show the proper standing of these reptiles. The Leather-back Turtle, (Spbargis), seems to be the survivor of an extinct group, and must be placed in a family by itself, while the Loggerheads, the Green Turtle and the 4 The Sea Turtles Hawk's-bill Turtle are examples of evolution from the modern, fresh-water chelonians; development along the line of adaptation to a strictly marine life has produced a highly spe- cialised form, but the shielded carapace and plastron, and other parts of the structure, show close relationship with the Tfs- iudinida. Thus the student will appreciate that the family Sphargida — one species, and the Cloelonida — four species, are not alone widely separated in classification, but appeal to one an- other only in a form that is essential to the life the species lead. With this understood, it is not inappropriate to embrace all the sea turtles in a chapter by themselves. This arrangement popularises the subject and makes it possible to construct a general key. KEY TO THE SEA TURTLES General'. Limbs long, flat and paddle-like — Flippers. A. Carapace with seven, heavy keels, running length- wise; covered with a leathery integument in place of shields. Uniform dark brown, or black. LEATHER-BACK TURTLE,' TRUNK TURTLE, SpharglS COTiacea. B. Carapace covered with smooth shields, which do not overlap. *Front flippers with two claws. Head very large. Carapace uniform brown or black. Alveolar (crushing) surfaces of jaws without ridges — under horny sheaths. LOGGERHEAD TURTLE, Thalassocbelys caretta. Head very large. Carapace dark brown or black. Al- veolar (crushing) surfaces of jaws with ridges — under horny sheaths. KEMP'S LOGGERHEAD TURTLE, Tbalassochelys kempii. **Front flippers with one claw. Head of moderate size. Carapace olive or brown, mottled with yellow. GREEN TURTLE, Chelonia mydas. C. Carapace covered with smooth, loosely-overlapping shields. Upper mandible beak-like. Carapace brown or black, mottled with yellow. HAWK'S-BILL TURTLE, Chelonia imbricate, 5 The Sea Turtles The Family Spbargidce. — Composed of a single genus and one species — the largest of the chelonians, which attains a weight of 1,000 pounds. THE LEATHERBACK TURTLE; TRUNK TURTLE; HARP TURTLE; LUTH Spbargis coriacea, (Linn.) Told from the other sea turtles taken off our coasts, by the heavy, ridge-like processes, seven in number, running lengthwise on the carapace. Instead of the horny shields usually present on turtles, the carapace is covered with a leathery integument; on large individuals, this soft covering is fully an inch in thick- ness and saturated with oil, like whale blubber. The front flippers are enormous; like the rear pair and the head, they lack the coarse plates of the other marine turtles. Colouration. — Dark brown, generally uniform, but some- times spotted with yellow. Very large individuals are often blackish. Dimensions. — The Leather-back Turtle is the largest of living chelonians. Following are the measurements of a fine example received at the American Museum of Natural History; it was harpooned, while floundering, in a benumbed condition, off the beach of New London, Connecticut: Total length, snout to end of tail 6 feet Length of Carapace 5 " i inch Width of Carapace 3 "i " Width of Front Flipper i "2 " Stretch of Front Flippers, tip to tip 9 " Diameter of Head " 10 Weight 715 pounds. Distribution. — Generally distributed in tropical and semi- tropical seas, but nowhere common; an accidental wanderer to the temperate coasts. Habits. — Approaching the beaches only to deposit its eggs, this sea giant does not seem to differ in its habits from the other marine turtles. It apparently subsists upon sea-weeds, crus- taceans, molluscs, and fishes— if it is able to catch the latter. Agassiz explains that it breeds every year, in the spring, on the Tortugas, the Bahamas and along the Brazilian coast. In 6 THF RF.PTILE BOOK " .. .4 PLATE II TRUNK TURTLE, Sphargis coriacea Largest of the marine turtles. It attains a weight of 1,003 pjun Is. The shelj is covereJ witli a leathery integument Occurs sparingly in all tropical and semi-tropical seas LOGGERHEAD TURTLE, Thalassochelys caretta Sometimes confused with the Green Turtle, hut distinguished by the proportionately much larger head. Its flesh is cf considerable less value than that of the other species. Found in all of the warmer seas r PLATE III GREKV TrkTI.K. Chrlonia mydas Frtrrnnrt as an article of diet and well known in the markets. K« i-ivi-s its name from the greenish hue of the fat. Large examples weigh 800 pounds. Inhabits all the warmer seas ^ . . HAWK-.I.II.I. II kill ,/.,;..„,, ..„.., Fra. tW. ^c« i. obUiMd IW y^oabu ,mallr,, .,, . rrcofnurd by the overlaptNng Found in the warm sc-as of l«th The Sea Turtles swimming it is very graceful and the massive flippers are em- ployed in. seal-like fashion. The Family Cbelonida: Composed of two genera, each containing two species. Detailed descriptions follow THE LOGGERHEAD TURTLE Tbalassochelys careita, (Linn.) Carapace thick and heavy, covered with large, smooth shields, as is the plastron. Head very large, plated; flippers plated, the front pair usually with two nails. The Loggerhead might possibly be confused with the Green Turtle, owing to the similarity of the shells, but the larger head of the former, the two nails on the front flipper and the almost uniform hue of the carapace, are strong characteristics. Colouration. — Carapace dull, uniform brown; plastron dull yellow. Dimensions. — The largest example examined by the writer had a carapace 3 feet, 2 inches long; the animal tipped the scales at 303 pounds. Records of larger specimens are not rare. Distribution. — Tropical and semi-tropical seas of both hemispheres; an accidental wanderer along the Northern coasts. Habits. — Many of these turtles lay their eggs along the Florida coast. The female scoops a hole in the sand, deposits the eggs therein and shovels the sand back over them; she then retires to the sea, paying no more attention to them. These are the only times — in May and early in June, along our shores — that the adult turtle leaves the water; the eggs are deposited above tide-line. Six to eight weeks cover the period of incuba- tion, and as the young turtles hatch they at once seek the water. Their progress is seldom toward the open sea, for they have little power to battle with the surf. They seek shallow inlets and here find partial protection from their many enemies in the shape of the larger fish and the sea birds. While very young, their flippers are wing-like in motions; as the young reptile tires they are. folded against the upper portion of the carapace, in much the same manner as a bird tucks back its wings. (See accompanying illustration). The number of eggs deposited is enormous; it varies from fifty to a thousand, according to the size and the age of the female. 7 The Sea Turtles Commercially, the Loggerhead is of much less value than the Green Turtle, yet it is often seen in the markets. A steak from one of these creatures looks much like beef. KEMP'S LOGGERHEAD TURTLE Tbalassocbelys kempii, (Carman) Structurally, this turtle is explained to differ from the preceding by the presence of ridges on the alveolar (crushing) surfaces of the jaws (beneath the horny coverings), which de- velopment closely approaches that of the Hawk's-bill Turtle; the bony, alveolar processes do not overlap the inner nostrils. Distribution. — Recorded from the Gulf of Mexico. THE GREEN TURTLE Cbflonia mydas, (Linn.) Very large examples weigh 500 pounds, but such are rare. Head proportionately much smaller than that of the Logger- head Turtle. Carapace with smooth shields — polished on old individuals. Head and limbs plated. Front flippers usually with a single claw. Colouration. — Carapace pale olive, richly marbled with yellow; the markings are often in the shape of bands, radiating from the centres of the shields. Plastron yellow. Head plates dull brown or olive, vividly margined with white. This attractive animal derives its name from the greenish colour of the fat; the markings somewhat resemble those of the Hawk's-bill Turtle, but that animal is unique in the shingle- like arrangement of the shields of the carapace. Dimensions. — A very large individual will have a carapace four feet long and will weigh about 500 pounds. This is much in excess of the thousands of turtles sent to the markets; such range in weight from 50 to 70 pounds; occasional hundred- pound specimens are seen in the rows of helpless animals turned upon their backs. Distribution. — Tropical and semi-tropical seas throughout the world ; a frequent wanderer into the waters along our Northern coasts. Habits. — The practice, in the markets, of turning these animals over on their backs, is a necessary one. As the turtle 8 The Sea Turtle* is adapted to a life in the water, the plastron is soft and unsup- ported; when placed upon it, the weight of the reptile so presses against the under shell that it is forced against the lungs and other internal organs; the turtle soon dies from an inability to breathe. From a lot of turtles that had been shipped north and were lying upon their backs for fully a week, the writer selected a specimen weighing forty-five pounds and placed it in a large tank containing manufactured salt water — enough salt added to fresh water to give it a brackish taste. On the second day in the tank the turtle began feeding, greedily taking large pieces of raw fish ; it also ate the commoner kinds of sea-weed. Under these conditions it lived for nearly two years and would have thrived longer had it not been attacked by a small crocodile. The tank was ten feet long and eight feet wide and the animal swam about freely and gracefully; its deliberate motions, slow turns, the occasional stroke of the flippers and slow, gliding progress, were movements strikingly suggestive of the leisurely flight of a hawk or a turkey buzzard. The reptile seldom crawled upon the bottom of the tank, but skimmed over the gravel by a few inches; occasionally it came to the top, when it would expel the air in its lungs with a sharp hiss; the intake of air was more leisurely. Of the sea turtles, the flesh of this species is most esteemed. The shell is smooth, brightly marked and attractive, but of practically no commercial value. THE HAWK'S-BILL TURTLE Cbelonia imbricata, (Linn.) Distinguished from the other sea turtles by the loosely- overlapping (imbricate) shields of the carapace. The structure of the shields on the plastron is like that of the Green Turtle. Head, limbs and flippers covered with shields; head elongated, the upper mandible terminating in a pronounced hook or beak — hence the popular name. (See accompanying illustration.) Two claws on each front flipper. Colouration. — Carapace dark brown or black, richly marbled with yellow; plastron yellow. Shields of the head and limbs dark brown or black, margined with yellow. 9 The Sea Turtles Dimensions. — Smallest of the sea turtles. The carapace of a very large animal will measure about two and a half feet in length; few examples of that length are captured nowadays. Habits. — Unlike its near ally, the Green Turtle, the present reptile is apparently carnivorous, living upon fish, crustaceans and molluscs. Like all of the marine chelonians, it lays its eggs on sandy beaches, above tide-line. It is from this sea turtle only, that the valuable "tortoise- shell " of commerce is obtained; this is the clear, horny substance, in the shape of shields, covering the bony carapace. THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE IV YOUNG LOGGERHEAD TURTLES, ThalassocJuJys caretta Very young sea turtles often seek shallow inlets to escape their many enemies. In such places they are sometimes very numerous PLASTRON OF TRUNK TURTLE, Sphargis coriacea PLASTRON OF LOGGERHEAD TURTLE, Thalassochelys caretta PLASTRON OF GREEN TURTLE. , Chelonia mydas PLASTRON OF HAWK'S-BILL TURTLE, Chelonia imbricata - - t PLATV V hill \KI/.i>\\ Ml 1' 1 \i \M.V HATCHED Ml Sk [inmechclys odoralus 1 KM. K. YEARLING MUSK TURTLE, X. The back is very high VER, Tbwe b • very rtrooc kcrl N(> GrOPHER TORTOISE. Tntudti polvtihfmus The iharply drlinpatH -onrcntric grooves show a rapid growth "YOUNG TURTLES AND TORTOISES CHAPTER III : THE SNAPPING TURTLES FAMILY CHELYDRID/€ A Small Family, Corn-posed of Three Large and Powerful Species Classification. — Of the three species composing the family Chelydrida, two inhabit North America. The family is divided into two genera, Chelydra and Macrocbelys. One species of the former is widely distributed and abundant in the United States and ranges southward to Ecuador; the other species inhabits Mexico and Guatemala. The single species of Macrocbelys is confined to the Southern United States. General characters. — The Snapping Turtles are the largest of the fresh-water chelonians inhabiting the United States. Their general form is well known. The dull, rough carapace, with its heavy keels and marginal serrations, the proportionately huge and sinister head, and the long, fleshy tail, with its alligator- like crest combine to make these turtles unique. The plastron is insignificantly small and narrow and affords comparatively no protection — but these big turtles do not seek to withdraw the head and limbs like their smaller and weaker relations. They are bold and aggressive fighters and their massive, keen- edged jaws cause them to be the terror of most of the aquatic and semi-aquatic creatures. The Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina) , though larger than any other species of North American turtle, except its near ally, is dwarfed by the comparison of the latter species — the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Marcochelys lacertina). Adult specimens of this enormous, fresh-water turtle attain a weight of 130 and 140 pounds. The genera may be defined, thus: Under surface of tail with large shields. . . . Chelydra. Under surface of tail with large scales. . . Macrocbelys. Besides these characters the following points may be em- ployed in separating the two species inhabiting the United States: VL The Snapping Turtles a. Three moderate keels on the carapace. Colour. — Very dark olive, or dark brown. COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE, Cbelydra serpentina. Distribution. — North America east of the Rockies; southward to Ecuador. b. Three very high keels on the carapace. Colour. — Pale brown or yellowish. ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE, Macrocbelys lacertina. Distribution. — Rivers emptying in the Gulf of Mexico — Florida to Texas ; northward to Missouri. The Snapping Turtles are herewith considered in detail: THE COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE Cbelydra serpentina, (Linn.) Large specimens will weigh about forty pounds and such would have a carapace about fourteen inches long. The carapace is very sharply serrated in the rear. There are three blunt, broken keels, rising as tubercles at the rear margins of the shields through which they pass. The carapace of old individuals is quite smooth. With young specimens there are radiating lines or ridges from the higher portions of the keels. Very young specimens are exceedingly rough. See Fig. — The plastron is small and narrow, exposing a great amount of the fleshy parts. The under-surface of the tail is covered with large shields. As with all of the very aquatic chelonians the feet are broad and extensively webbed. Both front and rear pairs are pro- vided with large and coarse nails. Most characteristic about this, and the allied species, is the huge, powerful head; the upper and lower mandibles ter- minate in strong hooks. Though the eyes are comparatively small, they are very keen of vision. The head cannot be com- pletely withdrawn into the shell, nor can the tail — nearly as long as the upper shell — be protected beyond folding against the lower margin of the shell. Colouration. — Carapace, dull olive or dark brown, with little or no markings; plastron dull yellow. The upper portion of the head is very dark as is the upper-surface of the limbs and tail; beneath, these members are yellowish. M THE ki:i'Tii.K LOOK PLATE VI COMMON SNAPPING TURTLE, Chelydra serpentina Large examples weigh about 40 pounds. A vicious species, capable of inflicting severe wounds. Found from southern Canada to Ecuador YOUNG SNAPPING TURTLES, Chelydra serpeniina Very young examples are grotesque in having an exceedingly rough shell : • .. PLATE VII ALLI< \PPIXG TURTLE. Matrochelys lactrtina napping turtle by the absence of broad plates under the tail. th<- yellowish colour, and much larger * a weight of 140 pounds. Inhabits rivers emptying into the Gulf of Mexico HEV ! GATOR TURTLE, 1/aerockriy* la<,r The j»w» of a krfr §pednm> could readily amputate a man's band or foot The Snapping Turtles Dimensions. — The figures given represent a fair-sized adult: Total length, with Tail and Head outstretched 28 inches. Length of Carapace 12 Width of Carapace ioj Length of Plastron 8| Length of Tail 1 1 Circumference of Head 10 Weight 32 pounds. Distribution. — Southern Canada and the United States generally east of the Rocky Mountains; southward through Mexico to Ecuador. Habits of the Snapping Turtle Sinister in appearance and equally vicious as its looks imply, the Snapping Turtle is one of the most familiar of the North American reptiles. It inhabits slow-running, muddy rivers and streams, ponds and marshes. Very old specimens are some- times so bloated and overburdened with fat that the fleshy parts protrude beyond the margin of the shell and so hinder the progress of the limbs that the reptile is almost helpless when removed from the water. Specimens in this condition are said to be excellent as food. Large numbers of snapping turtles are sold in the markets of Philadelphia and Baltimore. They fetch about ten cents per pound. With the exception of the soft-shelled turtles — genus Trionyx, the Snapping Turtles are rather unique among chelonians, in defending themselves in a like fashion to snakes; namely by "striking" at the object of anger. The rapidity with which the head is lurched forward rivals the dexterity of the rattle- snake. So quick is the movement that the eye is barely able to follow it. Backed up by a pair of keen-edged, cutting man- dibles and jaw muscles of tremendous power, the stroke of these dangerous brutes may be followed by anything but superficial injury. The amputation of a finger by a medium-sized specimen, or a hand by a very large individual would be an accomplish- ment of no difficulty to the reptile. As in their native state these turtles lie partially embedded in the mud of the river- bottom, the rapid movements of the head and neck are important in the capture of fish which form the larger portion of the food. But the Snapping Turtle is an exceedingly voracious brute, 13 The Snapping Turtles and is not particular as to its fare. Young water fowl are stalked from beneath the surface, seized by a dart of the jaws and pulled below to drown and be quickly torn to pieces by the keen man- dibles assisted by the front limbs. The turtle is entirely car- nivorous. It never feeds unless under water, but it will some- times seize its prey on the bank of a stream, then retreat into the necessary element. To keep one of these reptiles in water so shallow that it is unable to entirely immerse its head and supply it regularly with the most tempting food, would ulti- mately result in its starvation. It appears that the reptile is unable to swallow unless the head is under water. As a captive the Snapping Turtle feeds readily and lives for many years. It will take food from the hand that feeds it, but most specimens resent undue familiarity and snap viciously when handled. The safest way to handle a large specimen is to pick it up by the tail and hold it well off from one's body. As the animal is able to throw the head well back over the shell and to strike a considerable distance sideways, it is altogether dangerous to hold a large specimen by the shell. Small indi- viduals may be safely handled by grasping them by the rear por- tion of the shell, which position removes the fingers from the play of the jaws. In the early summer, the female leaves the pond or stream so persistently haunted at all other times and prowls about for a place to deposit her eggs. She often wanders many feet from the water and, selecting a damp spot, scoops away the earth to form a hollow into which she crawls and moves about until the loose soil falls back over her. Thus she is hidden until the eggs are deposited and to the number of about two dozen. As she crawls forth the shell is reared to a sharp degree and the earth that has fallen upon it is left covering the eggs. They are perfectly round, white and with a thin, hard shell. As the Snapping Turtle is persistently aquatic the shells of many specimens become coated with moss. As they lie partially buried in the mud, in shallow water, they look much like flat stones. In such places they remain for hours, poking the ex- treme tip of the snout from the water to breathe. They are able to remain for long periods entirely submerged and will dive to the deepest portions of rivers where they prowl along the bottom in search of food. M The Snapping Turtles THE ALLIGATOR SNAPPING TURTLE Macrochelys lacertina, (Schweigger) Attains a maximum weight of about 140 pounds and a length of shell of about 28 inches. General structural characters much like the preceding species, but differing as follows: 1. There are no large shields under the tail, but in their place, small, rounded scales. 2. The presence of additional marginal shields (supramar- ginals). 3. The much higher keels on the carapace. Colouration. — Carapace, head and limbs, pale brown, or yellowish. The plastron is of a similar, though paler hue. Dimensions. — The measurements relate to a specimen captured in the Mississippi River: Length of Carapace 25 inches. Width of " 20 Length of Plastron i6£ Circumference of Head 24$ " Length of Tail 21$ " Weight 115 pounds. Distribution. — Rivers emptying into the Gulf of Mexico, from western Texas to western Florida. The species ranges northward to Missouri. Common in the Mississippi River. Habits. — This giant among fresh-water reptiles, is but a magnified duplication of the common snapping turtle, both in looks and actions. Its pale brown hues well match the muddy waters it inhabits. With its colours in perfect harmony, it lies motionless on the soft bottom, ready to seize, with a lightning- like dart the unsuspicious fish that comes its way. While thus resting it is able to entice its prey by a remarkable appendage attached to the inside of the lower jaw, close to the region of the tongue. This is a well-developed filament of flesh, white and distinct from the yellowish mouth-parts and resembling a large grub to such a degree of nicety that the popular-minded observer, seeing the object in the reptile's mouth would declare it to be the larva of some insect. More striking, however, is the reptile's power to keep this appendage in motion, giving it the aspect of crawling about in a small, circular course. The Snapping Turtles With the mud-coloured shell lying close to the bottom, the jaws thrown open to a great extent, this organ is put in motion. Every other portion of the creature is as motionless as a rock. In this position of rigidity the shell looks like a great, round stone and blotches of fine, waving moss intensify the deception; the big head looks like another stone, beneath which there is .1 cavern and in this cavern crawls the white grub, to all ap- pearances an object dear to the hearts of finny wanderers. But woe to the luckless fish that swims within reach of those yawn- ing jaws! The strength of the Alligator Turtle is enormous. The specimen from which the measurements were taken upon being teased with the end of a broomstick, actually severed three inches from the end of this substantial material. A fair-sized shad was given the turtle every three days. Slowly crawling toward the food it would snap off a large section and swallow it with a gulp. The piece taken out of the fish was as sharply defined and cjuickly removed as if cut with a die. The entire fish was thus consumed, in clean-cut sections. Captive specimens are shy and feed sparingly unless pro- vided with means to hide. The specimen described was content to hide under a raft of small logs, tied to one corner of the tank and under which it lay for the great part of its time, occasionally protruding the tip of the nose from the water. Among other turtles (Cbrysemys) and a number of half-grown alligators it was perfectly friendly, a disposition which the writer can credit toother captive specimens of this turtle and the common snapping turtle as well. CHAPTER IV: THE MUSK OR MUD TURTLES FAMILY CINOSTERNID^E The Genera AROMOCHELYS andCINOSTERNUM, Composed of Small and Thoroughly Aquatic Species, the Majority In- habiting North America ALL of the species of the small family Cinosternida, bear a general resemblance to one another. They are of small size — few attaining a length of five inches. The upper shell is bluntly oval in outline, rounded above, and possesses no trace of the flaring edge, or scolloped border as does the shell of typical pond and river turtles. It might be said that the carapace of these turtles looks like a smooth, flat stone. The under shell — plastron — is a distinguishing character. It is composed of a broad, rigid bridge, and two hinged, movable lobes, that may be drawn up against the carapace — slightly so with Aromochelys, but to such an extent with Cinosternum, that the species of the latter genus have sometimes been called "box turtles," an ap- pellation which rightly belongs, however, to a genus of strictly terrestrial turtles (Cistudo)* Classification and Distribution. — But two genera constitute this family. Aromochelys appears to be represented by three species, all of which occur in eastern North America. The larger genus, Cinosternum, comprises about eleven species, six of which inhabit the United States and northern Mexico; one occurs in Mexico generally except the northern portion, three in Central America, and one in northern Brazil and the Guianas. The structural differences of these species are but slight, and in technical nomenclature described principally from the shape of the shields forming the plastron. The greater number of the species of both genera display much the same colouration of the upper and lower shells. Some slight characters are exhibited * With Cistudo, there is no rigid bridge. ^ The plastron is attached to the upper shell by a cartilaginous joint. It is divided by a central hinge — front and rear portions closing tightly against the carapace. \7 The Musk or Mud Turtles in the markings of the head. Generally speaking, it must be explained that many of the species are very difficult to determine. As a large series of specimens demonstrate that the characters of the plastron are subject to considerable variations, it is pos- sible that the present number of species will be condensed, after further investigations. The student is advised to carefully examine the plastrons (lower shells) of the species figured and to become familiar with the distribution of these turtles. By working in this fashion the determination of specimens is rendered systematic and the detailed descriptions will impart their references in a thoroughly comprehensive manner. All of the Cinosternida are thoroughly aquatic, frequenting slow-running streams or muddy rivers, from which they seldom venture. In such places they are admirably protected by their dull, mud-coloured shells, which are often coated with moss. These turtles exude a strong and musky odor when annoyed. They are much disliked by persons who fish in fresh-water, as they will greedily take a hook and perform such antics in the water that the sportsman is often lead to anticipate that he has captured a fish of prodigious size. When handled, they snap and bite fiercely, and, in fact, represent in miniature the actions of the formidable snapping turtle. TABULATED LIST OF THE NORTH AMERICAN MUD TURTLES I. Plastron very narrow; not protecting the fleshy parts. Genus Aromochelys. a. Yellow stripes on head; carapace of adult not keeled. Two yellow stripes on side of head, from snout, above and beneath the eye to the neck. COMMON MUSK TURTLE, A. odOTdtuS. Distribution.— Canada to Florida ; westward to Texas. Two yellow stripes on side of head ; one from snout above eye to the neck; the other from above angle of jaw to the neck. SOUTHERN MUSK TURTLE, A. tristycld. Distribution. —Georgia and Florida to Texas. b. Head spotted; carapace of the adult strongly keeled. Head olive or gray, with round, black spots. KEELED MUSK TURTLE, A. carinatus. Distribution. — Georgia to Arizona, II The Musk or Mud Turtles II. Plastron protecting the limbs and fleshy parts when lobes are closed. Genus Cinosternum. a. Plastron moderately wide — not entirely closing the shell. 1. Head with stripes or bands. Three yellow bands on carapace*', narrow stripes on each side of head. BANDED MUD TURTLE, C. bauri. Distribution. — Southeastern United States. Carapace olive or brown; two broad, orange bands on each side of head. LOUISIANA MUD TURTLE, C. louisiance. Distribution. — Louisana and Texas. 2. Top of head uniform — sides bright yellow. Carapace olive or brown; sides of head and neck bright yellow. YELLOW-NECKED MUD TURTLE, C. flavescens. Distribution. — Arkansas to Arizona. 3. Head spotted. Carapace olive or brown; head olive, speckled with black. COMMON MUD TURTLE, C. pennsylvanicum. Distribution. — Eastern and Western states. III. Plastron very wide, completely encasing limbs when lobes are closed. Genus Cinosternum — continued Carapace brownish-yellow; head olive, with obscure markings. ARIZONA MUD TURTLE, C. benrici. Distribution. — New Mexico; Arizona. Carapace brownish-yellow; head gray, spotted with black. MEXICAN MUD TURTLE, C. integrum. Distribution. — Mexico generally, well into the northern portion. The Genus Aromocbelys. — Although some authorities have united this genus with Cinosternum, the writer believes that the very narrow plastron, so characteristic with the three species, constitutes an important point for the foundation of an indepen- dent genus. With this narrow under shell and the consequent exposure of the fleshy parts, together with the proportionately large head, these little turtles resemble in miniature, the large, vicious species of the Chelydridce — the snapping turtles. Three species of this genus are recognised. Their descriptions follow: * The only species with longitudinal bands on the shell. 19 Th« Mu»k or Mud Turtles THE COMMON MUSK TURTLE Aromocbelys odoratus, (Latr.) The upper shell is rather narrowly oval and arched to a considerable degree. With young specimens it is strongly keeled, but the keel disappears with the adult, or becomes very blunt and obscure. The plastron is very narrow and much shorter than the upper shell. Neither of the lobes are capable of being drawn upward to any extent. With young specimens they are rigid, and the rear portion remains immovable until the reptile is well grown. The head is proportionately large, with tapering, conical snout. The feet are broadly webbed. Colouration. — With young specimens the carapace is dull olive or brown, the shields showing narrow, black margins. Old specimens are of a dull, lusterless brown and usually coated with moss. The plastron is dark yellow or brown. The head markings are important. On each side of the head are two bright yellow stripes, both extending from the tip of the snout to the neck. One of these stripes passes over the eye; the other extends backward beneath the eye, run- ning parallel with the line of the jaw, thence bending slightly downward behind the angle of the mouth and running to the neck. Dimensions. — Length of Carapace • • 3J inches. Widthof 2* Length of Plastron 2 J Width of Front Lobe at Hinge. ... i A " of Rear " " " . . .. i^- Width of Bridge of Plastron 2 Length of " " $ Width of Head f Distribution. — Southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico; westward to Illinois in the North, and to Texas in the southern portion of the range. The species is generally abundant. Habits. — Frequenting slow-running streams and muddy rivers, this pugnacious little reptile is in habits, as well as in looks, an understudy of the snapping turtle. When handled it emits a strong, though not highly disagreeable odour, which, contrary to many assertions, is not of so powerful a nature as to resist repeated washings in an effort to remove it. This 20 The Musk or Mud Turtles odour is characteristic of all of the Cinosttrnida, though par- ticularly pronounced with the species of Aromocbelys. Except for the purpose of coming to the shore to deposit its eggs, the Musk Turtle seldom leaves the water. It crawls about on the bottom of rivers and ponds, searching for food to satisfy its voracious and carnivorous appetite. Frequently it runs afoul of the fisherman's hook, baited with small fish or worm. Pulled to the surface it snaps viciously and emits the characteristic odour which gives the species its name. As a captive the Musk Turtle is rather timid and, like the snapping turtle, will take advantage of hiding places or dark corners of its tank. Its movements when crawling about the bottom of an aquarium or in swimming show deliberation and perfect ease and prove the creature's fitness for exploring the muddy beds of rivers. As an experiment the writer kept several specimens in a deep aquarium, without means of leaving the water, or obtaining a foothold at the top, to breathe. The test continued for several weeks. These turtles either crawled about the bottom of the tank or swam leisurely to the surface for a breath of air. They fed readily and from all indications would have lived indefinitely under such conditions. Pond turtles or river turtles — terrapin — if thus treated, would have soon become exhausted and ultimately succumbed by drown- ing. During the first warm days of Spring, the Musk Turtles seek very shallow water, and lie basking in the sun. At such times they may be taken in large numbers. THE SOUTHERN MUSK TURTLE Aromocbelys tristycha, (Agassiz) At a glance this turtle at once appeals to the preceding species, but the head markings are different, the upper shell is more elongated, while the forward, central shield of the cara- pace is much narrower. Colouration. — Upper and lower shell like the preceding species* There is a narrow stripe from the snout, extending over the eye, thence back upon the neck. Beneath this is a second stripe, extending from slightly above the angle of the jaw, backward upon the neck. The chin has spots in place of the two light bands of A. odoratus. With some specimens the 21 The Mu»k or Mud Turtles head bands are very obscure. These are generally old individ- uals and the head is brown, streaked or speckled with black. Dimensions. — The measurements of an adult specimen from Enterprise, Florida, are given : Length of Carapace 4 inches. Width of 2j Length of Plastron 3 Width of Head 1} From these measurements it will be seen that the head is proportionately larger than with A. odoratus. Distribution. — The southeastern portibn of the United States — Florida to Texas. Habits. — Similar to the preceding species. THE KEELED MUSK TURTLE Aromochelys carinatus, (Gray) The carapace is high and wedge-shaped, with a strong keel upon the rear portion, a character existing with young specimens of the two preceding species, but retained in the adult form of the present species. The head is proportionately larger than that of A. odoratus and the jaws are more strongly de- veloped. Colouration. — Unlike the allied species the head is dark brown or olive, profusely spotted with black. There are no traces of stripes. The carapace is dull olive or brown, with black spots or streaks, or radiating bars. The plastron is yellow. Dimensions. — The Keeled Musk Turtle attains a length of shell of five inches, but the proportions of a smaller specimen are given. Length of Carapace . . ,;.al inches. Width of .. . 2j " Length of Plastron 2i " Width of Front Lobe at Hinge . if " " Rear " " " IT«, " Distribution. — The southern portion of the United States, from Georgia (inclusive) to Arizona (inclusive). Habits.— The general habits appeal to the other species of the genus. 22 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE VIII COMMON MUSK. TURTLE, Aromochelys odoralus Abundant in muddy rivers of eastern North America. Often takes the hooks of fishermen, and when handled gives out a strong, musky odour. SOUTHERN MUSK TURTLE, Aromochelys tristycha Closely allied to the preceding species . PLATE IX i " ...'". KEELED MUSK TURTLE, Aromochelys carinatus ;ish riven from Georgia to Arizona. In the centre of the back is a high, sharp keel r COMMON M' ndtmu turtle in cutern North America. Note the width of the pUitron as compared with the species of Annochdys The Musk or Mud Turtles The Genus Cinosternum. — Six species of Cinosiernum occur in the United States and northern Mexico; they may be at once recognised from Aromoclelys by the much broader plastron, the lobes of which can be drawn upward against the lower edge of the carapace, covering the limbs and fleshy parts. While the species of Aromocbelys are usually known as Musk Turtles, the reptiles of the present genus are more generally called Mud Turtles, though they exude much the same musky odours as the former. Their habits are quite similar to those of the Musk Turtles THE COMMON MUD TURTLE Cinosternum pennsylvanicum, (Bosc.) The upper shell is broader and more flat than with the musk turtles.* The plastron is nearly as wide as the opening of the shell — the front and rear lobes loosely hinged and capable of being drawn upward to protect the head, limbs and fleshy parts. Colouration. — Upper shell dull olive or brown, the shields with narrow black margins. The plastron is yellow or pale brown. With the exception of the jaws, which are of a uniform olive, the head is usually brown, with numerous, greenish-yellow spots. On some specimens these spots run together, forming yellowish stripes on the sides of the head, a condition which causes the head to resemble that of the musk turtle, (A. odoratus), but the broad plastron at once distinguishes this species from the former. Dimensions. — The Common Mud Turtle attains a maximum size of four inches. Following are the measurements of an av- erage sized specimen: Length of Carapace 3^ inches. Width '•' 2i Length of Plastron 3! Width of Front Lobe at Hinge i £ " " Rear " " " ij Length of Bridge f Width of Head £ * On the carapace of young specimens are three faint keels. On occasional adult specimens there is a blunt, central keel. 23 The Musk or Mud Turtles The range of the Common Mud Turtle must be given as the eastern United States, from New York to the Gulf of Mexico and westward to the Mississippi Valley. It may extend farther west- ward but there appears to be rather a mix-up of western records and a tendency to confuse this with an altogether different species. From this habitat, it will be observed that the Common Mud Turtle does not extend as far northward as its common eastern associate and ally — the musk turtle, nor does it occur so abundantly as that species. Habits. — The habits of this species, and, in fact of all of the Mud Turtles, have practically been described under the head of the common musk turtle. The Mud Turtles are at perfect ease for an indefinite time in a deep tank of water without foot- ing or support upon the surface. They are strictly aquatic in habits when in a wild state and prowl about the muddy bottoms of rivers and ponds in the search for food. THE LOUISIANA MUD TURTLE Cinosternum louisiana, (Baur) This turtle is most nearly allied to C. -pennsylvanicum, but may be recognised by its more elongated shell and pronounced markings of the head — arranged in bands. Colouration. — Upper shell dull olive, the margins of the larger shields narrowly margined with black. Plastron dull yellow. The head is strikingly marked and in a fashion that causes the species to differ from all the others of the genus. Beginning at the snout and extending over the eye is a vivid, orange-yellow stripe, which widens and becomes broken at the rear portion of the head, thence continues on the neck as an orange blotch or band. Beginning at the angle of the jaw is a broader stripe of the same colour, running back to the neck. Dimensions. — The measurements given do not equal the maximum size attained, but illustrate the general proportions of the shell: Length of Carapace 3j jnches. Width of 2* Length of Plastron Width, Front Lobe, at Hinge. . " Rear •• «• ........... \\\ ,| «« 34 The Musk or Mud Turtles Distribution. — The exact range of this species is not well known. It has been given as Louisiana, from which state, all of the writer's specimens have been received. In Louisiana this species appears to take the place of the C. pennsylvanicum. It is very probable that further investigation will demonstrate this species to occur over a considerable area of the southern Mississippi Valley, and westward, well into Texas. BAUR'S MUD TURTLE; THE BANDED MUD TURTLE Cinosternum bauri, (Carman) In shape of shell, this reptile resembles the preceding spe- cies of mud turtles, but it may be easily recognised by the banded appearance of tbe carapace. Colouration. — The upper shell is brown or olive, with three dull yellow bands extending its entire length. There are two stripes on each side of the head, beginning at the snout and extending backward, above and beneath the eye to the neck. Very old and worn specimens show but little trace of the bands upon the carapace unless the shell is moistened. Dimension. — Length of Carapace 3! inches. Width " 2| Length of Plastron 3^ Width of Front Lobe, at Hinge ... i J " " Rear " " " ... if Width of Head | The measurements were taken from a specimen captured at Enterprise, Florida. Distribution. — The southeastern portion of the United States. THE YELLOW-NECKED MUD TURTLE Cinosternum flavescens, (Agassiz) From the standpoint of form, size and colouration, this species is similar to the common mud turtle, to which it is closely allied. From a technical view it is described as possess- ing differences in the outlines of the shields composing the plastron — the same pertaining to the sutures between the pectoral and humeral" shields. These differences may be studied from the illustrations. Colouration. — With the greater number of specimens the upper shell is possibly lighter in colour than the carapace 2S The Musk or Mud Turtles of the common mud turtle, being yellowish-brown, yellowish- green or olive. The margins of the shields are narrowly bordered with black. The plastron is yellow. The upper surface of the head is generally uniform olive, while the sides of the head and neck are bright yellow. The eye is bright yellow, with a horizontal bar of black through the centre of the iris. Male specimens possess much longer tails than the females.* Dimensions. — Length of Carapace 4! inches. Width of 3t Length of Plastron 4! Width of Front Lobe, 'at Hinge. . . 2 J " Rear ... 2^ Distribution. — The range of this species is from Arkansas (inclusive) through Texas and into Arizona. It probably in- habits several of the rivers of northern Mexico. THE ARIZONA MUD TURTLE Cinosternum benrici, (LeConte) This is a large species and might be described as inter- mediate between the species of the genus already considered and the Mexican and Central American species, with which the lobes of the plastron are very wide and the hinges so elastic that the shell closes as tightly as with the true box turtles (Cistudd), a character clearly seen in the illustration of the following species — C. integrum. Colouration. — The carapace is brownish-yellow; the plastron pale yellow. Above, the head and neck are dull olive; both are thickly sprinkled with yellow on the under surfaces. Dimensions. — The species attains a length of five or six inches. Distribution. — Arizona and New Mexico. THE MEXICAN MUD TURTLE Cinosternum integrum, (LeConte) Although this species does not occur in the United States, it ranges well into the northern portion of Mexico. Its descrip- tion is given as representing the type of the tropical species of this genus. * A character to be noted with all the species. 26 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE X LOUISIANA MUD TURTLE, Cinosternum louisianae Like all the species of its genus it is persistently aquatic. Immediately told by the bright orange bands on the sides of the head BANDED MUD TURTLE, Cinosternum batiri Distinguished from the other species of Cinosternum in having bands on the upper shell. Confined to Georgia and Florid? :,:/-:. :. • K PLATE XI > \V-\T.rKF.n MUD TURTLE, Cinosternum flavescens The upper dhcO it jrUowirfi-brown or olive and the sides of the neck bright yellow. Inhabits the southwestern portion of the United States AXMtttt Lori* of the North Amtritu mw) tuttw ARIZONA MUD TURTLE. Cinoarmum hrnrid A full -crown ihrll Is six inchc* lonR. The under shell has a crushed-in appearance ruffe enbnuxi the rivers of New Mexico and Arizona The Musk or Mud Turtle^ The lobes of the plastron are very wide and when closed against the upper shell, form such a perfect union that it is diffi- cult to insert a straw between any portion. The general effect of the under surface is quite different than with the species considered except C. benrici, as the bridge of the plastron is very flat — in fact, it cannot be termed a bridge, for the entire sur- face of the under shell is flush with the edge of the carapace. The characteristic notch at the rear of the plastron, is but feebly represented. This species has a large head and strong jaws. The tail of male specimens terminates in a nail-like spine. Colouration. — Like the majority of the species the upper shell is dull olive or brown, the shields narrowly bordered with black. The plastron is pale yellow, with clouded brown mark- ings at the edges of the shields. The head is dull yellow, speckled or marbled with black. Dimensions. — The measurements given are of an adult specimen (male) from Sinola, west coast of Mexico : Length of Carapace 6 inches. Width " 3J Length of Plastron 5^ Width of Front Lobe, at Hinge 2f " " Rear " " " 2* Width of Head i| Distribution. — Mexico, generally in slow-running streams and rivers. CHAPTER V: THE TERRAPINS THE GENERA CHRYSEMYS, MALACOCLEMMYS AND CHELOPUS A Group of Aquatic Chelonians" Known Commonly as Pond Turtles and River Turtles. They are Characterised by Their Broad, Flat Shell Most of the Species are Edible THE term "Terrapin" is a convenient one, for under this appropriate, popular head we may group all of the North American "turtles," or semi-aquatic chelonians, except the Soft-shelled Turtles (Trionychida) , the Snapping Turtles (Chelydrida) and the Musk Turtles (Cinosternida). Classification of the Terrapins. — The Terrapins are embraced in the large family Testudinidce', three genera are represented in North America. The largest genus is Chrysemys', it contains the largest species and its members range over the United States generally, though most of them inhabit the southeastern por- tion; others occur in Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies. Malacoclemmys is a small genus, con- fined to the central and eastern portions of the United States. Chelopus is also a small genus and the species occur only in the United States. The Terrapins frequent the borders of ponds, brooks and rivers — some, the salt marshes of the eastern coast. They are characterised by their broad, flattened shell — quite smooth with the majority of them. The hind feet are extensively webbed ; all of these animals are excellent swimmers. Many of the species of Chrysemys have very long, sharp claws on both pair of feet. Of all the Terrapins, the " Diamond-back," (Malacoclemmys palustris), is the most familiar, as it is a favourite though costly article of food and a by-word of the eastern markets. The larger species of Chrysemys and several of those belonging to Malaco- clemmys are sold in large numbers, but always at a far less price than the Diamond-back. The former turtles, often seen in large numbers in the markets where they are kept in cold ad The Terrapins vats to prevent them losing fat, are known commercially and collectively as "Sliders." Large examples sell at f i .50 to $2.00, while considerably smaller Diamond-backs — about eight inches long — are worth fully |6o.oo a dozen. The species of Cbelopus are worthless for market purposes. Definition of ibc Genera A. Size moderate to large. 6 to 14 inches. Shell broad and flattened, with some species rising to a very blunt apex. No concentric grooves on shields, but numerous parallel furrows, extending lengthwise on many of the species. Claws very long. Genus Cbrysemys. Shell flattened, but rising in the centre to ratner a sharp apex, surmounted by a strongly-defined keel. Shields smooth, or with concentric grooves. Genus Malacodemmys. B. Size smaller — from 3/08 inches. Shell low and bluntly rounded. Smooth or with concentric rings. Genus Chelopus. The Genus Cbrysemys. — The exact standing of these turtles in the United States, as concerns the number of species, is doubt- ful. These terrapin are quite variable, both in the conformation of the shell and in colouration. The writer has before him a series of shells of the Cumberland Terrapin, (Chrysemys elegans). There is a degree of variation in the outlines of the carapace that might greatly confuse the novice. Some of the shells are quite high and have a tendency to be globular; others rise to a blunt apex and are surmounted by a strong keel; a few are decidedly flattened, with a blunt keel. The colouration of the series is likewise variable. Such conditions exist among most of the species. Thus it will be understood that the genus is a difficult one to describe in a popular manner. As little techni- cal work has been done with genus, since the writings of the late Dr. Baur, there are no books of reference to aid in the comparison of various specimens. The writer has given much thought to these terrapin, and has examined fine series of most of the species, but he has encountered many troublesome problems that would take many- months of investigation — and many more specimens — to solve. Following his idea to exclude technical phraseology from this work, the writer has found it a hard matter to define one species from another. 29 The Terrapins KEY TO THE SPECIES OF CHRYSEMYS Division I. Carapace perfectly smooth and rounded without a keel and not serrated at the rear margin. Sife, front 5 to 8 inches. a. Bright red markings on upper and lower marginal shields of carapace. Dark olive above; shields with wide, yellowish borders. Plastron immaculate yellow. EASTERN PAINTED TERRAPIN, C. picta. Distribution. — Eastern North America. Carapace dark olive, the shields with narrow, yellowish margins. Plastron yellow, with a long black patch in centre. WESTERN PAINTED TERRAPIN, C. marginata. Carapace dark olive or brown; shields with very narrow, or no yellow margins, but trav- ersed by vein-like, yellow lines. Plastron yel- low, with symmetrical, black markings in the centre. BELL'S PAINTED TERRAPIN, C. belli. Distribution. — United States, west of the Miss- issippi and Ohio Rivers. b. No red markings on upper or lower margins of carapace; latter yellow, with or without black spots. Olive or brown above, with a net-work of fine yellow lines; plastron immaculate yellow. CHICKEN TURTLE, C. reticulaius. Distribution. — Southeastern United States. Division II. Shell smooth or with numerous parallel grooves; serrated at rear margin. Si^e, }rom 10 to 14 inches. c. Carapace flat, stnootb, serrated at rear. Carapace olive, with large, black blotches; no yellow markings. Head dull olive. TROOST'S TERRAPIN, C. troosti. Distribution. — States bordering the Mississippi — to Illinois. Carapace olive, divided into various sized and shaped areas by yellow bands, the spaces contain- ing concentric, yellow lines. HIEROGLYPHIC TERRAPIN, C. bieroglypbica. Distribution.— Georgia, northern Alabama and Tennessee. d. Carapace flat, with numerous parallel grooves: serrated at rear. § Numerous parallel stripes on bead and neck, all of which are yellow. 3° The Terrapins Shell broad and flat. Carapace olive or brown, with numerous, black-edged, transverse, yellow bands. Plastron yellow. Edges of jaws but slightly serrated. BARRED TERRAPIN, C. COntinna. Distribution. — Illinois to the Gulf States and east- ward. Carapace higher and more constricted at sides than that of preceding; olive or black, with reddish cross-bars. Plastron red or deep orange. Edges of jaws strongly serrated. RED-BELLIED TERRAPIN, C. rubriventris. Distribution. — New York to Ohio; southward to Florida. Carapace similar to preceding in form; the paler markings run together, in reticulated fashion. Jaws serrated. TEXAS TERRAPIN, C. Uxana. Distribution. — Texas. §§ Broadest band on bead, red; narrow bands yellow. Carapace olive or brown, barred with yellow. Plastron yellow, blotched with black. CUMBERLAND TERRAPIN, C. elfgans. Distribution. — Central States — Illinois to Texas. §§§ No longitudinal stripes on bead of adult; a yellow bar behind eye. Carapace with thickly crowded, parallel fur- rows; blackish with dull yellow cross-bars. Plas- tron usually immaculate, lemon yellow. YELLOW-BELLIED TERRAPIN, C. SCabra. Distribution. — North Carolina to Georgia. Division III. Carapace high and globular in front; numerous parallel grooves. Carapace moderately high, richly barred with yellow, but slightly serrated in rear. Plastron yellow, clouded with brown. A broad band from below eye to throat; a yellow spot on each temple; other head markings in fine lines. PENINSULA TERRAPIN, C. nebulosa. Distribution. — Lower California. Shell distinctly globular. Markings of carapace similar to C. rubriventris: plastron yellow, with narrow brown markings. ALABAMA TERRAPIN, C. alabamensis, Distribution. — Alabama. 31 The Terrapins Similar to preceding, but the upper jaw is very finely, instead of coarsely serrated. MOBILE TERRAPIN, C. mobifotuis. Distribution. — Southern portions of the Gulf States. Division IV. Shell very high and globular in front; numerous parallel grooves. Head very small, with fine, yellow lines. Carapace black, with yellow bands. Plastron immaculate, lemon yellow. FLORIDA TERRAPIN, C. floridana. Distribution. — Georgia and Florida. THE PAINTED TERRAPIN: POND TURTLE Cbrysemys picta, (Herm.) Carapace flat and perfectly smooth, the borders evenly rounded. Plastron wide — no notches. Maximum length about six inches. Colouration. — Carapace dark olive, brown or black, the shields quite widely margined with greenish yellow; marginal shields of the carapace — above and beneath, bordered with crimson and containing blotches and crescentic markings of that hue. Plastron immaculate yellow. The crimson markings are particularly bright, on young specimens; very young individuals have a broad, yellow band on the back. On very old specimens there is little or no trace of red on the upper marginal shields, though the lower shields nearly always show this characteristic colour. Head black, striped with yellow; the neck and the limbs are striped with a similar red as seen on the marginal shields. Dimensions. — A large example has a carapace about six inches long, but such is above the average dimensions, which are given: Length of Carapace .4? inches. Width of 3J " Length of Plastron 4! Width of Plastron to junction with upper shell, 3! Distribution. — Eastern North America — from New Bruns- wick to the Gulf of Mexico. In the extreme South it extends westward to Louisiana. It is particularly abundant in the Middle Atlantic States. Habits. — Basking on a partially submerged log or minia- ture island of bunch-grass and plunging into the water when 32 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE XII Copyright, 1907, by Doubleday. Page tt Company EASTERN PAINTED TURTLE, Chrysemys picta. A familiar terrapin of eastern North America. The bright markings alone are sufficient for identification. Copyright, 1907, by Doubleday, Page & Company WESTERN PAINTED TURTLE, Chrysemys marginata. Distinguished from the preceding species by the narrower yellow margins on the shields of the upper shell and an elongate black patch on the plastron. Found in the Central States. The Terrapins frightened, the Painted Terrapin forms a typical representative of the pond turtles, which depend upon the water to such an extent that they are unable to feed unless beneath the surface of this element. The food consists of aquatic insects, tadpoles, fishes and water plants. Not difficult to capture and very attractive in its colouration, this terrapin is frequently seen in a captive state, but as an in- mate of an aquarium it is not only annoying, but dangerous to the other life, as it will swim after the fishes, biting at their fins and tails, and, if they be small enough, overpowering and eating them. It is fond of raw chopped beef, chopped fish, earthworms and soft-bodied insect larvae. If lettuce leaves be left floating on the water, it will browse upon these. THE WESTERN PAINTED TERRAPIN Cbrysemys marginala, (Agassiz) Size and structure of the shell, like the preceding. Differs only in the colouration. Colouration. — The brilliant red markings on the upper and lower marginal shields of the carapace, are present, but the yellowish borders of the larger shields are very narrow, as com- pared with C. picta. Another difference, is the presence of a large, blackish patch in the central portion of the plastron. Dimensions. — Length of Carapace 5^ inches. Width of 3$ Length of Plastron 5 The largest specimen examined had a carapace six inches long. Distribution. — The Central States, from western New York to Iowa; possibly extends as far south as Louisiana. BELL'S TERRAPIN Cbrysemys belli, (Gray) In shape the carapace is similar to the two preceding species, but this is a larger terrapin. It is most nearly allied to C. cinerea. Colouration. — Carapace dark olive or brown; the yellowish borders on the larger shields to be noted with the two preceding terrapin, are very narrow, or absent. On some specimens the shields are narrowly margined with black. Traversing the 33 The Terrapins carapace are irregular, vein-like lines, usually crossing the cen- tres of the shields. The markings of the under, marginal shields of the carapace are less brilliant than with the allied species; the red bars may be present but they are of a dull hue. The symmetrical, black pattern on the plastron, is character- istic. This is well illustrated in the photograph. The markings on the head, neck and limbs appeal to the Western Painted Terrapin, C. Cinerea. Dimensions. — A female specimen from St. Clair County, Illinois, shows the following measurements: Length of Carapace 5 J inches Width " 4* Length of Plastron 5i Total Width " 3* " Width of Head i Distribution. — United States west of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers to British Columbia and eastern Oregon. THE CHICKEN TURTLE; LONG-NECKED TERRAPIN; RECTICULATED TERRAPIN Cbrysemys reticulatus, (Bosc.) The Chicken Turtle belongs to the first group of the genus, but may be recognised by the following characteristics: 1. The exceedingly long, snake-like neck. 2. The absence of red markings on the upper and lower marginal shields. 3. The yellow bar on each upper marginal shield. 4. The broad, yellow band on the forelimb. 5. The narrow and rather globular shell. This species grows to a length of eight inches. The shell is narrower and proportionately higher than that of any of the terrapins. Though the neck is extremely long, the head is en- tirely retractile. Colouration. — Carapace olive or brown, with a net-work of fine, yellow lines; the under marginal shields are yellow and each contains a black blotch. Plastron immaculate yellow. On each forelimb is i wide, cream-coloured band; the under surface of the tail and limbs is yellow, as is the greater 34 'THE REPTILE book I'LATK XI11 BELL'S TERRAPIN, Chrysemys belli Found west of the Mississippi and the Ohio rivers. Note the characteristic markings on the under shall CHICKEN TURTLE, Chrysemys reticulata The neck is vefry long and snake-like. There is a net-work of fine yellow lines on the upper shell. This turtle is common in the southeastern portion of the United States. A very large shell is about ten inches long PLATE XIV I Young P.T- t Young Florida Terrapin 3, 4. s YounR Lfsufur's Terrapin 0 YOUIIK Wood and Spotted Turtle* The Terrapins portion of the throat, though there are several pairs of black stripes. Above, the head is traversed by narrow stripes. Dimensions. — A moderate-sized example from Baker Co., Ga., shows these measurements: Length of Carapace 5! inches. Width of 3t Length of Plastron 4f Width, Flat Portion, Plastron if Length of Head and Neck 4 Width of Head | The largest specimen examined by the writer was 8 J inches long (carapace) and weighed 3! pounds. The shell was black and all trace of the yellow, reticulated pattern had faded with age; the en- tire carapace was so covered with small furrows as to appear dull and lustreless. This turtle was taken near Orlando, Florida. Distribution. — States east of the Mississippi River, from North Carolina to Florida (inclusive). TROOST'S TERRAPIN Cbrysemys troosti, (Holbrook) Size large — carapace ten inches; shell flat. The carapace is bluntly rounded in front; more sharply rounded in the rear with dull serrations between the marginal shields and in the centre of each of them; upper shell usually quite smooth — sometimes furrowed on the sides. Colouration. — Owing to the lack of yellow stripes on the head, neck and limbs, this species is distinct from the others. On a few examples obscure, greenish stripes may be seen on the head and neck, but unless examined closely, these organs seem to be of a uniform hue. The effect is very different from the vividly-striped head of nearly all the larger terrapin. The colouration of the shell is also characteristic. The carapace is olive, profusely blotched with black and irregularly so, except on the marginal shields, where the black is present at their junctions. Plastron yellow, blotched with black. Dimensions. — Length of Carapace 8^ inches. Width of 6* Length of Plastron 7$ Width, Flat Portion, Plastron .... 4 Height of Shell 2f Width of Head i| 35 The Terrapins These measurements are an average from several hundred examples from Fulton Market, New York. As with most of the terrapin, the claws, particularly of the front feet, are very long; the longest claw on the front foot, of a reptile agreeing with the above measurements, was £ of an inch long. Distribution. — Missouri, Illinois, Tennessee and Mississippi. Large numbers are received at the markets from Illinois. HIEROGLYPHIC TERRAPIN Cbrysemys hieroglypbica, (Holbrook) Shell very flat; carapace of the adult perfectly smooth. Rear margin of the carapace more deeply notched than that of the preceding. In proportion to the size of the shell, the head is very small and narrow. Colouration. — Carapace olive-brown, traversed by rather broad, yellow bands that divide it into various-sized areas, each of which contains narrow, concentric lines of yellow. Plastron yellow; a dark blotch on the border of each marginal shield. Dimensions. — An adult example has a carapace about twelve inches long; the height of the shell is about three inches. Distribution. — Georgia, Alabama and Tennessee. THE BARRED TERRAPIN; RED-NECKED TERRAPIN; COOTER Cbrysemys concinna, (LeConte) Shell broad and flat; bluntly serrated at the rear; carapace furrowed or wrinkled (rugose} on the sides. Colouration. — Carapace olive, with numerous, irregular wavy lines and bands extending downward; these are generally edged with a darker hue than the ground colour. There is a yellow, vertical line in the centre of each of the upper, marginal plates, and fine, yellow, ring-like (concentric) markings, cross- ing from one shield to another. Along the lower, marginal shields is a single row of large, dark blotches. Plastron usually uniform yellow. The markings on the upper shell resemble those of C. elegant — the Cumberland Terrapin, but the arrangement of the stripes on the head is quite different. Head Markings. — Head black, with rich, orange yellow or red 36 The Terrapin* stripes. On the top of the head is a narrow bar, about five- eighths of an inch in length (on an adult of average size) ; back of this and to each side of it, are very narrow, forked stripes. A narrow stripe borders the eye above, thence extends over the temples where it broadens and runs to the neck; from behind the eye is another band, extending to the neck; beneath the eye is a wide stripe which forks, one portion passing toward the chin and the other backward to the neck. A broad, forked band on the middle of the chin. Dimensions. — Length of Carapace 12 inches. Width of 8J " Height of " 4* " Width of Head i* " Distribution. — The Southeastern United States, from the Carolinas southward to Florida; westward to Missouri. THE FLORIDA TERRAPIN Chrysemys floridana, (LeConte) At once distinguished by the very high and dome-like cara- pace and the diminutive head. One of the largest species. Colouration. — Carapace black or dark brown, with wavy yel- low crossbars. Each of the marginal shields has a single, vertical yellow line in the centre; here we note a difference in pattern from the most nearly related species, the Mobile Terrapin* and the Cooler.* on both of which the marginal shields contain, besides the upright bar. numerous concentric lines of the same colour. The plastron of the Florida Terrapin is immaculate lemon yellow. Head intensely black, with a few, fine, yellow lines. The most vivid stripe is from behind the eye to the neck; the chin stripes are wide. Dimensions. — Following are the measurements of an ex- ample from the St. John's River, Florida: Length of Carapace 13 inches. Height of Shell} 5f Width of Carapace 9 Length of Plastron 12$ Width, Flat Portion, of Plastron 5 Width of Head} i* Weight 14! tbs. * Chrysemys mobiliensis and C. concinna. f Note the very high shell and the small head. 37 The Terrapins Small or even half-grown individuals do not exhibit the marked, globular formation of the carapace; their shell is much like that of C. concinna; the dome-like development appears with maturity. Distribution. — From the records at hand, this species seems to be restricted to southern Georgia and Florida. THE MOBILE TERRAPIN Cbrysemys mobiliensis, (Holbrook) Another terrapin characterised by the globular formation of the front of the carapace, though to a lesser degree than with C. floridana. This species is distinguished by the very fine serrations of the upper jaw. Colouration. — Markings very similar J:o C. concinna. Though the carapace is more highly arched than with that species, some authorities consider the Mobile Terrapin to be but a larger, Southern race of it. We will provisionally treat this reptile as distinct, owing to its higher shell and finely serrated upper mandible. Dimensions. — Attains a length of 14 inches. Distribution. — Southern portions of the Gulf States. THE ALABAMA TERRAPIN Cbrysemys ababamensis, (Baur) Carapace rather high and globular in the front. Head of fair size. Colouration. — The pattern above is much like that of C. rubriventris, but the plastron is yellow instead of deep orange or red, and is marked with brown reticulations. Dimensions. — The carapace of an adult example is about 12 inches long. Distribution. — The type specimens were taken near Mobile Bay, Alabama, which locality points to the species displaying a tendency to frequent salt marshes. THE RED-BELLIED TERRAPIN Cbrysemys rubriventris, (LeConte) Differs from the preceding in the much narrower shell, which is well rounded at the front and rear borders; the jaws are deeply serrated. 33 The Terrapins Colouration. — The carapace is brownish or olive, with blotches, streaks or irregular bands of red. Each of the mar- ginal shields, both above and beneath, have a reddish band passing through the centre. Plastron usually dull red, or deep orange, tinged with red at the borders. Head markings. — Head and neck dark brown, with obscure, reddish bands; two distinct, narrow, reddish-yellow lines from behind the eye to the neck, broad, red bands on the throat. Dimensions. — Grows to a length of about twelve inches; the width of a specimen this size would be about 7$ inches and the height of the shell about 4^ inches. Distribution. — Occurs in eastern Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, the two Virginias and northern North Carolina. It is numerous in the Delaware River, in New Jersey and commonly sold in the larger markets. Habits. — This terrapin occurs principally in rivers with a rocky bed. THE YELLOW-BELLIED TERRAPIN Cbrysemys scdbra, (Agassiz) The carapace of this terrapin is the most deeply grooved of any of the species; this rugose characteristic is at once strik- ing, upon a gross examination of the shell. There is a dull keel on the central portion ; the rear border is notched. Head rather large. Colouration. — Carapace olive, brown or black, with dull, yellow bands extending downward from the central portion. The illustration of an example under water, clearly delineates these markings. With the adult, there are practically no narrow, yellow lines on the head, except a single yellow stripe on the crown. Behind the eye is a broad, upright, yellow bar — this, sometimes in the shape of a thick C — occasionally, though rarely, it is seen as a wide band, from the eye to the angle of the mouth; from the tip of the snout to the upper mandible is another yellow bar. Plastron usually immaculate yellow. Lower marginal shields of carapace yellow; a dark blotch in each. Dimensions. — Average length of carapace 10 inches; width, 6f; length of plastron, 9^ inches; height of shell, 3! inches. 39 The Terrapins Distribution. — The range of the Yellow-bellied Terrapin is restricted. It occurs from Virginia to Georgia. Holbrook says it does not extend into the interior. He was not aware of its existence two hundred miles from the coast. It lives about pools of stag- nant water and in marshes, where specimens may be seen sunning on derelict timber. Large numbers are brought to the Charleston markets, where they are sold at a much lower figure than the diamond-back terrapin — Malacoclemmys palustris. THE CUMBERLAND TERRAPIN Cbrysemys elegans, (Wied) Outlines of the shell similar to the preceding, but the cara- pace is not so deeply furrowed. Colouration. — Markings on the carapace similar to C. scripta, but the colouration of the plastron and head is entirely different. Plastron yellow, densely clouded with black or dark brown. Head markings. — The pattern of the head is constant, vivid and characteristic. Top and sides of the head with crowded, pale greenish-yellow lines; from tbe eye to tbe base of tbe bead is a broad band of ricb crimson. Dimensions. — Average length of carapace, 10 inches; width, 7i inches; length of plastron, 9$ inches. Distribution. — Extends over a considerable area — Ohio to Kansas, southward to the Gulf States and to the lower Rio Grande River. Habits. — Very hardy as a captive. It eats chopped fish and meat, and very tender green vegetables that may be thrown upon the water. Large numbers may be seen in the markets, where they are sold as "Sliders." THE TEXAS TERRAPIN Cbrysemys texana, (Baur) Shell rather flat; not deeply furrowed. Head of fair size. The original description* reads: "Skull small, similar to P.f rubriventris. Upper jaw notched in the centre, with a rounded tooth on each side, not so prominent as in P. rubriventris. Lower jaw similar to P. rubriventris. Proc. Am. Philosophical Society. Phila. XXXI, No. 141, page 223. t Stands for Pseudemys — a generic name proposed for the terrapins. 40 Copyright, 1907, by Doubleday, Page & Company YELLOW-BELLIED TERRAPIN. Chrysemys scabra. One of the market terrapins. A full-grown shell is about eleven inches long and characterised by numerous parallel furrows. Found in the coast region — North Carolina to Georgia. Copyright, 1907, by Doubleday, Page & Company CUMBERLAND TERRAPIN, Chrysemys ekgans. Closely allied to C, scabra, though at once distinct by the red band on each side of the head. Occurs in the Central States — Illinois to Texas. The Terrapins Colouration. — "The colouration of the head is quite different from the other species. A yellow, longitudinal spot behind the eye; behind this a yellow line, ending in a long longitudinal spot above the temples; from the lower, posterior portion of the eye a yellow line appears, sending a branch upward in front of the tympanic cavity, and continues behind on the neck. Three very strong yellow and some slender yellow stripes on lower face of neck." Distribution. — Texas and probably northern Mexico. Has been taken at San Antonio and along the Pecos River. THE PENINSULA TERRAPIN Cbrysemys nebulosa, (Van Denburgh) Allied to a Mexican and Central American species — C. ornaia. The shell is of moderate height, bluntly keeled and rugose on the sides. Colouration. — Carapace olive, with numerous yellow and irregular yellow bands and blotches. A black blotch in each marginal shield, above and beneath. Plastron yellow, clouded with brown in the central portion. Head dark brown, marked with fine, wavy lines on the top; a broad band from beneath the eye to the throat; a yellow blotch on each temple, continued backward on the neck as a narrow band. Dimensions. — Reaches a length of 12 inches. Distribution. — Southern portion of the peninsula of Lower California. The Genus Malacoclemmys: The six species comprising this genus are of large size — from 8 to 12 inches in length. Ex- cluding one species, which has a very rough shell — the Diamond- back Terrapin — these turtles exhibit a strong similarity to the species of the preceding genus, and like them, are sold in great numbers in the markets as "Slider" terrapin, with the exception of the "Diamond-back." That species is the choice, over all other terrapin, by the epicures, and brings four or five times the price of species that are included within the genus to which it belongs, though the former may considerably exceed it in size. The species of this genus are characterised, among the terrapin, by the strong keel upon the carapace — this usually The Terrapins protruding so abruptly from the shell as to produce a bluntly serrated margin to the curve of the back. The species have very large and extensively webbed hind feet. The claws of the front feet do not exhibit the extensive development to be noted with the species of the preceding genus. From Cbrysemys, this genus is technically separated by the structure, in the latter, of the inner margin of the jaws, which, im- mediately within the sharp edge of the mandibles, are provided with very broad and flat crushing surfaces. Upon an examination of these crushing surfaces, theory would point to a food consist- ing of molluscs. Such is actually the case. Most of these tur- tles have been found to feed largely upon small species of snails. Male and female specimens differ considerably in size, the females being much larger and with proportionately larger heads than the males. The tail of male speciments is long and thick, proportion- ately longer than with any species of Chrysemys. Following is a key to the species of Malacodemmys: Shell broad and flat with all the species; not globular: rising to rather a sharp apex which is surmounted by a broken keel, rep- resented by higo, ridge-like nodules. a. Shell smooth, with a dull lustre. *Keel moderately developed, not rising in the form of tubercles. Olive, sometimes with black blotches. A net-work of fine, yellow lines. GEOGRAPHIC TERRAPIN, M. geographica Distribution. — Mississippi Valley and western por- tions of Atlantic states. **Keel rising in the form of tubercles, giving line of back a serrated appearance. Olive, with large, round, black blotches. No yellow net-work. Head with narrow, yellow lines and a wider, yellow crescent behind eye. LESUEUR'S TERRAPIN, M. lesueurii. Distribution. — Mississippi Valley. Carapace like preceding. A large yellow spot behind eye. A narrow line from above eye; short- er lines beneath. KOHN'S TERRAPIN, M. kobnii. Distribution. — Lower Mississippi Valley. Pale, olive; no large blotches; marginal shields marked with yellow. Space between the eyes with a broad, yellow figure, splitting into band? behind the eyes. BAUR'S TERRAPIN, M. pulchra. 42 The Terrapins Distribution.— Taken only on the Alabama River. Olive; each of the shields enclose a yellow ring bordered inside and outside with dark brown. A yellow spot behind eye and two yellow stripes to the neck. OCCELLATED TERRAPIN, M. oculifera. Distribution. — Lower Mississippi Valley. b. Shell rough, the shields enclosing raised, concentric areas. Dull brownish or olive. Head pale gray with black dots. DIAMOND-BACK TERRAPIN, M. palustris. Distribution. — Salt marshes of the Atlantic coast and Gulf of Mexico. Detailed descriptions of these species follow: THE GEOGRAPHIC TERRAPIN; MAP TURTLE Malacoclemmys geograpbica, (Lesueur) The species grows to a considerable size — 10 to 12 inches. The females are considerably larger than the males and have proportionately very large heads. The carapace is rather flat . and flaring at the rear margin, where the junction of the shields form moderate notches. On the centre of the carapace is a well-defined, but dull keel. The surface of the carapace is quite smooth and exhibits a dull lustre with adult specimens, though faint ridges are usually to be seen on the sides. Colouration. — The carapace is dull olive, with a fine and irregular net-work of yellow lines. These markings are very indistinct on some specimens and show only when the shell is moist. Some specimens have many dark blotches on the carapace. The marginal shields of the under side of the cara- pace are peculiarly marked; they are yellow and contain round, olive markings, consisting of one ring within another, but on very old specimens these markings may be present merely in the form of a dull blotch. The plastron is yellow and immaculate, with the exception of very narrow borders of darker colours following the edges of the shields across the shell. Head markings. — The head and neck are very dark olive, with many narrow and parallel, greenish-yellow lines. These lines are more numerous than is the case with the other terrapin. A short distance behind the eye is a triangular spot of the same colour as the stripes. The tail of male specimens is long — almost half the length of the plastron — and brightly striped with yellow. 43 The Terrapin* Dimensions. — The measurements quoted are from a fair- sized female specimen, taken near Sandusky, Ohio: Total length of Carapace 9$ inches. Width of Carapace 7* Length of Plastron 8 Width, Flat Portion, of Plastron 4 Width of Head if " A specimen of this size will weigh about three and a half pounds and sells for about seventy-five cents in the eastern markets. Distribution. — The species is abundant in the Valley of the Mississippi, whence, in the North it extends eastward into Penn- sylvania and New York to Lake Champlain. It occurs as far south as Louisiana. Habits. — Judging from his experiences with several hundred specimens of this turtle, both in the tanks of the reptile house of the New York Zoological Park and with specimens that were liberated in small ponds of the Park, the writer believes this to be a delicate species when removed from its native environ- ment. It will eat chopped fish, meat and mealworms, also earth- worms and various soft-bodied grubs, dragging all its food into the water and devouring it beneath the surface. The writer has also observed it to eat the edges of water-lily pads. None of the specimens liberated in the Park ponds passed through the winter alive — all floating up dead in the spring. The ponds appeared to be very favorable for the life of such creatures as there was a soft mud bottom in which they could burrow for the winter. The experiment was continued for several winters, but with a like result. It appeared that some item of their food was lacking and without it they could not summon sufficient strength to pass the winter months. LESUEUR'S TERRAPIN Malacoclemmys lesueurii, (Gray) Attains the same length as the preceding species. The carapace is flaring at the rear and strongly notched at the sutures of the marginal shields. The centre of the carapace rises rather sharply and is surmounted by a high keel, broken into a series of tubercles — one in each shield. This formation produces a strongly serrated outline to the curve of the back. The surface 44 The Terrapins of the carapace is quite smooth, with a dull lustre, although blunt ridges are discernible on the sides. Colouration. — The carapace is dull olive, or brownish above, with a few coarse and indistinct yellow lines. On each of the shields is one or two large blotches of black or dark brown. These blotches impart a characteristic appearance and greatly assist in separating the species from the Map Terrapin, although the much heavier and tubercular keel is another strong character. The marginal shields of the underside of the carapace show the dark, concentric blotches like the former species. The plastron is immaculate yellow; occasionally marbled or lined with gray or brown. Head markings. — The head is large, with sharply-pointed snout and the colouration is quite distinct. There are but few lines on the top of the head, which is dark olive or black. The lines are vivid yellow. One of these begins at the snout and extends backward for a little distance past the eyes where it abruptly terminates. Behind each eye is a bright yellow mark in the form of a crescent, which connects with parallel lines extending along the head and neck. Behind the crescents are finer markings, which on many specimens, fork in vein-like fashion. The limbs and tail are brightly striped. Dimensions. — Length of Carapace of inches Width of 7J " Length of Plastron 8J Width, Flat Portion, of Plastron . . 4! " Width of Head 2 It will be noted, on comparing the different measurements that the head of this species is proportionately large. The measurements are of a female specimen. It was taken in Illinois and weighed exactly four pounds. Specimens like it were sell- ing in the eastern markets — in November — at $1.25 each, under the title of "Sliders." Distribution. — Valley of the Mississippi River. The species occurs from Ohio to Mississippi, inclusive. Habits. — Captive specimens are delicate and live but a few months. They do best if supplied with running water, with means of leaving the same — rockwork or a log. Market- men tell the writer that to keep a large number of specimens alive for some time, it is necessary to keep them very cold — at 45 a temperature of about 45° F. They are very fat when received at the markets in the fall and in the cold vaults in which they are usually stored they remain so sluggish that this fat is not "worked off." Placed in an ordinary room temperature they rapidly emaciate. KOHN'S TERRAPIN Malacodemmys kobnii, (Baur) This species was described by the late Dr. G. Baur in 1890.* He explains that the form of the shell is much like that of an- other of his new species, technically called M. oculifera, and which the writer has popularly termed the Occellated Terrapin. Colouration. — The carapace resembles that of Lesueur's Terrapin, but the colouration of the head is quite different. There is a large, yellow spot behind the eye, and a thin yellow line, connecting with a snorter one, extending backward from the upper portion of the eye. Distribution. — The species appears to inhabit those states in and adjacent to the lower Mississippi Valley. It has been taken at Bayou Lafourche, Bayou Teche and St. Martinsville, Louisiana; also near Pensacola, Florida. BAUR'S TERRAPIN Malacodemmys -pulcbara, (Baur)t The head markings of this species are the strongest charac- ters for identification. The original description states: "The whole space between and behind the orbits is characterised by a continuous, yellow figure, which sends backward, on each side, behind each orbit, a strong process of the same colour." The carapace is pale olive, with yellow markings about the margin; the plastron is yellow, with darker markings. The species attains an average size for this genus. Distribution. — The exact range of the species is not known. The type specimens were taken on the Alabama River, near Montgomery. Alabama. * Science, November 7, 1890. Vol. 16. t Described by G. Baur in the American Naturalist of 1893, p. 675. 46 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE XVI TROOST'S TERRAPIN, Chrysemys Iroosti One of the larger terrapins sold in the markets under the general title of ' 'Sliders." Among the bigger species of Chrysemys, this is the least attractive in colouration J&& + %^ YOUNG OF THE YELLOW-BELLIED TERRAPIN1, Chrysemys scabra The young of the various terrapins are vividly marked. The illustrations are life-size THE BOOK PLATE XVI! FLORIDA TERRAPIM, Chrysemys floridana. Young FLORIDA TERRAPIN*. Ckrytrmy, floridana. Arluli V«ry dirttact unong the tprcir* o( Ckryiemyi. Th* shell U very high— dome-like— and the head proportionately small The Terrapins THE OCCELLATED TERRAPIN Malacoclemmys oculifera, (Baur) Owing to the striking markings of the carapace, this species should be readily indentified. The conformation of the shell appeals to Lesueur's Terrapin, but the tubercles on the back are yet more highly developed. Colouration. — Upper shell olive. Each of the shields con- tains a yellow ring, which is bordered on the inside and outside with dark olive-brown. The plastron is yellow with darker markings in the central portion. There is a yellow spot behind the eye and two yellow stripes from the eye backward. Beneath, there is a yellow band cover- ing the whole lower jaw. Distribution. — The species has been taken at Mandersville, Louisiana, and at Pensacola, Florida. THE DIAMOND-BACK TERRAPIN Malacoclemmys palustris, (Gmel.) The species differs from all the others of its genus in the rough character of the carapace. Each of the shields contains a number of concentric grooves, rising in step-like fashion. It is owing to the angular, and concentric areas embraced by the shields that the popular name — "diamond-back" — has originated. A well-defined keel is represented by a blunt ridge, rising within each of the central shields; the highest of these ridges is in the central or middle shield of the back. Examined from the side, the keel appears as a series of serrations. Colouration. — The carapace is grayish or olive, sometimes with darker concentric markings which appeal to the arrange- ment of the grooves. The lower border of the carapace is olive, each plate embracing hollow black squares or blotches. The plastron is deep yellow, with numerous black dots in rows and dusky bands extending crosswise. With very young specimens the upper shell is almost white, with black, concentric markings. The head markings of the adult are strong and constant. There are no stripes. The head, neck and all the exposed, fleshy parts are slaty gray, profusely covered with rounded, black dots. 47 The Terrapins Dimensions. — The present species is the smallest of the genus. The maximum size is ten inches, and this is consider- ably above the average, which is about eight inches. Speci- mens of the latter size are now becoming rare. Following are the measurements of a specimen now con- sidered in the markets to be of fair size, and selling for about |6 each: Length of Carapace y£ inches. Width " 5i Length of Plastron 6\ Width, Flat Portion, of Plastron 3! Weight 2 pounds. For every half an inch over these measurements, the mar- ket prices soar upward substantially. A specimen slightly over eight inches in length, from the same lot as the specimen measured was marked at f8. The man selling these turtles informed the writer that the prices for specimens over seven inches in length might actually be said to increase $i for every additional half an inch in length. Specimens under 6 inches are of but slight value in the markets. A turtle about five inches in length will sell for about $1.50. Every year these turtles are becoming scarcer and the prices higher. Distribution. — Salt marshes of the Atlantic Coast and southern borders of the Gulf States, from Massachusetts to Texas. Habits. — In its habit of persistently selecting salt and brackish waters, this species differs from the other terrapin. It occurs principally in the salt marshes along the coast, but not a few specimens are found well up the rivers, though always within tide line. On the Hudson the writer has taken them as far north as Newburgh. The species does not live long in captivity unless provided with salt water. Kept in fresh water its skin becomes infected with fungus which soon kills the reptile. If provided with a tank containing artificial "sea-water" it seems hardy enough and lives for an indefinite period. The water may be prepared by adding common salt until it yields a brackish taste. Chopped clams and oysters are foods of captive specimens, though they will also take small fish and raw meat. They are also fond of the small "periwinkle" snails so common on the mud flats exposed by the shore tides and the writer has observed a wild 48 The Terrapins specimen voraciously eating a small "fiddler" crab. As the jaws are very powerful they have no trouble in crushing the shells of such creatures. Judging from the tendency of captive specimens to nibble at lettuce leaves that are thrown into their tank, wild individuals undoubtedly feed in part upon the various species of sea-weed. Like the other terrapin the species always takes its food under water. Owing to the very broad, extensively webbed hind feet this turtle is perfectly at home in the water and has a habit of floating with just the tip of its snout above the surface, the shell being kept in a perpendicular position by a slow, treading motion of the hind feet. Although this species ranges well into the North, it is more abundant and attains a larger size in warmer waters. It occurs most commonly in those numerous indentations of the Atlantic coast from the Chesapeake, to Savannah, Georgia. Its great favour as an article of diet threatens its ultimate extinction. The Genus Cbelopus : The small species of this genus are fairly aquatic, though not to such an extent as the larger terrapin. One species evinces a decided inclination toward terrestrial habits, though it is seldom found away from damp areas. Three of the species inhabit the Eastern states and one, the Pacific Region. The Wood Terrapin, C. insculptus, is the largest species, attaining a length of about eight inches. The Western Pond Turtle, C. marmoratus, is but slightly smaller. The remaining two species grow to a maximum size of about four inches — in length of shell. The feet of these turtles are not extensively webbed. The characters of the four species may be thus outlined : a. Shell quite smooth; not serrated in rear. Carapace black, with scattered, round, yellow spots. Head black, with small yellow blotches. SPOTTED TURTLE, C. guttatus. Distribution. — Eastern States. Carapace black or brown, each shield with a dull, reddish blotch. A large, orange blotch on each side of head. MUHLENBERG'S TURTLE, C. muhlenbergii. Distribution. — New York, New Jersey, and Pennsyl- vania. 49 The Terrapins Carapace black, each shield enclosing a cluster of fine, yellow spots. WESTERN POND TURTLE, C. marmoraius. Distribution. — Pacific Region. b. Shell with coarse, concentric grooves; serrated in the rear. Carapace brown. Neck and limbs brick red. WOOD TERRAPIN, C. inSCulptUS. Distribution. — Eastern States. Detailed descriptions follow: THE SPOTTED TURTLE; POND TURTLE Cbelopus guttatus, (Schneider) Carapace smooth, quite flat and oval in outline. The edges are evenly rounded with no indications of serrations. An adult specimen is from three to four inches long. The feet are sparsely webbed ; the upper jaw deeply notched. Colouration. — Upper shell black, with numerous, irregularly scattered, round, yellow spots. The plastron and lower margin of the carapace, are black, with patches of faded yellow. Above, the head is black, with a few yellow spots in front and a larger spot, of a deeper yellow (orange) over the region of thfe ear. Lower surfaces of the limbs and the fleshy parts, pale salmon. Dimensions. — The following measurements represent an average-sized specimen: Length of Carapace 3$ inches. Width " 2| " Length of Plastron 3$ Width, Flat Portion, Plastron 2j " Width of Head f Male specimens have a much longer tail than the other sex. The tail of a male individual with upper shell slightly under 4 inches long, shows a length of i£ inches; the tail of a female speci- men of the same length, is but £ of an inch long. Distribution. — An abundant species in the Eastern States, ranging from Maine (inclusive) to northern North Carolina and westward to Indiana. Habits. — The familiar Spotted Turtle is one of the most aquatic species of its genus. It is common about ponds, marshes and small streams, where numerous specimens may be seen, sociably assembled on a floating log or other objects that pro- trude above the water, whence there is an undignified tumble THE Kti'TiLK HOOK i'LATE XVIIT GEOGRAPHIC TERRAPIN, Malacodemmys gcographica An abundant species in the Oh'" and the Mississinni vall^vs. The females are much the largest, having a shell about 10 inches Ion ; . Th s tcrrap.n is often sold in the eastern market ; under the tit e of ''Slider" LESUEUR'S TERRAPIN, Malacodemmys lesueurii By the high, serrated back, the peculiar head markings, and the absence of a reticulated pattern, this soecies is distinguished from the Geographic Terrapin. Common in the Mississippi Vail''. Tire Rrrrnx Boor TLATK XI \ DIAMOND HACK TERRAPIN, Mdacoclcmmys pahistris. Adult DIAMOND BACK TERRAPIN, Malacodemmys paluslris DIAMOND BACK TERRAPIN, Malacodemmys palustris Young; above Young ; beneath Gremtly esteemed as an article of diet. Specimens with a shell 8 inches long bring from $60 to $75 per dozen. The species frequents salt marshes of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts WOOD TURTLE, Chtlopus insrulplus By a bill fused recently in the state of New York, this species is protected from capture and sale in the markets The Terrapins and dive for safety upon the slightest disturbance. The writer has found many specimens along brooks that here and there spread into thick grassy spots. It is in this water-grass that the turtles delight to hide, after feeding. The species always feeds under water and, in fact, appears to be unable to swallow unless the head is submerged. The food consists largely of dead fish and the larvae of aquatic insects. Captive specimens will eat the tender leaves of lettuce if these be thrown upon the surface of their tank. It therefore appears probable that they feed upon various water plants as well, while in a wild condition. MUHLEN BERG'S TURTLE Cbelopus muhlenbergii, (Schweigger) Carapace very similar to that of the preceding, but nar- rower, and showing fine, concentric grooves on small specimens and young adults. Colouration. — Carapace black or dull brown, with dull yellowish or reddish markings in the centre of each of the larger shields. These markings look like the outlines of a drop of fluid that has fallen from some height and splashed irregularly in all directions. The plastron is black with yellow blotches. The head is black, with a large patch of brilliant orange- yellow on each temple. The higher and narrower carapace, the absence of yellow dots, and the presence of the large and brilliant orange blotches on the temples, at once distinguish this species from the Spotted Turtle. Dimensions. — Length of Carapace 4 inches. Width " 2f Length of Plastron 3^ Width, Flat Portion, Plastron ... if Length of Tail (Male) if Width of Head £ Distribution. — Restricted to the southern portion ' of New York state, New Jersey generally, and eastern Pennsylvania. It is very rare in some localities and fairly abundant in others. The writer has captured several specimens on the palisades of the Hudson River and received several dozen specimens from Staten Island, New York. Habits. — In habits Muhlenberg's Turtle occupies a position Si The Terrapins midway between the spotted turtle and the wood terrapin — one quite aquatic; the other addicted to roaming over swampy areas. Mulenberg's Turtle is partial to clear, narrow streams, which spread at intervals, forming marshy patches. All of the specimens taken by the writer were discovered in the latter situations. When alarmed, the reptile makes for the water and endeavours to secrete itself in the aquatic vegetation. Its movements are not very quick and it is readily captured. Un- like the spotted turtle it feeds as readily out of the water as it does beneath the surface. In this respect it appeals to the wood terrapin, and like that species feeds largely upon tender green food, insects and worms. As a captive it is hardy, taking chopped meat, earthworms, mealworms, lettuce and berries. THE WESTERN POND TURTLE Chelopus marmoraius, (B. & G.) When fully mature this western species is about eight inches long. The general proportions and structure of the shell appeal to the spotted turtle, (C. guttatus). Young specimens have a single, blunt keel upon the centre of the carapace. This usually disappears altogether with maturity. Colouration. — Carapace, dark olive, brown or blackish. Each shield encloses an aggregation of yellow dots or dashes — if the latter these tend to radiate from the centre of the shield. The central portion of the shields of the plastron is yellow. These shields are bordered with black, particularly about the margin. The limbs are brown, closely spotted with black — sometimes yellow; the head is similarly marked. Dimensions. — Adult specimens are from six to eight inches long and quite smooth. Distribution. — This is the only fresh-water turtle of the Pacific Region — with the exception of a species in Lower Cali- fornia. It occurs commonly in ponds and rivers in Washington, Oregon and California, west of the Cascade and Sierra Nevada Mountains. Habits. — Similar to the Eastern spotted turtle. It is quite aquatic and very shy; specimens are commonly seen sunning upon logs and rocks but drop into the water at the least alarm. These turtles often take the hooks of fresh-water fishermen. 52 The Terrapins THE WOOD TERRAPIN Chelopus insculptus, (Le Conte) Carapace with a strong keel ; each of the shields contains many concentric grooves, rising, one above the other, to an extent that produces a bulging formation. The entire carapace has a rough, chiseled aspect, hence the specific name — insculptus. On the rear margin the carapace is serrated. There is a deep notch at the rear of the plastron. Colouration. — The upper shell is dull brown, each plate marked with narrow and radiating yellow lines and spots. On the lower edge the carapace is yellow with large, black patches. The plastron is yellow, each plate containing a large patch of black. The fleshy parts, with the exception of the top of the head and limbs, are bright brick red. Dimensions. — The measurements of an adult, female speci- men are given: Length of Carapace 6£ inches. Width " " 5t " Length of Plastron 6£ " Total Width of Plastron 4i Eight inches represents the length of a large specimen. Distribution. — The Northeastern United States, from Maine to Pennsylvania (inclusive) ; westward to Ohio. Habits. — The Wood Terrapin is not aquatic in habits, al- though it usually frequents damp places and can swim readily. 1 1 prowls in damp woods and swamps, feeding upon tender vege- tation, berries "and insects. In the spring it is usually found about streams and at that time is often seen in the water. Captive specimens are fond of berries and lettuce. They will also devour chopped fish and the larvae of beetles, coming to the hand that feeds them and taking food from the fingers. CHAPTER VI: THE BOX TURTLES GENERA EMYS AND CISTUDO Turtles with Divided, Hinged Plastrons — Descriptions of the Species — Their Habits. IN the consideration of the genera Emys and Cisiudo, the student has passed, in the classification of the Chelonia, the strictly aquatic species, and is referred to the connecting links between the former and the true tortoises — terrestrial reptiles, of Testudo and allied genera. The structure and habits of the species of the present chapter afford admirable examples of transition, in the scale of evolution. I The Box Turtles derive their popular name from the struc- ture of the plastron, which is attached to the carapace by an elas- tic, cartilaginous joint. The plastron is divided by a central hinge, which permits both the front and rear portions to be drawn against the- lower surface of the carapace. Thus, in time of danger, the creature draws in the head and limbs and closes the shell in box-like fashion. The genus Emys is composed of but two species, one of which inhabits Europe and Asia and is very aquatic in habits. The other species, Blanding's Turtle, occurs in the United States, and although possessing fully webbed feet and being partial to the neighborhood of water, is given to the habit of wandering over swampy areas. The genus Cisiudo is composed of five* North American species that are strictly terrestrial although several of these species display distinct traces of webs be- tween the toes, while others have feet like the true tor- toises. Thus we trace our way along the links of the chain, and can understand why the species of Cisiudo, al- though quite terrestrial, cannot properly be termed tortoises, as their structure demonstrates that they are more closely allied to the turtles. * A sixth species occurs in Mexico — C. mtxicana. It has three claws on the bind foot. 54 The Box Turtles Following is a key to aid in the identification of the North American Box Turtles : I. Feet fully webbed. Carapace elongated and globular. Genus Emys. Black, with numerous yellow dots. BLANDING'S TURTLE, "SEMI-BOX" TURTLE, E. blandingii. Distribution. — Central States; eastward to New England States. II.. Feet club-shaped, or sparsely webbed. Carapace short and globular. Genus Cistudo. a. Hind foot with four claws. Carapace without a keel. Brown or black with yellow, radiating spots. PAINTED BOX TURTLE, C. OTnata. Distribution. — Central States to the Rockies; south into Mexico. Carapace with a keel. Brown or black with ir- regular, yellow spots. COMMON BOX TURTLE, C. Carolina. Distribution. — Eastern United States, north of Georgia. Carapace with a keel.* Brown or black, with yellow, radiating lines. LARGE BOX TURTLE, C. major. Distribution. — Georgia to the Rio Grande. b. Hind foot with tbree claws. Carapace like two preceding species. Olive, with obscure yellow markings. THREE-TOED BOX TURTLE, C. triungUlS. Distribution. — Georgia to the Rio Grande; north- ward to Missouri. Carapace very high and globular — keeled. Brown or black, with greenish, radiating lines. BAUR'S BOX TURTLE, C. bauri. Distribution. — Southern Georgia and Florida. The "Semi-box" Turtles — Genus Emys: The two species of this genus are characterised by a rather long, globular shell. The plastron is attached to the upper shell by a cartilaginous joint. It is divided by a central hinge and both the front and rear portions are movable — the former to a considerable degree and the latter but slightly so; thus the popular title, "semi-box" turtles. The species of Emys are aquatic, living about ponds and rivers, where they bask upon derelict timber and plunge into * The largest species of the g:enus. J5 The Box Turtles i the water at the slightest alarm. Their feet are broadly webbed. Although the two species of this genus are widely separated in distribution — one occurring over a vast area comprising Europe, Asia and northern Africa, and the other inhabiting the central and eastern portions of the United States, they are remarkably similar in structure and colouration, though the Old World species is considerably the smaller. It is the common Pond Turtle of Europe, Emys lutaria (obicularis). A description of the North American species is given: BLANDING'S TURTLE; THE "SEMI-BOX" TURTLE Emys blandingii, (Holbrook) The shape of the upper shell is higher (globular) and longer than with the other water turtles. Except with very young specimens the shell is smooth. The general structure of the plastron is much like that of the typical box turtles, although the rear half closes but partially and is bluntly notched. Both front and hind feet are broadly webbed, as with the typical pond turtles. The head is cylindrical, with sharply notched upper mandible, and the neck is very long. Colouration. — Upper shell black, with numerous pale yellow or whitish spots. The plastron is yellow in the centre, with large black blotches about the pale area. Above, the head is black, with many yellow dots. The chin and throat are bright, immaculate yellow. Dimensions. — Following are the measurements of a mature specimen, from North Judson, Indiana: Length of Carapace . 7! inches Width " 5 Length of Plastron 7$ Length of Front Lobe 3^ Width at Hinge 4 Height of Combined Shell 2j Distribution. — Blanding's Turtle appears to attain a centre of abundance in Indiana, thence it occurs in lesser numbers in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio and on the north shores of the Great Lakes in Canada. Eastward of the Central States it is a comparatively rare species though the range extends into the Alleghanean region and northeastward through Pennsyl- vania and New York, into Massachusetts, Rhode Island and 56 The Box Turtles New Hampshire. The species does not occur near the coast regions of New York, Connecticut or New Jersey. Habits. — Although fully as agile in the water — in swimming, diving and remaining a considerable time beneath the surface — as the typical pond and river turtles and terrapin, this species often evinces a desire to wander about on land, and while it seldom ventures from wet, marshy areas, prowls about through the undergrowth in search of tender shoots, berries and insect larvae, a character quite in opposition to the feeding habits of the strictly aquatic turtles and terrapins, which are unable to feed unless under water. Standing's Turtle feeds with equal readiness upon the ground, or under water. Captive specimens are very fond of lettuce; they also feed voraciously upon earth- worms, small fishes, tadpoles and young frogs, actively pursuing these creature in the water and seizing them by a sudden dart of the head. Well fattened specimens are unable to employ the hinged plastron to but a slight extent and with such indi- viduals the rear lobe is quite useless in covering the hind limbs which bulge from the shell in helpless fashion. The species is very timid and if handled will withdraw the head and front limbs within the shell, close the front lobe of the plastron and remain in this position for an indefinite period — frequently for several hours. On one occasion the writer procured several hundred specimens with which he stocked a small pond. Floating in this pond were several logs and upon these the turtles were in the habit of crawling in rows and clusters, for a sun bath. The slightest alarm would cause them to plunge in a volley into the water, from which, a few minutes later, their heads would be protruded in a fashion that caused the pond to look as if it were infested with water snakes — the turtles' shells being invisible. The Box Turtles — Genus Cistudo: The six alleged species of this genus are so closely related that further investigations of more elaborate series of specimens than are now possessed by our museums, will probably result in the contraction of the genus to but three or four species, and several varieties or sub- species. Although some of the forms possess four claws on the hind foot and others have but three claws, this structural dif- ference does not appear to be of great importance, for more pronounced characters cause the species to arrange themselves 57 The Box Turtles in technical classification so that the four-clawed and three- clawed forms alternate in the list. Of the series, the Painted Box Turtle, (C. ornatd), is a perfectly distinct species, as the shell is quite flat in the area of the central shields and there is no trace of a keel. It is very probable that the Three-toed Box Turtle (C. triunguis) will be found to be but a variety of the common species, C. Carolina, which possesses four claws on the hind foot, and that Baur's Box Turtle (C. bauri), another three-toed form, may be decided to constitute a variety of the Large Box Turtle (C. major), which also possesses four claws. The Mexican species, C. mexicana, may also be but a Southern form of the C. major. To set forth the characters of the Box Turtles and popularise the descriptions, the writer provisionally describes the five North American forms as species, arranging them as in the key in an effort to facilitate the work of the less advanced student. THE PAINTED BOX TURTLE Cistudo ornaia, ( Agassi z) The form of the carapace is broad and globular. It is dis- tinctly flattened on the area of the central row of plates, and is without a trace of the pronounced keel of the other species. There are four claws on the hind feet. Colouration. — The shell is dark brown or black above, with moderately broad, yellow, radiating lines. The lower shell is brightly coloured, being yellow, but so thickly suffused with brown that it presents an intricate network of yellow and brown bands. The head is dark, with large yellowish or reddish spots upon the sides and dots of the same colour upon the top, while the neck is banded with the same bright hue. With most specimens the scales of the forelimbs are bright red — with some, orange. From its generally bright colouration, this is the most at- tractive species of the box turtles. Dimensions.— Height of Combined Shell 2} inches Length of Carapace ... 4* Width of " 3! •• Length of Plastron Width of Head ? «« The Box Turtles Distribution. — Indiana to the Rocky Mountains and south- ward into Mexico. In the Southern United States, the species does not range eastward of Texas. THE COMMON BOX TURTLE Cistudo Carolina, (Linn.) The carapace of this species is highly arched and globular, with a distinct, though blunt keel upon the centre. The front and rear borders of the upper shell flare outward and the edges curl upward. There are four claws upon the hind feet. Colouration. — Black or dark brown above, with numerous yellow spots or blotches. The markings are extremely variable. They may consist of short, yellow bands arranged in irregular groups in each plate, or of bands that run together on the sides of the shell, forming broad, E-like markings. On many specimens the markings are confined to the centres of the shields, each of which contains an irregular blotch that resembles the out- line of a large drop of fluid falling upon a flat surface and splash- ing in every direction. Occasional specimens look as if they had been spotted with a brush, with no regard for regularity in the placing of the blotches. The plastron is yet more variable than the carapace. On some specimens it is of a uniform dark brown or black; on others black, with large patches of yellow. A specimen in the writer's collection possesses a plastron strikingly marked with narrow lines and spots of black and yellow over the entire surface. The black markings fuse into the yellow through a medium of rich brown and the effect is to closely resemble the showy markings of the Hawk's-bill Turtle, which yields the valuable "tortoise" shell. The head markings of this species are very irregular. Male specimens usually have bright red eyes; the eyes of the females are generally yellow. Dimensions. — The measurements in this list are of an adult, male specimen: Height of Combined Shell 2\ inches Length of Carapace 5f " Width of ! 4f Length of Plastron (open) 5f Width of Head ij 59 The Box Turtles Distribution. — The New England States, to South Carolina (inclusive) and westward to Kansas. Habits of the Box Turtle There is no reptile possessing greater immunity from harm than the Box Turtle. Once its shelly fortress is closed there are few living creatures except man that can harm the fleshy parts within. Other chelonians, although withdrawing the head and limbs within the shell at times or danger, are in much the same predicament when discovered by a hungry animal as the proverbial ostrich that buries its head in the sand to "conceal" itself from harm. Sharp claws, mounted on sinuous limbs, or the talons of the birds of prey can readily tear the ex- posed fleshy parts of the ordinary turtle from its shell. Though the Box Turtle closes its shell in a manner to ap- propriately elicit the creature's popular name — and effectually protect the reptile from harm, individuals vary as regards the perfect closing of the hinged portions of the plastron against the upper shell. The writer has examined specimens with which the lobes of the plastron closed so perfectly against the carapace that at no part of the union of upper and lower shell was there sufficient space to insert such a small object as a broom straw. Indeed, it does not appear possible that such specimens could breathe without difficulty, for they usually remain tightly closed for an hour or more — or as long as there is the slighest suspicion of danger. Other specimens close less perfectly, so that it is possible to insert a good-sized quill in several places around the plastron, while there are occasional specimens with which the plates at the extremities of the plastron protrude slightly from the border of the upper shell and thus prevent a good union — sometimes to such an extent that the limbs may be seen through an orifice of about an eighth of an inch. The muscles that close the plastron are of great power. It is by no means an easy matter to pry the shells apart, even though one have strong hands and be provided with an im- plement of such leverage as a chisel. Some specimens are so fat from voracious feeding during the berry season that they are unable to close both lobes of the plastron simultaneously — the pressure of one-half of the lower shell upon the fleshy parts ludicrously forcing open the other. 60 The Box Turtles The Box Turtle is a strictly terrestrial reptile and its habits tally closely with those of the true tortoises, although it is of a wandering disposition and does not dig permanent burrows. It is most abundant in situations where open, grassy spots alter- nate in sparse thickets. The food consists largely of vegetable matter and berries, though the larvae of insects are eaten as well as earthworms and slugs. During the periods when black- berries ripen many specimens show unmistakable evidences of feasting by their stained mandibles and forefeet. Like other terrestrial chelonians, the Box Turtle lives to a great age. It is difficult to explain the exact duration of life of this species, but examples have thrived for ten or fifteen years in captivity, that were old and worn quite smooth when captured. A curious and interesting specimen was found several years from the time of writing, in Virginia. The writer had been roaming over the beautiful farmlands that once constituted the battlefields of Bull Run and Groveton. He had stopped to examine a noble tree, gnarled in many places from the old wounds of a heavy shell-fire. The tree stood on a knoll near Groveton and had been in the centre of a shower of lead and iron hail during the stormy days of war. On two occasions had the opposing armies swept over this pretty country to the tune of cannon and musketry and many trees beside the one that had particularly engaged the writer's attention, showed battle scars. These few descriptive words are in strict accordance with a turtle that drew the writer's attention, as it emitted a sudden hiss and closed its shell tightly at his approach. It was a very old specimen, with a dull, lustreless shell. Across its back was a deep furrow, healed by many years. So deeply did this pen- etrate into the creature's shell that the original injury must have penetrated to the very edge of the reptile's vitals, yet a wonderful tenacity of life and great reconstructive power had permitted the turtle to so heal the wound as to partially cover the deep tear with a rough, bony growth. Along the edges of the shell were other indentations, which had healed in the same manner. Who can dispute the very plausible theory, that nearly forty years before, during a human exchange of metal animosities, this reptile was struck by a flying minie ball that tore the furrow 61 The Box Turtles and, by the force of its impact, sent the creature tumbling over the stony ground to produce the deep scars about the edge of the shell. If such were the case, the reptile being full-grown when the injury was inflicted — the severe nature of the wound would stunt all subsequent growth — it had lived many years to attain its size, then possessed the tenacity to recover from the wound and afterward continued to live for nearly forty years after. It may interest the reader to know that this turtle is, at the time of writing, thriving in captivity. The eggs of the Box Turtle are ovoidal in shape and covered with a thin, but hard shell. They are buried in soft ground, or secreted under leaves. It is an interesting, but curious fact, that the very young specimens are very rarely found. When retiring for the winter, this turtle burrows to some depth in soft ground. This was well illustrated by the experi- ence of a friend of the writer, who was engaged in the melan- choly duty of digging a grave for a large, pet dog. The animal had died in January and a severe frost had hardened the ground for a distance of five inches. After breaking through this it was easy digging and as the gentleman had reached a depth of about two feet he unearthed a Box Turtle, which showed feeble signs of life. THE LARGE BOX TURTLE Cistudo major, ( Agassi z) The name of this species is quite appropriate. It attains the greatest size of any of the box turtles — growing to a length of seven inches. The carapace is high and globular and flares out distinctly on the rear margin. There is a blunt keel in the centre. As this species has four claws on the hind foot, it may be readily distinguished from Baur's Box Turtle, into the range of which it enters in the east. Colouration. — The carapace is dark brown, with yellow spots arranged in radiating fashion, while there is a yellow band on the keel. The greater part of the plastron is yellow, although the edges of the shields are tinged with black. On the head is a considerable amount of yellow markings. Distribution.— Florida and Georgia, westward to the Rio Grande. 62 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE XX ,j SPOTTED TURTLE, Chdopus gutlalus One of the most abundant species of the Eastern States. Has a habit of roosting on logs and tussocks, and plunging into the water upon the least disturbance. The shell of an adult is about 4 inches long MUHLENBERG'S TURTLE, Chelopus muhlenbergii Confined to southern New York, New Jersey, and eastern Pennsylvania. The vivid orange patch on each side of the head is characteristic THE RHTII.I PLATK XXI BI.ANDINV.'S TURTLE; SEMI-BOX TURTLE, Emys hlandingii The plastron ha-»*i central hinge, hut only the front lohe can be perfect 1> PAINTED BOX TURTLE, Cistudo ornala A typical representative of its genus. The plastron has a central hinge. Both In'x-s i lose lightly in time of danger This species ranges from the Mississippi Valley to tin- Kotkus •- TURTLE, Cistudo Carolina the Eastern State*. Note the specimen on the left having the lobes of the plastron completely closed The Box Turtles THE THREE-TOED BOX TURTLE Cistudo triunguis, ( Agassi z) In the general form of the carapace, this species is pre- cisely like the Common Box Turtle, from which it differs in pos- sessing but three claws on the hind foot, and the extreme nar- rowness of that extremity. Colouration. — The colouration of the upper shell of the majority of specimens is dull olive, with obscure, yellowish markings. Some specimens are darker and show yellow mark- ings that appeal strongly to C. Carolina. The head is generally brownish, with but obscure markings. Distribution. — Georgia and Florida westward to the Rio Grande; in the Mississippi Valley this species extends north- ward into Missouri. BAUR'S BOX TURTLE; FLORIDA BOX TURTLE Cistudo bauri, (Taylor) Like the preceding species, this box turtle is characterised by three claws on the hind foot. The shell is very high and narrow — considerably more globular than that of the preceding species. There is a distinct keel on the central portion of the carapace, and but a slight tendency to flare upwards on the rear margin. Colouration. — In its general colouration, this turtle appears to be quite distinct. The carapace is dark brown, with many narrow, greenish, or greenish-yellow radiating lines. With the greater number of specimens the plastron is immaculate, greenish-yellow. The head markings are fairly constant and distinct. Male specimens have the head dark brown or black, with the exception of the mandibles, which are yellowish, and an indistinct band, extending from behind the eye to the neck. This pale shade on the mandibles is fre- quently absent from female specimens, although the throat is speckled with a pale hue and several indistinct and broken bands appear on the head. The young are strongly marked, having vivid, sharply delineated, radiating lines. Combine these markings with an extremely high carapace and the make-up is markedly grotesque. The Box Turtles Dimensions. — The measurements given are of a specimen taken in Marion County, Florida: Height of Combined Shell 2j inches Length of Carapace 5$ Width of 3J " Length of Plastron, open 5 J Width of Head ij Distribution. — Southern Georgia and Florida. Habits. — This box turtle frequents the pine barrens. In habits it resembles the common species. Captive specimens are very hardy and live for indefinite periods. THE REPTILE BOOK I'LATE XXIi THREE-TOED BOX TURTLE, Cisludo triunguis Closely allied to C. Carolina, from which it differs in having only three claws on the hind foot. Markings on the shell are usually obscure BAUR'S BOX TURTLE, Cistudo bauri Confined to 'Georgia and Florida where it inhabits the close-set, radiating bands = X CHAPTER VII: THE TORTOISES Strictly Terrestrial Chehnians. Represented in North America by Three Species THE greater number of the true Tortoises inhabit the Old World. They comprise four very closely allied genera. The largest genus is Testudo, which is made up of about thirty-eight species. All of the New World species belong to this genus. Three occur in North America proper (in the extreme southern portions of the United States); three inhabit Mexico, Central America and northern South America, and a number are con- fined to the Galapagos Islands. The latter are huge tortoises, whose generations are supposed to have survived the Age of Giant Reptiles. The Tortoises are easily distinguished from the turtles, by the club-shaped feet of the former, in place of the webbed feet of the latter, and the high, dome-like shell. The skin is dry and wrinkled. Their method of placing the hind feet, when walking, and the peculiar formation of these appendages, at once suggest (in miniature) the feet of an elephant. All of the Tortoises are strictly terrestrial and if forcibly thrown into water, are clumsy and almost helpless. A large num- ber of species frequent arid situations — some, the deserts proper. Many dig deep burrows, in which they retire during the great heat of mid-day. The larger part of the food of these creatures consists of vegetation and fruit. The three species of Tortoises inhabiting the United States are remarkably similar in colouration, all being of a dull, brown hue. They evince similar habits in selecting dry, barren areas, and digging long burrows in which to shelter. A key to assist in their identification is given: A. Shell much longer than wide. Some greatly enlarged scales on inner surface of fore- arm. Front lobe of plastron bent abruptly upward. GOPHER TORTOISE, Testudo polyphemus. 65 The Tortoise* Distribution. — South Carolina to Florida; west- ward to western Texas. No enlarged scales on inner surface of forearm. Front lobe of plastron but slightly directed upward. AGASSIZ'S TORTOISE, Testudo aggassi^i. Distribution. — Deserts of Arizona and southern California. B. Shell nearly as wide as long. Front lobe of plastron nearly straight. BERLANDIER'S TORTOISE, Testudo berlandieri. Distribution. — Southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. Detailed descriptions of these species follow: THE GOPHER TORTOISE Testudo polypbemus, (Daudin) Size large. Shell rather high, but flattened on the top; bluntly rounded at front and rear. Upper surface quite smooth with old individuals, but showing many sharp, concentric grooves in the shields of young specimens. The head is blunt and rounded ; the tail is very short. The plastron is thick and heavy, the rear portion notched, the front projecting beyond the edge of the carapace in the shape of a thick and narrow process, which is bent sharply upward, owing to the upward slant of the front lobe of the plastron. The front portions of the forelimbs are covered with large and thick scaly plates. The terminal joint of the limb is flat and along the margin are very large, horn-like scales; at the bend of the limb there is one of these spines considerably more developed than the others; it is usually attended by several spines irreg- ularly larger than those of the marginal row. The hind limbs are covered with a finer scalation and resemble, in miniature, the feet of an elephant. All four feet possess very stout, blunt claws. The general make-up is as strongly suggestive of a ter- restrial life, as that of a flat-shelled, web-footed turtle points toward an aquatic existence. Colouration. — The shell of the adult specimen is dull brown, perfectly uniform in colour with those individuals that possess smoothly-worn shells, but with obscure, dull yellow blotches in the centres of the shields (one in each shield) on younger specimens. These blotches may be intensified by moistening 66 The Tortoises the carapace. They are pronounced on very young specimens. The plastron is uniform, dull yellow. The skin of the limbs is a dull brown or gray; that of the head is darker. The eyes are dark and bead-like. Dimensions. — The measurements given are of an adult, female specimen, from Marion County, Florida: Length of Carapace 1 1 * inches Widthof 8 Length of Plastron 1 1 * Widthof " 7* Width of Forearm 2 Width of Head 2 The weight of a specimen showing the preceding dimensions — these representing one of fairly large size — would be about nine pounds. From the measurements, it will be seen that the length of the shell is considerably in excess of the width. This character is important in distinguishing the species from Berlandier's Tortoise, which extends into the former's habitat, in the western portion. Distribution. — South Carolina to Florida (including both states) and westward into western Texas. Habits. — In this reptile we have a typical example of the true tortoise — a terrestrial, slow-going, herbivorous, and, in proportion to its size, wonderfully strong creature. While lacking in agility as compared with the turtles, the Tortoises exhibit considerably more intelligence than the former. The Gopher Tortoise is most abundant in dry, sandy areas, where it burrows long tunnels in which to retreat. The writer made several trips into areas frequented by these reptiles. One region in particular, he well remembers. It was a great, barren stretch of sandy country in Hampton County, South Carolina. This region was known as the "sand hills" and was quite useless for agricultural pur- poses. Over this gently undulating waste was scattered a sparse growth of scrub oak, wire grass, and isolated, stunted weeds. "During the middle of the day, the heat upon this miniature desert was almost unendurable for a man. At such times the Tortoises were usually secreted in their burrows. They were found prowling during the very early morning, or on cloudy days. Their burrows were quite numerous. Eight 67 The Tortoises or ten would frequently be counted within a radius of one hun- dred feet. The location of a burrow is easily noted by the mound of sand that has been thrown to the surface. From the height and diameter of this mound, the depth of the burrow may be estimated. On these "sand hills," but three or four inches of the surface is dry and shifting; beneath this slight depth, the sand is damp and well packed. Through the damp strata, the Tortoise extends its burrow in a gentle slope from the sur- face, and, curiously enough, in the exact shape of a transverse section of the creature's shell. The footprints of the Tortoises are readily followed, and by this method a number of specimens were captured. If a Tortoise has not emerged from its burrow since the night pre- ceding, the fact is made evident by ambitious spiders, which daily spin their webs over the mouths of the shafts. Several of the burrows were measured by running a slender pole into their depth, and were found to extend, in a gently sloping down- ward direction, for a distance of fourteen feet and over. Re- cently, investigations have been made of the homes of these creatures and energetic digging was rewarded with results at least interesting to the entomologist, for several species of beetles, belonging to a family popularly known as "rolling beetles," or "tumble bugs" were found living upon the excreta of the tortoises, arid, strange to explain, these beetles proved to be a species entirely new to science. It has since been demonstrated that they inhabit only the burrows of this species of tortoise. In captivity the Gopher Tortoise is hardy and thrives for an indefinite number of years if given the proper care. Captive specimens are fond of such tender vegetables as lettuce and celery; they take all kinds of fruit voraciously and will also eat raw meat. They soon learn to recognise the one who feeds them and take dainty morsels from the fingers without signs of fear. Considerable warmth, and absolutely dry quarters are the most important factors in keeping these reptiles in good health. Without sufficient warmth (from 75 to 85 degrees Fahr.) they will not feed, and the least bit of dampness brings on symptoms that resemble an ordinary cold, when they gradually become weak and die. They display little inclination to burrow and hide, in captivity. 68 THE REPTILE BOOK DESERT TORTOISE, Testudo agassizii Inhabits the deserts of the southwestern United States PLASTRON OF THE DESERT TORTOISE, Testudo agassizii BERLANDIER'S TORTOISE, Testudo berlandieri Owing to its abort and broad shell — the length and breadth being very similar — this species is unique among the tortoises PLASTRON "I HERLAXUIER'S TORTOISE. Testudo brrlandieri The Tortoises This reptile buries its eggs in the sand in a situation exposed to the full rays of the sun. During the breeding season, the males utter a short, rasping call, repeated at intervals of about two seconds apart. AGASSIZ'S TORTOISE Testudo agassi^i, (Cooper) In general outlines, size and in colouration, this species is very similar to the preceding. The enlarged scales or spines on the forearm that are so noticeable with the preceding tortoise, are absent from this species, the scales of the forearm being large and coarse, but of fairly uniform size. The head is narrower and the front lobe of the plastron slopes but gradually upward in place of the abrupt, upward inclination to be noted with the Gopher Tortoise. Dimensions. — The measurements of a fair-sized specimen from the desert south of Phoenix, Arizona, are given : Length Oif Carapace 9^ inches Width of 7 Height of 4J Length of Plastron o£ Width of 6 Width of Head i* Width of Forearm if These measurements show much the same conformation as the preceding species — the considerably greater length over the width of the shell. By this character, the two species con- sidered differ from Berlandier's Tortoise. Distribution. — Deserts of Arizona and southern California. Habits. — The writer's specimens have exhibited considerable intelligence, becoming exceedingly tame within a few days after their arrival from the deserts. They learn to take food from the hand and appear to possess actual affection. Two specimens, at the time of writing, have the liberty of the writer's room. They insist upon crawling over and about his feet and when desiring to rest, often crawl under his chair, where they stretch ' their limbs backwards, in alligator-like fashion, out- stretch the head and neck to the fullest extent, when their dark, beady eyes peer about curiously without an intimation of fear. Tney have regular trails about the floor, which they follow for 69 The Tortoises hours, seldom deviating an inch, this way or the other from imaginary lines, though daily, they appear to change the routine of their marching. On one day the larger specimen traversed the centre of the room in circular fashion. In the centre of the circle, which measured about eight feet in diameter, was a small table. Around this object the tireless reptile continued its seemingly aimless journey for hours, its bluntly-clawed feet clicking regularly upon the hard-wood floor. On another occasion the writer dropped a small book and neglecting to imme- diately pick it up, was attracted to it a moment later by hear- ing one of the tortoises crawl over it. A minute later, the tor- toise recrossed the book. When a third time the writer's at- tention was called to this sound, he watched the creature. It had changed its previous line of march to a straight course, up and down the room, which trail led directly over the book — and this was clambered over with some effort. Fourteen times the eccentric reptile stepped the length of the room in a straight path, turned deliberately at each end and on its return clambered over the book, which lay in a well cleared area. The book was removed and developments awaited. When the tortoise re- turned and reached the spot where the book had been, it paused in what appeared to be deep thought, then continued as before and for half an hour longer marched up and down, when it re- turned to its favourite corner (near the neater) to sleep. What reason the reptile has for these peculiar promenades, the writer is unable to guess. Certain it is that these creatures pace over certain areas with the regularity and persistence of caged cat animals. Like the other species of tortoises inhabiting the United States, this reptile walks upon the claws only, of the front feet, while the hind feet are planted flat, exactly like the feet of an elephant. It is by no means sluggish in its actions, but its activity depends upon warmth. In a temperature of from 85 to 95 degrees Fahr., it can get over the ground as fast as a man at a slow walk. Unless kept very warm and dry, it never dis- plays such vivacity. If these desert creatures be placed in damp quarters, though the temperature be high, they cease feeding and die within a few weeks. The writer's specimens are very fond of lettuce, celery, berries and bananas. They also eat clover and begin by picking out the blossoms. 70 The Tortoises BERLANDIER'S TORTOISE Testudo berlandieri, (Agassiz) This species is very distinct from the two preceding ones, owing to its very broad and high carapace, which produces a very globular aspect. While the upper jaw of the two former species is notched, this tortoise has a book on the upper mandible. The shell is nearly as broad as long and is proportionately high and globular. Compared with the preceding species the forelimbs are narrower and the head smaller. The front lobe of the plastron, which in front extends beyond the margin of the upper shell, terminates in a narrower, deeply notched pro- cess and is but slightly directed upward. Colouration, — Dull brown, the centres of the shields yellow- ish though this character becomes obscure with age. The plas- tron is dull yellow. The fleshy parts of this tortoise, particu- larly the hind limbs, are paler than with the two preceding species. Dimensions. — The measurements are of a rather small specimen, from Brownsville, Texas: Length of Carapace 6 inches. Widthof II k U.K. Trionyx mulicui Mature example* are uniform p«k brown or olivr. whirh hue admirably matches the muddv river-bottom and aids the mature in obtaining it* prey The Soft- shelled Turtles THE SPINY SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE Trionyx spinifer, (Lesson) A smaller species than the preceding, but the general char- acters are very similar. The conical, spiny tubercles on the front margin of the carapace are very pronounced. Colouration. — Dull olive, with a narrow yellow border, internally margined with black.* There are numerous black rings scattered over the carapace — a character vividly apparent on young specimens, which are green. The plastron is immacu- late white. Head markings.— The head is olive — not brown as with the preceding species. On each side of the head, and the neck, is a yellow, black-bordered stripe, extending forward and through the eye thence uniting with its fellow at ibe base of the snout. The head-markings alone will immediately separate the species from the Southern soft-shelled turtle. The limbs are olive, spotted and marbled with black. Dimensions. — A mature, female specimen, taken at Quincy, Illinois, shows the following measurements: Length of Carapace 14 inches Width of 12 Length of Plastron 10 Length of Tail 3i Width of Head if Width of Spread, Hind Foot 3i Weight 7^ Ibs. Distribution. — An abundant species in the Central States. It inhabits the tributaries of the Mississippi River in the states of Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsyl- vania and western New York. It also occurs in the tributaries of the St. Lawrence River, the lakes of northern New York State, and has been taken as far east as Lake Champlain. Owing to the existence of the several canals in the upper part of New York State, avenues offering an extension of distri- bution have been taken advantage of by the soft-shelled turtles. Thus We may understand why occasional specimens are found in the Hudson River. The headquarters of this species should be given, however, as the Central States. Here the turtles are so numerous as to be a real nuisance to the angler. * Seen on all the species. The Soft-shelled Turtles THE BROWN SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE; OR UNARMED SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE Trionyx muiicus, (Lesueur) From the two preceding species,* this soft-shelled turtle differs in the absence of spiny tubercles on the front margin of the carapace. It is also of smaller size and the head is pro- portionately narrower. Colouration. — The head markings are like the Spiny Soft- shelled Turtle — the bands uniting at the base of the proboscis ; on many specimens the head markings are very obscure. The carapace is brown or olive, and with but faint mark- ings. They may be in the shape of short, line-like spots, or dull blotches. Dimensions. — The smallest of the North American species, seldom attaining a length of shell of over ten inches. The meas- urements of a specimen taken in the Mississippi River, near St. Louis, Mo., are given: Length of Carapace 6| inches Width of 6J " WidthofHead J " Distribution. — Central and northern tributaries of the Mississippi River and tributaries of the St. Lawrence. The species is not so widely abundant as the Spiny Soft-shelled Turtle. EMORY'S SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE Trionyx emoryi, (Agassi z) Though this species is closely related to the Southeastern soft-shelled turtle, (T. ferox) there are no tubercles on the front margin of tbe carapace. The proboscis is rather short. Colouration.— Carapace olive, with the usual, pale margin. In place of the ring-like markings of the allied species, there are numerous black dots. The head markings appeal to those of ferox. The pale lines unite in front of the eyes, but they fuse into a pale, trian- * It must herewith be explained that the arrangement of the species is not according to technical classification, but in a fashion that will be most readily comprehended by the less advanced worker. In reality, T. muticus is most nearly allied to T. spinifer and should thus follow it, while the same condition relates to T. ferox and T. emoryi. 78 The Soft-shelled Turtles gular blotch, extending from between the eyes to the base of the proboscis. Dimensions. — The shell of an adult specimen is about twelve inches long. Distribution. — Tributaries of the Rio Grande River, in Texas and Mexico. TIIK RKPTILF HOOK PLATE XXVIII O O O o 0 O • o SPINY SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, Trionyx spinifer The sp>ecinien figured is half-grown. At maturity the ring-like markings become quite obscure. Abundant in the Central States SPINY SOFT-SHELLED TURTLE, Trionyx spiniftr The plastron is soft and easily lacerated if the turtle leaves the water to craw! over a hard, rough surface T-II RM-TH.J 'i \n \XIX THE HOME OF THE ALLIGATOR An inlet of the Savannah River. Hampton County, South Carolina • >i i HI \I.I.K;\K»R 1 be oat iaa«»U of • mound ol dc*d Invn and twig* It u mbout eight («-t in .liamrtt-r and two or three feet high. The eggs are well bunrd. clincly parked, and rangr from i PART II. THE CROCODILIANS Order CROCODILIA CHAPTER IX: THE CROCODILIANS ORDER CROCODILIA An Order Represented by Two Species in the United States— the American Crocodile and the Alligator Classification. — The Order Crocodilia contains a single family — the Crocodilida, and this is made up of six genera. There is a total number of about twenty-three species, which inhabit North and South America, Africa and Asia. The largest species occur in the Old World. Structure. — The general structure of the Crocodilians is so well known that a detailed description would be super- fluous. The Crocodilians are huge, lizard-like reptiles, and amphibious in habits. The back is covered with rows of bony plates, each surmounted by a high, sharp ridge. The limbs, tail and abdomen are encased in a tough, leathery armour of coarse shields. Flat, massive, provided with powerful jaws and studded with long, stout teeth, the head is almost devoid of fleshy parts. Thick and muscular at the base, the tail is much flattened toward the terminal half and surmounted by raised, flat shields. It is a powerful swimming organ. The North American species are easily separated, thus: Genus Alligator. Head broad and rounded at the snout. Blackish, with dull yellow markings. THE ALLIGATOR, A. mississippiensis. Distribution. — Southeastern United States. Genus Crocodilus. Head narrow and pointed at the snout. .Olive, with blackish markings. AMERICAN CROCODILE, C. americanus. Distribution. — In the United States — southern Florida, only. These reptiles are herewith considered in detail: 83 The Crocodilians THE ALLIGATOR /litigator mississippiensis, (Daudin) It is not necessary to describe this very familiar reptile be- beyond comparing it structurally to the other Crocodilians in- habiting the United States. The most striking difference between the two species is in the outlines of the head. The head of the Alligator is very broad, and is bluntly rounded at the snout; that of the croco- dile is narrow, gradually tapering toward the snout so that the conformation of the head might be explained as pointed. The Alligator is altogether a stouter species than the crocodile and its tail is not vertically flattened to such an extent as that of the other species. An Alligator weighs about one-third more than a crocodile — the difference being made up by the more massive skull and the stouter body. Colouration. — Young alligators are black or very dark brown, with bright -yellow cross-bands. The yellow markings fade with maturity and large specimens are uniformly black or dull gray. They may show traces of pale, but dull blotches on the sides. There is an albinistic specimen living in the New York Zoological Park. The greater portion of this animal is yellowish white, although there are black patches scattered over the en- tire body. Dimensions. — Very large alligators are so rare nowadays that a specimen twelve feet long must be considered a giant. There was a time in Florida — long since gone — when alligators fourteen and fifteen feet long were of no great rarity. The writer doubts if there is an individual living in Florida to-day that can approach such measurements, and he believes there are but few twelve-foot specimens left. It is his conviction that the finest living example of what a patriach "bull 'gator" should be, is the enormous specimen now in the New York Zoolog- ical Park — "Old Mose." This individual barely misses a measure- ment of thirteen feet and its massive frame suggests the out- lines of a hippopotamus. It can swallow eight pound chickens entire, and at a single gulp. Another fine specimen in the reptile house of the same Park, shows the following measurements: 84 The Crocodilians Total Length n feet, 5$ inches. Length of Head 2 feet, 4$ inches. Length of Tail 5 feet, 1 1 J inches. Estimated Weight 450 pounds. It should not be taken for granted, however, that an alli- gator must attain such dimensions before reaching maturity. The writer has noted several female specimens less than nine feet long, -that laid large numbers of eggs; one of these was a South Carolina specimen ; she was less than eight feet in length and deposited 37 eggs. Growth of the Alligator. — It is a generally mistaken idea that the growth of the alligator is very slow. Actual conditions are much to the contrary. While it may take an alligator longer to attain maturity than a lizard or a snake, the wild saurian easily reaches an adult development within five or six years. As an illustration of the alleged tardy growth of the species, the writer quotes from Prof. E. D. Cope's technical work on the crocodilians, lizards and snakes of North America; at the end of the description of the alligator is a portion of an article by Dr. Hugh M. Smith, of the United States Fish Commission; this reads, in part: "Alligators grow very slowly. At fifteen years of age they are only two feet long. A twelve-footer may be reasonably supposed to be seventy-five years old." The writer's observations have pointed to quite the con- trary of this statement. He collected a nest of alligator eggs in South Carolina, in August of 1900. There were thirty-seven eggs in the nest, of about the diameter of a hen's egg but more elongated. Packing the eggs in the material composing the nest, they were shipped to New York, where five of them hatched, between October 8th and I4th. The remainder failed to hatch, possibly becoming spoiled in the shaking they received during shipment. At the time of hatching, the young alligators were 8 inches \ong, and weighed i f ounces. One year after hatching, they were again measured and weighed. - Their average length was 18 inches, and their weight, 9^ ounces, showing an increase of ten inches in length. In August of 1902 their average length was 23 inches and the average weight 3 pounds. In March of 1903 the young alligators were 3 feet, 9 inches 85 The Crocodilian! long; they weighed 14 pounds. At the time of this measurement they were but two and a half years old, yet had increased thirty- seven inches in length. The last measurements of this series of specimens were made on November iyth, 1905, and demonstrate a surprising rate of growth. The specimens showed an average length of 5 feet, 6 inches, and a weight of 50 pounds. In a wild state, growth is undoubtedly more rapid than here noted. The female alligators construct their nests near shallows, teeming with fish. The temperature of these Southern swamps is very high and the atmosphere reeks with moisture. In such places, where small fish are so abundant that they may be scooped out of the water with one's hand, in the high tem- perature and sunlight, where everything is conducive to the rapid development of the young saurian, it is probable that it reaches maturity within four or five years. The same, steady rate of growth has been observed with large individuals. A specimen in the reptile house measuring exactly seven feet in 1900, was measured in the fall of 1905; its total length was then 10 feet, 1 1 inches. All of the specimens figuring in these measurements were kept in large tanks, heated to a temperature of about 90° F. This almost tepid water is a correct imitation of the native bayous. If alligators are kept in cold water, especially during the Northern winter months, they feed but poorly or not at all, and growth ceases altogether. Distribution. — Rivers and swamps of the low, coastal region, from North Carolina, throughout Florida, and westward to the Rio Grande, in Texas. Three species of the genus Alligator are known. One species inhabits China; the habitat of the other is unknown. Habits. — The alligator is becoming rare in most portions of the South and extermination is not far distant. Many cir- cumstances handicap the reptile in its battle for existence against mankind. Large and readily discernible, the sight of an alli- gator from a river steamer is usually the signal for a fusillade of lead, and the old theory that the reptile's plated skin is proof against a bullet, no longer holds good. A ball from a modern rifle or a good revolver, will easily penetrate the tough hide of an alligator and produce a mortal wound. But it is not alone 86 The Crocodilian* for purposes of diversion that this inoffensive species is so gen- erally slaughtered. The commercial value of the hide has been an important factor in the thinning of its numbers. Dr. Hugh M. Smith, says:* "// is estimated that 2,500,000 were killed in Florida between 1880 and 1894. Thus does the destruction go on. Moreover, the female alligator constructs a nest that forms a prominent object and renders the eggs at the mercy of vandals. The eggs are eaten in many portions of the South and the search for nests at the proper season, furnishes profitable employment for many persons, as each nest contains a large number of eggs. Young alligators, that have succeeded in mak- ing their entry to the world, frequent the shallow waters to avoid falling prey to large fish and turtles. In such places they are easily captured. They are sold to curio dealers, thence to tour- ists from the North who carry them away to endure a slow death from starvation. From this relentless wave of extermination, the alligator has retreated into the more secluded swamps and bayous. In an almost inaccessible, muddy lake, about forty miles up, and inland a mile from the Savannah River, the writer discovered several large alligators. In his opinion these reptiles were liv- ing a peaceful life of seclusion and he remarked as much to the guide. Such proved not to be the case. The guide explained that some gentlemen who spent a number of weeks each year in hunting deer through the region had "spotted" the place and paid it repeated visits in an effort to "get a shot at a 'gator." They had killed three large ones and, as a memento of the sport, one of them had removed a section of the hide from the largest animal killed, which was about eight feet long. The guide further explained that the section of skin removed from the big brute was large enough to make into a lady's pocket-book. This little keepsake for the wife of one of the sportsmen possibly forms an interesting object for recalling reminiscences to the minds of the worthy hunters. With wanton slaughter con- tinuing at this rate, the reader may calculate how long the alli- gator will continue to exist. In its native state the alligator is a very voracious creature, though it evinces great timidity toward man. However, when cornered it fights with great energy. This is the case if it is * Bulletin, U. S. Fish Commission, XI, 1891, p. 343. 87 The Crocodilians caught away from the water and prevented from seeking its escape in the element in which it is so agile and at ease. The tail and jaws of an alligator seven or eight feet in length are formidable weapons and usually put into simultaneous action. Unable to turn the head to any extent, upon the short, thick neck, the reptile bends its entire body, in bow-like fashion, reach- ing sideways at an enemy, this motion bringing the tail around toward the head and with force enough to knock a man from his feet and sweep him in the direction of the infuriated brute's crushing powers. The jaws possess great strength, and, armed as they are, with large and numerous teeth, could crush the bones of a man's arm or leg without difficulty. In snapping at an object that has greatly provoked its anger, the jaws of a large alligator will often come together with a deep, booming sound, not unlike the striking of a bass drum. If discovered in its basking place and the escape is not cut off the wild alligator will always rush for the water in clumsy fashion, plunge in and dive out of sight. So great is this reptile's fear of man that no matter what may be the size of the saurian, from a twelve-inch "barker" up to a twelve-foot bull that shakes the night air of the lagoons with his bellowings, the same shyness is to be noted. A man may with perfect safety go bathing in waters inhabited by alligators and feel assured that his presence has inspired the reptiles Jo place a substantial distance between him and themselves. The food of the alligator consists of fish, mammals and birds. The younger individuals feed largely upon the former, together with frogs, tadpoles and insects. Water fowl fall the frequent prey of the big specimens which approach the unsuspecting quarry from below as the latter paddle upon the surface. A ten-foot alligator can easily swallow a medium-sized duck, entire. If the prey is too large to be swallowed whole, it is shaken violently and thus torn. This shaking process is so vigorous that the entrails of the prey are often sent flying for a distance of twenty feet or more. Sometimes, when swimming for shallow water, there to swallow the food, another alligator is met and the two reptiles indulge in a not altogether bad-tempered tear- ing up of the food. Each takes a firm hold and turns around bodily in the water in an opposite direction from that of the adversary. The manoeuvre soon divides the morsel. As the 88 Copyright, 1907, by Duubleday, i'age & ALLIGATOR, Alligator mississippiensis. In all o! the large rivers of the South the Alligator has been practically exterminated. It is yet moderately abundant in lalfs and lagoons surrounded by heavy timber or swampy areas. Copyright, 1907, by Doubleday, Page & Company AMERICAN CROCODILE. Crocodtlus amencanus. The extreme southern portion of the Florida peninsula is the only portion of the United States inhabited by a true , crocodile. This species is abundant in Mexico and Central America. The Crocodilians throat of the alligator is furnished with a valve-like develop- ment, the reptile is able not only to open its mouth, but to break the bones of its prey while under water in a series of masticatory movements and without a drop of water passing beyond the valve, which is voluntarily opened and closed. To swallow its food the alligator must raise its head above the water. This it sometimes does by lurching suddenly upward while in deep water and swallowing with a single gulp. It more frequently comes to shallow places to swallow the prey. In this habit it differs from other semi-aquatic reptiles — like the turtles. The latter not only swallow their food beneath the surface, but are unable to eat otherwise. The writer witnessed the greediness of a very large alligator, illustrated in a tragic manner. As a dog, weighing about fifty pounds, unwarily approached the edge of this creature's tank, it was suddenly grasped and before completing its first yelp of terror was dragged beneath the sur- face. A few minutes later the twelve-foot saurian appeared at the top, holding the dead canine in its jaws. The dog was shifted about, amid the sound of breaking bones, and swallowed head first, and entire, after a few gulps. Among reptiles, the alligator is unique in giving voice to a loud noise, or bellow. In the Southern swamps the night air carries the call of a large individual for a mile or more. The "bellowing" of an alligator is hard to describe, as it varies greatly in cadence according to the size of the reptile, and from a sound like the gentle "mooing" of a cow with the small alligator of about five feet, ranges to a thundering and tremulous blast of the big male — ten feet or more in length. As the patriach gives voice to his roars, the scent glands — on the under-surface of the chin — are opened and fine, steamy jets of a powerful, musky- smelling fluid float off into the heavy, miasmatic atmosphere of the bayou. The odour may be carried for miles and to the negroes it always signifies, "a big, ol' 'gator." THE AMERICAN CROCODILE Crocodilus americanus, (Laurenti) Little in the way of description is necessary as under the head of the Alligator, the structure of the present species has been compared with the former. The Crocodile is a more slender and a much more agile 89 The Crocodilian! species than the alligator. Its long, narrow and pointed head at once distinguishes it. Compared with the alligator, the teeth are larger (longer) and more pointed. By a peculiar development of the snout — immediately in front of the nostrils — two of the teeth of the lower jaw usually pierce the upper, bony process and their points glisten above the dark skin of the snout. Colouration. — Young specimens are distinctly greenish, with black markings. Half grown individuals and young adults are olive, while very old specimens are dull gray. The olive or gray tints may be at once recognised from the black, or blue- black of an alligator, and if the creature be in the water and the head not clearly distinguishable, the colour is a good character upon which to judge the animal's kind. Dimensions. — As the Crocodile in Florida frequents portions of the peninsula that are less disturbed than the domains of the alligators, occasional very large specimens are recorded. The maximum length appears to be about fourteen feet. Specimens eleven and twelve feet long are not rare in the extreme southern portion of the state. Following are the measurements of an adult, female specimen, in the New York Zoological Park: Total length 10 feet, 2} inches. Length of Tail 4 feet, 9 Length of Head 22 Length of Largest Teeth i Girth of Body 3 feet, 1 1 Weight 280 pounds. Distribution. — The American Crocodile was first discovered in the United States by Mr. William T. Hornaday. North of Mexico, the species occurs only in the extreme southern por- tion of the Florida peninsula. Regarding it, Mr. Hornaday writes: "The presence of a true crocodile in Florida was not discovered until 1875, when a pair of specimens of large size were collected in Arch Creek, at the head of Biscayne Bay, by Mr. C. E. Jackson and the writer. The male measured 14 feet 2 inches (with 4 inches of his tail missing) and the female 10 feet 8 inches. Since that date, at least seventy specimens have been taken between Lake Worth and Cape Sable. Lake Worth is the Northern limit of the species, but it is most abundant in 90 The Crocodilians the watery labyrinth of low land and shallow water where the mainland of Florida reluctantly sinks into the Gulf." South of the United States the American Crocodile has an extensive range. It occurs from central Mexico to Ecuador and in the West Indies. It is more frequently abundant in salt- water marshes. Habits. — The Crocodile is a considerably more agile and more vicious reptile than the alligator, yet in a wild state this species does not exhibit hostility toward man. The sight of a child will send a twelve-foot specimen rushing from its basking place for the water, and a man may even bathe with safety in rivers frequented by the species. The dangerous, "man-eating" crocodiles inhabit India and Africa. In the habit of choosing certain basking places along the river bank and repeatedly crawling into these spots to sun, this creature resembles the alligator. It usually selects "water holes" (deep places in the streams) as its lair and here hides under the shelving bank on the1 lookout for food. Of the nine captive specimens that have, at various times, been under the writer's observation, all have exhibited a uniform viciousness approaching actual hostility. This in direct op- position to the reptile's timidity when in a wild state and al- together different from the good-natured demeanour of captive alligators which learn to follow their keeper about like dogs, feed from his hands and permit the man to walk over their backs in unceremonious fashion. One captive (Florida) crocodile was so hostile that it would chase the keeper from its enclosure if he attempted to enter and for a quarter of an hour or more would hiss with much vigour and snap its jaws with rage. An- other large specimen permitted the keeper to enter the paddock, but could never be trusted as it would frequently turn upon the man with wonderful agility. This creature could actually run, with some speed and grace, the body raised fully a foot from the ground. Compared with the clumsy movements of an alli- gator, its activity was surprising for a creature of so similar a structure. In spite of their ugliness, these captive crocodiles were voracious in their feeding and anxious enough to take food from their keeper's hand — in fact so greedy were the brutes that they were very dangerous. They would spring half their length out of the water by suddenly elevating the heavy tail, 91 The Crocodilians and, as that member fell, like the weighted end of a see-saw, the body shot upward; this movement was assisted by an up- ward leap, bringing the animal fully five feet out of the water and with good certainty of aim at the object it was after. They were given fowls, large fish and raw beef, at intervals of about three days apart. On this food they flourished and grew at about the same rate as the alligators. The specimen from which the measurements were taken deposited thirty eggs. These were three and one-half inches long and two inches in diameter. The shell was hard and con- siderably thicker than that of a duck's egg. PART III. THE LIZARDS Order LACERTILIA CHAPTER X: CLASSIFICATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN LIZARDS Of the North American reptiles the lizards present the greatest number of families. Following is a classified arrange- ment of the families and genera: Order LACERTILIA FAMILY GENUS NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES GECKONID^E (The Geckos) EUBLEPHARID,E (Geckos) IGUANIOE (Iguanas, Chuckawallas , Desert Lizards, Swifts, Horned"Toads" Etc.) AN GUIDES < IPhyllodctctylus . 2 Sp« cies Semi-arboreal Terrestrial Arboreal Semi-arboreal Terrestrial Mostly terrestrial Terrestrial M Sphaeroddctylus . . . . . . I EublephaTts . . . . I ' f A nolis . . . . I Ctenosaura . . . . 2 DipsosauTus . . . . I Sauromalus . . . . 2 Crotaphytus . -I CallisaiiTUs . . . . I Unta . 4 Holbrookia Ufa . . .11 ScelopoTU-s . . IT, Lysoptychus . . . I Phrynosoma ... 12 Gerrhonotus . 4 Obhtsaurus . . . I Glass Snakes) [ HELODERMATID/E -I Heloderma i " (Beaded Lizards) ( XANTUSIID^; | Xantusia ............... 5 " (Includes the Striped Lizards) i Cnemidophorus ........ 8 95 Classification FAMILY GENUS r NORTH AMERICAN SPECIES EUCHIROTID* J Ewhirotes i Species Subterraneous (Two-footed Worm Lizards) I (Worm Lizards) Rhineura \ Eumeces ................ 14 " Mostly terrestrial (The Skinks) ( Lygosoma .............. i Terrestrial A niella . (A limbless species) Total number of species: 97 Subterraneous CHAPTER XI: THE GECKOS FAMILIES GECKONID/€ AND EUBLEPHARID^ A Large Group of Granular- scaled Lizards, Represented by Four Species in North America Classification and Distribution. — The Geckos form a very large group of lizards. They are divided into three families and these comprise over fifty genera. The species are distributed throughout the semi-tropical and tropical portions of the globe. They abound, in varied form, in the tropical portions of the Old World, some frequenting the dense jungles, others living upon burning, desert wastes practically devoid of other signs of animal life. A vast majority of the species are nocturnal. Structure. — The Geckos have not the scaly aspect of most lizards. Their skin appears soft, like that of a toad; this is caused by their very minute scales. The eyes are usually large, with an elliptical pupil. With most of the species the toes are much flattened, or expanded in the form of adhesive disks, thus ena- bling the reptile to run up a smooth, perpendicular surface. The tail is characteristic in its thick, swollen outlines; it is easily separated from the body. Many of the tropical Geckos attain a large size — a foot or more. All of the North American species are diminutive. Two families of this group are represented in the United States — the Geckonidce and the EubUpbaridce, by a total number of four species. The families are separated by a slight difference of the skeleton. The North American species may be recognized from other lizards by the flat, pointed head which is swollen at the temples, the minute scales of the body and the short, very thick tail. The usual length is from three to four inches. One species occurs in Florida; another is found from Texas to California and two species inhabit the peninsula of Lower California. Following is a key to the four North American Geckos : 97 The Geckos FAMILY GECKONID/C A. Scales coarsely granular. Brownish yellow, with small, dark spots. REEF GECKO, Spbaerodactylus notalus. Distribution. — Key West, Florida; Cuba; Bahamas. B. Scales exceedingly small. *io — 12 rows of enlarged, separated, wart-like scales on the back and sides. Brownish yellow; 8 — 10 darker bands (transverse) on each side. TUBERCULAR GECKO, Pbyllodactylus tuberculosus. Distribution. — Lower California. **No enlarged, tubercular scales. Gray; 5 broad, black cross-bands with pale centres. CAPE GECKO, Phyltodactylus unctus. Distribution. — Lower California. FAMILY EUBLEPHARID/E Brown, with pale yellow cross-bands or blotches. BANDED GECKO, Eublepbaris variegatus. Distribution. — Texas to California. The Genus Pbyllodactylus: Twenty-five species are con- tained within this genus. They occur in Lower California, Mexico, Central America and tropical South America, Africa and Australia. Following are details concerning the two species found in North America: THE TUBERCULAR GECKO; WARTY GECKO Pbyllodactylus tuberculosus, (Wiegmann) From the other North American Geckos this lizard may be told by the rows — loto 12 — of enlarged, separated, wart-like or tubercular scales, running lengthwise on the back and the sides; between these the scales are very minute. The toes are much flattened and expanded at the tips, the under sides of which form adhesive disks to aid the creature in running over smooth, upright surfaces. The eye is extremely large, with upright (elliptical) pupil. Colouration. — Pale, brownish yellow or reddish-yellow above, with eight to ten darker transverse bands on each side of the body; a dark brown streak on each side of the head passing 98 THE REPTH-E BOOK PLATE In this work the length of a turtle's shell is the straight length from end to end- nol following the curve The length of a lizard's head is from the tip of t.;e snout to the rear margin of the ear opening The length of a serpent's head is from the tip of the snout to immediately behind the junction of the jaw bones METHODS OF MEASURING REPTILES 7"- :.: RBJ I '--:•: Pl.ATI XXXI I MOTION OK I HI! UI.AI). - I.I/AKI) r., Rortral. i. *.. IntrnuMl: p. /.. Prefrontal; /.. Frontal; t. o., Supra 1 «. /.. Upper Labials; fr. o., Preocular; /ar.. Lorral, p. o., P<*t«K ul.ir; n. I»*cr Labiab; /. #.. Pronto- 1' &* hod of the icrpmt i* that of the Fa* Snake, Coluber itdpintu; that of the lizard represents • Skink, Emmimi **i*queH*tai*i) The Geckos through the eye. The tail is ringed with a darker hue than that of the body. Lower surfaces white. Dimensions. — Total Length 4J inches. Length of Tail 2A " Width of Head * " Distribution. — Lower California, Mexico and Central America. THE CAPE GECKO Phyllodactylus unctus, (Cope) The scalation of the body is uniformly small. As with the preceding species, the toes are much expanded at their tips and form adhesive climbing organs — "suckers." As the species is confined to the Cape Region of Lower California, where but one other gecko is found — the preceding — and that is distinctly different in scalation, no lengthy description of the present rep- tile is necessary. Colouration. — Gray above,with five broad, blackish cross-bands on the body, which are paler in their centres; tail also banded. A dark band on each side of the head, passing through the eye. Dimensions. — Similar to the preceding species. Distribution. — The Cape Region of Lower California. The Genus S-phcerodactylus: About twenty species are known. They inhabit southern Mexico, Central America, Colom- bia and the West Indies. One occurs in southern Florida. THE REEF GECKO Spbaerodactylus notatus, (Baird) A very small species, but with much coarser scalation than the preceding ones; the scales are keeled. Tail thick and short; limbs small and with expanded toes. Colouration. — Brownish yellow, with scattered, circular spots of reddish-brown; these spots fuse, on some specimens, producing dull bands, extending lengthwise; usually a central, dark marking on the head, becoming broader in the rear. Dimensions. — Total Length 2f inches. Length of Tail if Greatest F_ T6¥ Width of 1 ,. 1 Length of f Length of \ Length of T\ The Gecko* Distribution.— Key West. Florida; the Bahama Islands; Cuba. The family EubUpbarida: The members of this family arc closely allied to the Geckonida, differing from the typical geckos only in superficial characters of the skeleton. There are seven species of the EubUpbarida, these comprising three genera. Most curious about the family is the distribution of the species. One inhabits the Southwestern United States; three are found in Central America, two in Southern Asia and the remaining species in Africa. Concerning this remarkable scattering of members of a smSll family. Boulenger remarks, in his Catalogue of the Lizards of the British Museum: "This extraordinary distribution seems to indicate that the few representatives of this small family are the remnants of some ancient, more gener- ally dispersed group; it nevertheless remains a matter of won- der how forms, now so widely separated, have retained so great a resemblance, not only in structure, but also in the pattern of colouration." A description of the only species occurring in North America proper, is given: THE BANDED GECKO EubUpbaris tartegatus, (Baird) Small in size; the form is similar to the other small, North American geckos. Colouration. — This very pretty creature displays, among different individuals, considerable variation of pattern. The arrangement of the colours may be divided into two phases — landed and spotted. With the former, the ground colour is rich ydlow. crossed by broad bands of chestnut brown. On the body. these bands terminate on the sides; they completely encircle the tail however, which is thus vividly ringed with the light and dark hues. The heid is dark, the eyelids margined in pribv. The spotted form is bi >wnish yellow, with small and irreg- ularly scattered, brown blotches. The eye-lids are bordered with yellow; there is a light spot on the snout and a row of yel- lowish spots on the upper Dimensions.— Followin' a^e the measurements of an adult from Eagle Pass 400 The Geckos Total Length 3 inches. Length of Tail i£ Width of Body J> " Width of Head ^ " Distribution. — Appears to be restricted to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. It is rather abundant. Habits. — Both the spotted and the banded forms occur in the same localities. The animal is rather nocturnal and may be found issuing from among loose stones or from cavities in the rocks about twilight. Its movements are fairly active, but seem slow when compared with the swifts and the "race- runners" or other lacertilians with long, powerful limbs. The food consists of small insects, carefully stalked, then taken by a rush. When caught, these creatures emit a faint, squealing sound, something like that produced by certain beetles (the "longhorns") when held in the fingers. A number of specimens from Tucson, Arizona, were very sluggish, unless disturbed, when they appeared quite anxious to bite one's fingers, turning the head upon the side and opening the mouth widely, which position would be maintained for about ten seconds. Several letters are at hand warning the writer of the very poisonous nature of this lizard. It seems that over a considerable portion of the distribution, the species is thought to be more dangerous than a poisonous serpent. This is a curious fallacy, for the lizard is in every way harmless. Its bright colours have possibly excited the idea of venomous properties. *w* CHAPTER XII: THE AMERICAN CHAMELEON GENUS ANOLIS The North American Representative of a Large, New World Genus of Lizards that are Remarkable in the Habit of Frequently Changing Their Colours THE American "Chameleons" are members of the family Iguanidce and represent the genus Anolis, to the number of over a hundred species. They are in no way related to the true chame- leons (Chamceleontidce) of the Old World, but rival those lizards in the characteristic of frequently and completely changing the body hues — an involuntary process, mainly influenced by light and temperature. Anolis is a New World genus, distributed throughout Mexico, Central America, tropical South America and the West Indies. But one species occurs in the United States. With it, the trait of changing the body hues is most developed of any of the North American Iguanidce. THE AMERICAN CHAMELEON; ALLIGATOR LIZARD; FENCE LIZARD; "GREEN" LIZARD Anolis carolinensis, (Cuvier) A superficial glance at this lizard shows it to closely resemble the outlines of a young alligator — in miniature. The head is proportionately large and very distinct from the neck, but the tail is long, round and slender. From all other North American lizards — except the geckos — this species may be immediately told by the formation of four of the toes on each foot; these are expanded, flattened and form adhesive pads; they enable the animal to traverse smooth, vertical surfaces with the same facility as the geckos. The body is covered with minute scales, above and beneath; they are larger on the head and tail. On the top of the head is a ridge-like prominence of shape similar to a javelin head and IO2 The American Chameleon pointing toward the snout. The skin of the body is rather loose and hangs in a fold at the throat; with male specimens, this fold is dilatable into a "fan," and when fully expanded shows a bright red skin between the scales separated by the distension. In proportion to the reptile's size, the limbs are long, par- ticularly the hind pair. They are more developed for jumping and climbing than for running over the ground. Compared with the diameter of the orbit, the eyes are very small; this condition is caused by the surrounding skin or eye-lids, giving the eyes an independent, rolling movement and, consequently, great scope of vision. Owing to the varying hues, no definite colour or pattern can be applied to the species. The colour varies according to the mood of .the individual from different shades of brown into emerald green ; during the darker phases, there is usually a pale, clouded band on the back. The colour changes are described under Habits. Dimensions. — The measurements of an adult male specimen are given; the female is smaller, with a narrower and more pointed head. Total Length 7j inches. Length of Tail 4! " Length of Head f " Width of Head TV " Length of Hind Limb if " Distribution. — Principally, the coastal region of the south- eastern United States — in the northern portion of the range — from the Neuse River, in North Carolina, southward throughout Florida and westward to the Rio Grande, in Texas. Abundant in Mexico. Also found in Cuba, where it grows to a considerably larger size than in the United States. Habits. — The American Chameleon acquires its name from the trait of changing colour to a remarkable degree. In this respect it rivals the true chameleons, of Africa. The most com- mon hues of the Anolis are brown and green. It curiously dis- plays, the latter brilliant hue quite persistently in connection with conditions that widely differ. When sleeping, it is invariably pale green, the abdomen immaculate white. When pug- naciously fighting with jts fellows, the same bright hue appears. If badly frightened, the green soon suffuses the entire body. 103 The American Chameleon At other times, the lizard may be of a dark, rich brown. This is often the hue assumed in the brighest hours of sunlight. In collecting these lizards and placing them in wire-covered boxes the writer has always noted their change from various hues, prior to capture, to a scrambling collection of several dozen emerald green lizards. If the gauze cage be laid down for half an hour or so while the collector rests the lizards soon take on a brownish tinge, but as soon as the box is again carried about, and the occupants are shaken up and frightened, the brilliant colour appears among them all. During the early morning or as the afternoon wears away, the prevailing tints are slaty or yellowish. The change of colour is rapid. A dark brown example will fade to a pale leaf-green within three minutes time. Dur- ing the colour changes the varying hues are striking; the brown gives way to a beautiful, golden yellow; this, in turn may fade to slaty gray and a general peppering of white dots appear over the back. In describing these colour changes it is appropriate to cor- rect a widespread and incorrect idea; this is to the effect that the change of colour is influenced by the shade of the object on which the reptile rests. There is no relationship or influence be- tween the lizard's colours, and its surroundings. A brilliant green individual may often be seen resting upon a weather-stained fence rail, or a dark brown specimen hopping from one green leaf to another. The writer remembers an enterprising dealer who exhibited a number of these reptiles in a glass-fronted cage; the back of the cage was divided into four squares of vivid colour — yellow, red, green and blue. Continually annoyed by curious observers the lizards showed the brightest shades of green, but inconsistent with the dealer's idea, for they huddled together on the square of vermilion which was situated in the most secluded corner of the case. The change of colour is brought about principally through temperature and light and their influences on the creature's activity; also by anger, fear and sleep. The most repeatedly observed colour is the green of the sleeping reptile. When poorly fed and in an enervated condition the skin shows dark spots and blotches. At death, the body is usually green, with scattered patches of black. 104 The American Chameleon The males are provided with a peculiar throat pouch. This may be expanded at will, to the accompaniment of an emphatic nodding of the head. At best but an ornament and perfectly flat when extended, it is exhibited during times of love-making or previous to combats — and vicious indeed are the fights between rival males for an exceptionally desirable stretch of fence-rail; the fight is called off with the loss of a tail on one side or the other; with his writhing souvenir, the victor struts about for some time, repeatedly nodding his head and dilating the throat fan while his body glows in a resplendent tint of emerald. Strictly diurnal, the "Chameleon" appears with the rising of the sun, from where it has been sleeping; the resting place is generally a horizontal twig, well hidden among the leaves. The morning prowl is prompted by a hungry stomach. A large and tempting fly is stalked in the same fashion as a cat does a bird. Slinking forward, with body close to the bough, the lizard nears the victim, then quivers for the rush; there is a dash, with open jaws, and the prey is caught. Before the fly is swallowed the sharp little teeth are employed to masticate it. The Anolis confines its food entirely to insects. It will not eat earthworms, nor will the majority of small lizards. In captivity the "Chameleon" makes a pretty and amusing pet, soon learning to take food from one's fingers. Mealworms and flies are the favorite food; it will also take roaches. The sugar and water diet so often imposed upon these reptiles by kindly-intentioned but misinformed people, is only taken by the lizard to quench a killing thirst, for these little animals drink much and if deprived of water will rapidly weaken and die. Their method of drinking is to lap the drops of dew from vege- tation. The quarters of captive lizards should be sprinkled daily that the reptiles may drink in this manner; they do not readily find a dish of water. While it is agile and favoured by the adhesive foot pads that enable it to run over smooth surfaces, at various angles, this lizard is not nearly so difficult to capture, if a little strategy is employed, as the swifts (Sceloporus) or the race-runners (Cnemi- dopborus). Compared with those lacertilians, its gait is very tardy. 105 CHAPTER XIII: THE IGUANAS Large Species That May be Recognised by Their Fine Scalation and Spine-like Crest THE true Iguanas are represented in North America by two species that barely come within the limits of this work. One inhabits Lower California; the other extends northward from Mexico into southern Arizona. Distribution of the Iguanas. — The large and powerful lizards, comprising several genera and known collectively as Iguanas, occur in tropical South America, Central America, Mexico and the West Indies. Cyclura and Metopoceros are restricted to the West Indies; Conolopbus and Amblyrbyncbus occur in the Galapagos Islands; the species of Ctenosaura inhabit Central America, Mexico and the extreme southwestern portion of the United States. The genus Iguana has the most extensive distribution, ranging from Mexico into Brazil. General Structure. — Most of the species are of very large size — some growing to a length of six feet. The body is heavily built, the head is large and blunt, with powerful jaws, and the tail is long. Most characteristic is the scalation of the body. The scales are minute, but upon the back is a crest of large, flat spines. The Spiny-tailed Iguanas — Genus Ctenosaura: Two species of this genus are the only Iguanas occurring in North America proper. The genus may be popularly defined by the structure of the tail. The appendage is covered with rings or whorls of large, spiny scales. As may be appreciated, such a scalation is really formidable and the tail is employed as an offensive weapon, in dealing quick, lashing blows. The feet are provided with long toes and strong claws and these lizards are very agile climbers, in fact, partially arboreal in habits. Ctenosaura is composed of six species. 106 , The Iguanas Key to the North American Iguanas I. A row of upright spines on the back; tail with rings of large spines. Genus Ctenosaura. Si^e large — three to four feet. a. Crest extending a little more than two-thirds the length of the back. Brown, with blackish cross-bands. CAPE IGUANA, Ctenosaura hemihpha. Distribution. — Lower California. b. Crest extending to the rump. Black, above and beneath. BLACK IGUANA, Ctenosaura multispinis. Distribution. — Southern Arizona to Mexico and Central America. II. A row of flat, enlarged scales on back; tail with rings of small scales. Genus Dipsosaurus. Si%e small — about twelve inches. Pale brown, a net-work of darker brown. DESERT IGUANA, Dipsosaurus dorsalis. Distribution. — Deserts of the southwestern United States; Mexico. The Cape Iguana, Ctenosaura hemilopha, Cope. As this large species is confined to the Cape Region of Lower California, where it is the only reptile of its kind, it cannot be confused with other lizards. The spiny crest on the back extends but a little more than two-thirds the length of the body on male specimens, barely two-thirds on the female. The tail is covered with alternate rings of very large spiny scales, and small, smooth scales; on the top of the tail the spines are upright, forming a crest, though they are less developed than the spines on the side. Colouration. — Olive gray, or greenish above, with blackish crossbands on the forward portion of the body. Dimensions. — Total length, 4 feet; length of tail, 32 inches; greatest width of head, 3 inches. Distribution. — The Cape Region — Lower California. The Black Iguana, Ctenosaura multispinis, Cope. General structure similar to the Cape Iguana, but the spiny crest extends farther back — to the rump. Colouration. — Usually uniform black, above and beneath. Four specimens received by the writer were of an intense, jet- 107 The Iguana* black; the crest of spines and the ringed, thorny tail, as polished as ivory. Occasional specimens are blotched with brown. Young individuals are often bright green. Dimensions. — Like the preceding. (See measurements.) Distribution. — Extreme southern Arizona, to Central Amer- ica. Habits. — If cornered, a large, Spiny-tailed Iguana is a really dangerous creature. The brute's offensive powers are quite in keeping with its looks. Sombre in colouration, powerful of body, the head thick-set with swollen jowls, the eyes dark and keen with blood-red corners and, to add to the general fighting aspect, the formidable tail; this appendage bristles with coarse spines. If the creature has a chance to escape, it always flees from man. It may be surprised while basking in the open, when it rushes for cover; most frequently it is seen stretched upon a fallen tree, or on a low branch, and then the escape is precip- itous— utterly without dignity; the reptile actually hurls itself to the ground and tears through the undergrowth with a crash- ing that might be produced by a frightened cow. If the lizard is cornered, it flashes into a state of viciousness that might stand off a well-trained dog. The tail is lashed from side to side and the powerful jaws are open and ready to seize the enemy in a bulldog grip. As captives, these lizards require a great amount of sunshine and very large cages. They are omnivorous feeders and are fond of tender vegetables, such as lettuce and celery tops; they will also eat various fruits, but among these prefer bananas. Most specimens feed voraciously upon young birds and small rodents, and are surprisingly agile in catching the prey. It is shaken to death, then quickly swallowed entire. In a wild state, the Iguanas are undoubtedly carnivorous to a great extent. In Mexico, Central America and South America, Iguanas are brought to the market in large numbers. They are regarded as an excellent food and alleged to taste like chicken. The Genus Dipsosaurus: One species — probably a de- generate iguana— forms this genus. It is a desert reptile, oc- curring in the southwestern portion of the United States and in Mexico. In structural characters it seems to be closely allied 108 The Iguanas to the large, arboreal iguanas of Mexico and Central America. The general aspect and size appeal somewhat to the lizards of a succeeding genus — Crotdphytus. THE DESERT IGUANA; KEEL-BACKED LIZARD Dipsosaurus dorsalis, (Baird & Girard) The body is stout and rounded, with very long, gradually tapering tail. In proportion to the size of the body the head is very small; it is thick-set and rounded. On the centre of the back, from immediately behind the head and extending down the greater length of the tail, is a single row of enlarged scales; these are distinctly keeled. This char- acteristic scalation shows a close relationship to the typical iguanas. The general scalation of the body is fine and granular; the scales on the tail are larger than on the body, are keeled and arranged in ring-like series. Colouration. — Pale brown above, with wavy, parallel dark brown or black lines — running lengthwise; these lines, tend to form a net-work or reticulate pattern, enclosing yellowish spots. The tail is generally yellowish, with dark, ring-like markings above. Pale and immaculate beneath. Dimensions. — An adult specimen from southern Arizona, was measured as follows: Total Length 1 i£ inches. Length of Tail 7^ Greatest Diameter if Width of Head* f Length of Head — ear to snout Length of Hind Limb 2'f Length of Front Limb if Distribution. — Desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. The species occurs in Lower Cali- fornia, the desert regions of southern California and in the Colo- rado and Mojave Deserts of Arizona; it is also found in the Amargosa Desert, Nevada. Habits. — Like the other thick-bodied desert lizards, this species is largely herbivorous. It feeds upon buds, small flowers and tender leaves. Captive specimens will greedily eat the * Note the proportionately small head. 109 The Iguanas blossoms of red clover, swallowing each flower practically en- tire, after but superficial attempts at mastication. The tail of this lizard is very brittle and if the creature is picked up by that member, parts with it readily by a quick twist of the body. 110 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE XXXIII REEF GECKO, Sphaerodactylus notatus The otly true gecko found in the United States. Occurs near Key West, Florida BANDED GECKO, Eublepharis variegatus Represents the family Ruble pharidae, which differs from the Geckonidae in the structure of the skull and in having functional eye-lids AMERICAN CHAMELEON, Anolis carolinensis Male with the throat fan extended THE REPTILE BOOK PLATI: XXXlV IGUANA. Cyclura carinata \ \Vi-st Indian species, closely allied to the Iguanas that inhabit the extreme southwestern portion of the l'nitc'1 State I-'.RT IGUANA, Dipsosaurus dorsalis Traces of a dorsal crest show the relationship of this lizard to the larger Iguanas of the tropics. It is mostly herbivorous CHAPTER XIV: THE GENERA SAUROMALUS AND CROTAPHYTUS . Fine-scaled Representatives of the Iguanidcf The Chuckawallas — Genus Sauromalus: Of the two species, one is little known; the other is a desert reptile and fairly com- mon in the southwestern portion of the United States. The Chuckawallas are very stout, with a fine, granular scalation, both above and beneath, and on the top of the head; the scales on the neck are spiny. One of these lizards attains a considerable size — two feet or more; the tail is short and blunt. Fully adult specimens are of a dull, uniform brown. Definition of the Species. Scales of the upper surface of neck much enlarged and spiny. Scales of the back terminating in a sharp point. Attains a maximum length of about two feet. ISLAND CHUCKAWALLA, Sauromalus hispidus, (Stej.) Distribution. — Has been found on Angel Island, Gulf of California. Scales of the upper surface of neck, small and granular. Scales of the Back rounded. Attains a length of about fourteen inches. COMMON CHUCKAWALLA, Sauromalus ater, (Dumeril). Distribution. — Deserts of the Southwest. Following is a detailed description of the common species: THE CHUCKAWALLA Sauromalus ater, (Dumeril) The largest lizard of the southwestern desert region, with the exception of the Gila Monster (Helodermd). Body very broad; head proportionately large. Both pairs of limbs are stubby; the tail is thick, flattened (horizontally) and but slightly longer than the body. Colouration. — Mature individuals are practically uniform in S*.arom*lus and Crottphytvs in colour, being dull brown, olive or black above; abdomen rusty red, dotted with black. The young are usually olive, marbled or spotted with black on the back; some are banded with reddish, this intermixed with yellow dots. The pattern is more pronounced on the tail. Dimensions. — The measurements given are from a specimen taken a few miles south of Phoenix, Arizona : Total Length 12 inches. Length of Fail 5 Width of Body 3 Width of Tail, at base i J Width of Head if Distribution. — Desert regions of the southwestern United States — southern Nevada and Utah, Arizona, eastern California, Lower California, and northern Sonora, Mexico. Habits. — Little is known about the habits of the Chuck- awalla or "Chuck-walla." It inhabits rocky places in the deserts. The single living specimen in the writer's collection lived but a few months. When sleeping it was dark brown, but as the sun shone upon the sand of its cage and it became more active the body hue grew much lighter — almost yellow. This lizard had a very poor appetite. It occasionally nibbled at tender leaves of lettuce and celery. Dissection of the stomachs of preserved specimens shows the Chuckawalla to be quite her- bivorous. The Genus Crotaphytus: The three species are confined to the southern United States and northern Mexico; they are of moderate size. Body stout, head large; tail very long, cylindrical and slen- der. Above and beneath, the scales are fine and granular. Top of the head covered with small, granular scales — larger than those of the body; scalation of the tail in narrow rings. Ear drum large; a fold of skin on the throat. Key to the Species I. Head very large; body short and stout. Pale, with numerous white or yellow dots; a double black collar on neck. COLLARED LIZARD, Crotaphytus collaris. 112 \ THE REPTILE bock \\x\i SAND LIZARD, I 'ma. tiotata A desert species that differs in its peculiar pattern from other American lizards /.l.i;k\ I Ml. 1.1. li/.\ki). CUKmrMtfwwNtfa U'htn running, this desert il» i.iil < urled ova the luck SPOTTED LIZARD. IfnlbrnnHcmnniM* A species of Iho >y Doubicday. Page & Comp COLLARED LIZARD. Crotapkytus collaris. A wonderfully active species of the sub-arid regions and the deserts proper. It often rears the body upward. running swiftly on the hind legs. Copyright, 1907, by Doubleday, Page & Cotnpar.; LEOPARD LIZARD, Crotaphytus wislizenii. Similar in habits to the Collared Lizard. It is both herbivorous and cannibalistic, preying largely upon the ground swifts and horned "toads." Note protective colouration. S^urotnjtfus and Crotaphytas The writer's specimens dug hollows in the sand, under flat, shelving stones. They retreated to these hiding places shortly before sunset and always remained in them on cloudy days. One of the largest females — n inches long — deposited 21 eggs, during the early part of August. The eggs were T7^ of an inch in diameter and | of an inch long; their covering was as thin and soft as paper. THE RETICULATED LIZARD Crotaphytus reticulatus, (Baird) Form very similar to that of the Collared Lizard; head large and very distinct from the neck. Colouration. — Yellowish brown or grayish; head, body, limbs and tail covered with a net-work of pale gray or yellow; there may be traces of the double collar, but this is usually absent. Dimensions. — Like the preceding. Distribution. — Texas. . , THE LEOPARD LIZARD ' Crotaphytus wisli^enii, (B. & G.) Head much narrower than that of the preceding lizards. Body more elongated; tail very long and slender. Colouration. — Yellowish brown, with large, rounded, black or brown blotches on the body and limbs. Between these blotches are numerous brick-red dots; the blotches may be outlined with borders of dots. There are usually pale, narrow lines crossing the back; the tail is coarsely reticulated with light and dark hues. Throat barred with black. Dimensions. — Total Length 12 inches. Length of Tail 8£ " Width of Body WidthofHead || " Length of Head H Distribution. — The Great Basin. Occurs from eastern Oregon to northern Mexico. Most abundant in the desert re- gions of eastern California, Nevada and Arizona. Does not range as far east as the Collared Lizard; the distribution in the East does not appear to extend beyond New Mexico and extreme southwestern Texas. - "5 CHAPTER XV: THE SPOTTED LIZARDS ; ZEBRA- TAILED LIZARDS Small and Strictly Terrestrial Species of the Genera GALLIC SAURVS, UMA and HOLBROOKIA THIS chapter embraces a number of small, ground lizards that live in dry and open places — the plains, sub-arid regions and the deserts. To match the pale sterile soil, their colours are light; the pattern of none is rich in hues, though some have the under side of the tail alternately barred with black and white and such species when running, carry the tail curled over the back, hence the popular title — the Zebra-tailed Lizards. In the colouration, Callisaurus is precisely like Holbrookia — yellowish or grayish above, with two rows of darker, angular blotches on the back, but these genera are separated by Uma, according to the structure. Outline of the Genera General Characters. — Body rather stout; tail of moderate length, scalation of the body and tail, above, fine and granular; abdomen covered with larger, rounded scales. Top of the head with numerous rounded scales — not plates. Gray, yellowish or green, with two rows of angular blotches. Usually one or two ink-black spots on each side of the abdomen. Tail uniform white beneath, or barred with black. I. Ear Drum Exposed. Toes long, without spiny fringes. Genus Callisaurus. Distribution. — Deserts of the Southwest. Toes long, with spiny fringes. Genus Uma. Distribution. — Deserts of the Southwest. II. Ear Drum Concealed Under The Skin. Toes long, without spiny fringes. Distribution. — Central and Western States. Genus Holbrookia. The Genus Callisaurus: A single species is recognised. It is confined to the arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. 116 THE RKPTILE BOOK I'LATK XXXVI11 HvturuoKia propi,iqua and Callisaurus draconoides. From above and beneath these small lizards appear very similar. The species of Holbrookia, however, may be immediately recognised by the absence of an ear-opening Collared Lizard, Crotaphytus collaris — female. Note the narrow collar, as compared with the markings of a male specimen, on another plate Desert Iguana, Dipsosaurus dorsalis. The row of enlarged the back represents the crest of the tropical iguanas STRUCTURAL CHARACTERS OF NORTH AMERICAN LIZARDS, Iguanidae The Spotted Lizards; Zebra-tailed Lizards THE ZEBRA-TAILED LIZARD Callisaurus draconoides, (Blainville) Head small and flattened. Limbs very long; the hind leg applied forward reaches to or beyond the snout ; tail flattened. Colouration. — Grayish, dotted with white; two rows of angular, or V-shaped blotches on the back, fusing into angular bands on the tail. Abdomen white, with a bluish patch on each side; each blue area contains two, sometimes three, ink-black bands. Lower surfaces of the tail of male specimens white, with black bars; the female lacks these bold markings, or they are but little evident. The colouration is much like that of the Texas Zebra-tailed Lizard, Holbrookia texana, but the present species may be easily told by the exposed ear drum — tympanum. Several varieties have been recognised — gdbbii (Cope) and ventralis (Hallowell), but their varietal characters are not strik- ing enough to appeal to the student. It should be remembered that the ear drum at once separates this lizard from all the species of Holbrookia. Dimensions. — Total Length 5f inches. Length of Tail 2^ Width of Body Width of Head T\ " Length of Head ^ " Distribution. — Western Texas to California ; Lower Cali- fornia; northern Mexico. Principally abundant in the desert regions of eastern California, Arizona, southern Nevada and southeastern Utah; in these areas it is the most common of the various species of lizards. Habits. — Like most of the terrestrial lizards this is a won- derfully active creature, running with such speed that the human eye can barely follow it. It usually curls the tail over the back when running, showing the vividly marked under-surface. Some- times it runs for a short distance on the hind feet, a habit al- ready .explained in connection with the species of Crotaphytus. The food seems to consist partly of insects and of small blossoms and tender leaves. The Genus Uma: Four species have been named. All seem to be rare. The genus differs from Callisaurus in a peculiar 117 The Spotted Lizards; Zebra-tailed Lizards development of the feet. Along the inner and outer margin of most of the toes, is a fringe of flat spines; this character is seemingly Nature's provision to aid these liza-ds in rapidly traversing the desert sands; to assist in this arrangement, the under portion of each claw is hollowed out — cup-like — and has sharp edges. The same development is found with some of Old World desert geckos. It is interesting to find such pro- nounced examples of adaptation, on exactly similar lines, in forms so far removed from one another both in classification and habitat. Similar conditions have been described under the head of the Horned Rattlesnake, Crotalus cerastes. Following is a key to the species of Uma, embracing some of the definitions of Cope, who named three of these lizards. I. Two black crescents on throat; a black spot on each side of abdomen. Blackish, covered with pale and perfectly round blotches, the borders nearly touching; in the centre of each disk is a black spot. Abdomen white, with a black spot on each side. Two black crescents on throat, their points directed forward. Length about 8 inches ; head and body, 4 inches. ROUND-SPOTTED DESERT LIZARD, Uma scoparia, Cope. Distribution. — Has been found near Tucson, Arizona. II. No black crescents on throat; a black spot on each side of abdomen. Brownish, with black, longitudinal lines; the brown between the dark bands often broken up into rounded blotches, each containing a reddish spot. A large, black spot on each side of the abdomen ; throat with narrow, black, longitudinal lines. Length about 7^ inches. RED-SPOTTED DESERT LIZARD, Uma rufopunctata, Cope. Distribution. — Deserts of southern California, south- western Arizona and Lower California. Colouration above, like U. scoparia. Abdomen white with a black spot on each side; chin and throat with a few blue or black spots. OCCELLATED DESERT LIZARD, Uma notata, Baird. Distribution. — Mohave Desert, Arizona. III. No black spots on abdomen, or black crescents on tbroat. Greenish, with darker spots. No black spots on the the abdomen; seven black spots on under surface of tail. COPE'S DESERT LIZARD, Uma inornata, Cope. Distribution. — Colorado Desert. iz8 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE XL PLATED LIZARD, Gerrhonolus mullicarinatiis GLASS "SNAKE," Ophisaurus venlralis. A limbless member of the Anguid GILA MONSTER, Heloderma suspectum STRUCTURAL CHARACTERS OF NORTH AMERICAN LIZARDS. Anguida and Helodermalida - ;-= _= ~ ' -~r = Q '-^ ^ ^. ^ ? "P J ~ '= .'r».v bisfri,ilns The aiM':iion:il t;iil on this sijecimen is an irregularity resulting from an injury to the original member The finest specie* of its genus. ^ \virr. Attain* a length of 10 inches. '. >rqualus poinsrttii lised by the extremely coarse scales and broad black collar The Swifts Sub-division II. Internal border of small scales, extending completely about the margin of supraorbital crescent. Sometimes an additional, but fragmental, external border. Gray, with wavy black cross-bands; an oblong, black patch on each shoulder; a broad, pale band on each side; size large; scales coarsely bristling. SPINY SWIFT, S. spinosus. Division B. A row of large, supraocular plates, with a a single internal border and two external rows of small scales. Larger head plates smooth. Colour phases. — Grayish or olive with wavy, dark cross- bands. Usually a plate band (or two) on each side. Sub-division I . Traces of black collar on sides of neck. Bluish-black; a greenish or yellow spot in each scale; a broad black collar on sides of neck. Size large. YARROW'S SWIFT, S. yarrovii. Sub-division II. No collar. Pale bands on sides. Greenish-gray, with two series of narrow dark blotches (wavy) on back. Size moder- ate.* Bands on sides obscure or lacking. WESTERN SWIFT, S. biseriatus. Dark green, with faint traces of a pale band on each side. Scalation rather fine; size small; apparently confined to southern Cali- fornia and Lower California. VAN DEN BURGH'S SWIFT, S. vandenburgianus. Greenish-yellow, with obscure cross-bands; a very distinct, pale band, on each side; scales moderately coarse; size small. YELLOW-BANDED SWIFT, S. undulalus var. consobrinus. Division C. Very similar to Div. B. in arrangement of the supraocular plates; but the larger plates of the bead are wrinkled longitudinally (rugose). There are occasionally three external borders of small, supraorbital scales. Colour phases. — Grayish, with darker cross-bands. No collar. Pale bands on sides. * Species of this genus that attain an average length of nine inches, may be termed large species; those reaching an average length of seven inches may be considered as of moderate size, while species growing to a maximum length of about five inches are designated as the small members of Sceloforus. 129 The Swifts Large supraocular plates numerous — six; marginal scales numerous and minute; dark green, with a pale, greenish band on each side — these separated by about fourteen rows of scales; two series of obscure blotches; size large. VARIABLE SWIFT, 5. variabilis. Gray, with wavy, darker cross-bands. An indistinct stripe on each side — these separated by about ten rows of scales. Size small. Head plates not always corrugated. Occurs from Atlantic to Pacific Coasts. COMMON SWIFT, 5. undulatus. Scales more bristling than preceding; blotches rather triangular. Occurs on the Pacific coast only; size small. PACIFIC SWIFT, S. undulatus, var. occidentalis. Pale bands separated by six or eight rows of scales; otherwise very similar to S. undulatus. Size small. Restricted to Texas. THAYER'S SWIFT, S. thayeri. Olive-gray; a very narrow, but bright yel- low line on each side — these lines about twelve scale rows apart. Two series of dark crescents on back; size small. STRIPED SWIFT, 5. scalaris. Division D. A double series of moderate-sited, supraocular •plates, bordered internally with a row of smaller scales and externally by one or two rows of small scales — which latter rows may be of ir- regular formation. Sub-division I. A broad, jet-black collar, completed above. Scales very large and bristling. Obscure, dark cross-bands on olive ground; a broad, black collar, margined with yellow and com- pleted above. Size very large. COLLARED SWIFT, S.torquatus, var. poir.settii. Sub-division II. No collar; pale bands on sides. Olive gray. A pale band on each side, about two scales wide and separated by about eight scale rows. Obscure cross-bands. Size moder- ate. SAGE-BRUSH SWIFT, S. graciosus. Following is a descriptive list of the species: The first group of the Spiny Swifts to be considered, is Division A of the key, with which the inner border or margin of small scales along the edges of the supraocular plates is in- The Swifts complete — extending only about two-thirds around the crescent- shaped margin — the rear supraoculars being in contact with the larger plates of the head. There is a single outer margin of small scales. The colouration of the members of this group is in no way characteristic. Clark's Swift, Scekporus darkii, (Baird & Girard), is a fine species, with large, sharply pointed, bristling scales. It is rather characteristic from the large and very regular scala- tion of the head, the shields being so sharply outlined that the scale formula may be noted by the novice without the least difficulty. Each body scale contains a greenish or bluish patch and is usually edged with gray. The spots within the scales vary greatly in intensity according to the activity of the individual. If the lizard is active the greenish spots assume such decided hues that the entire body appears to be of a greenish or bluish tinge. If it is sluggish, the gray edges of the scales suffuse the brighter colours and the prevailing hue is dull gray. On some specimens there is a series of dull, wavy cross-bars of a dark hue on the back; others have no trace of these, but on all there are indications of a broad, black collar on the sides of the neck; this is not margined with a lighter colour, nor is it visible from above. The under-side of male specimens is dull whitevwith a patch of vivid blue on each side of the abdomen and a similar patch on the chin. Dimensions. — Following are the measurements of a speci- men taken near Tucson, Arizona: Total Length 9 inches. LengthofTail 5 Width of Body if " Width of Head i Distribution. — Inhabits the deserts and sub-arid regions of the southwestern United States. It occurs in southern Cali- fornia and in Arizona generally, New Mexico, southern Nevada, southwest Utah and northern Mexico. Hafiits. — Although an abundant lizard, it is difficult to cap- ture. It skims over the desert soil if pursued, and, if decid- ing to stop for a moment to reconnoitre, will actually slide a few inches from the great momentum of its scampering pace. If near a "pole" cactus or a yucca tree, it darts upward at a The Swifts bewildering speed. The collector stands about as much chance of catching specimens with his hands alone — possibly assisted by a net — as he would if trying to collect birds in such primitive fashion. The up-to-date collector who is after such specimens, to preserve them, carries a small-bore shot gun and shells loaded with very fine shot. This swift seems to be particularly abundant about Tucson, Arizona. A collector sent the following, in a letter to the writer: " I have been after those big swifts for some time, but would rather catch rattlers. Not that the latter job is the most pleasant, but the trouble expended is well repaid by the character of the specimens captured. Although these swifts are common enough, tnere is generally about as much labour and excitement in catching a few as rounding up a bunch of wild steers. If you do get near enough to make a grab, the brute seems determined to make your efforts as fruitless as possible, by twisting off most of its tail. They can run up the yuccas* a great deal faster than a sauirrel can get up a tree. I am sending you four — all without tails. ' The tailless specimens arrived safely in New York and were placed in a cage at a south window. Here they obtained sun- light for the greater part of the day. On cloudy days, or during the early morning before the sun shone into their cage, they were dull and sluggish, either lying flattened against a log or clinging in the dark corners. As the first few inches of sunshine crept into the cage, they took immediate advantage of it, first basking, so as to thoroughly warm their bodies, then begin- ning to frisk about in the liveliest fashion. Their sombre gray tints of the early morning changed to a rich, greenish hue, or, if one of the males became greatly excited after being chased about the cage by one of his sex, the green gave way to a pro- fuse sprinkling of pale blue over the back and tail, while a broad band of jet-black appeared on each side of the neck as indications of the broad collar to be seen on several of the larger species of swifts. At such times, when the head was raised, the vivid blue patches on the chins of the males were strikingly brilliant. These blotches appeared to vary almost momentarily from the richest emerald green to a light purple, thence to a pale, sky blue. As the sun crept out of the cage again, these creatures of the light once more retired to the log and the dark corners, to flatten, with eyes half closed and colours fading into dull gray hues. Apparently the sun was half their life. They fe< 132 The Swifts only during the hours of the brighest light and highest tempera- ture, taking mealworms, grasshoppers and various caterpillars, shaking the larger ones violently, in much the same fashion as a terrier treats a rat. They could not be induced to feed on cloudy days, even though the temperature was high. About two months after the arrival of these specimens, each of them exhibited about a quarter of an inch of a new tail, growing from the broken stump of the original member. This second tail grew slowly. On one specimen it attained a length of about two inches, but on the others grew to lesser propor- tions, though all were large — nearly four inches long in com- bined length of head and body. Eight months after their arrival, no further growth could be noted. The new tails were abruptly pointed and covered with a different and much finer scalation than the lost appendage. These lizards passed the winter in a well-heated room at a sunny, south window, and were fully as active during the cold months as in the summer. They lived for several years. The Banded Swift, Sceloporus {osteromus, (Cope), is one of the three species of the former portion of Division A in the key. Occasional specimens exhibit two external rows of small, supra- ocular scales. The scales of the body are large, keeled and bristling. It is one of the largest species of the genus, attain- ing a combined length of head and body, of 3^ inches. Ground colour olive; a broad, reddish band on each side of the back. On some specimens there are narrow, dusky cross- bands. Throat and abdomen tinged with bright green or blue. Distribution. — The Peninsula of Lower California. Orcutt's Swift, Sceloporus orcuttii, (Stejneger), is another species of Division A, and readily distinguished by its smooth scales, which are large and terminate in a sharp point. This lizard grows to a length of over eight inches; with a specimen 8f inches long, the combined length of the head and body would be about 3f inches. There are a series of enlarged scales imme- diately in front of the ear opening. In its colouration this is one of the most striking of the swifts. The ground colour of adult specimens is brownish upon the back and blackish upon the sides, although little of this ground colour is apparent, owing to the remarkable spots and blotches upon the scales. The scales of the back have a bright, The Swifts bluish spot at their base and are tinged with red at their margin. Those of the sides are more finely spotted (speckled) with these colours. The limbs and tail are usually of a rich, blue tint. Al- together the effect is that of a stained glass window, in miniature. The greater portion of the abdomen is greenish-blue. Distribution. — Mountain regions near the coast of south- western California. Sub-division II of the first group of Spiny Swifts, contains but one species (north of Mexico). It differs from the preceding in having the inner margin of small scales completely border- ing the crescentic margin of the supraocular plates. There is a single row of external scales with the majority; occasional spec- imens have fragmental indications of a second row. The Spiny Swift, Sceloporus spinosus, (Wiegmann), is one of the large species. The scales are large, strongly keeled and terminate in very pronounced, spiny points, presenting a decidedly bristling aspect. Dull olive Or grayish, sometimes greenish or yellow; a series of narrow, wavy, black cross-bands on the back, continued in closer formation on the tail, in ring-like fashion. On each side of the back, but particularly distinct upon the shoulders, is a pale band, the width of a single row of scales and a half row on each side. Male specimens have a large, oblong, black patch near the region of each shoulder. The abdomen of the male is marked on each side with a large purple blotch, margined with black; little or no blue on the under surface of the female, and on neither sex is there an indication of a black collar. Dimensions. — Total Length 9$ inches. Length of Fail 5^ Width of Body i£ " Width of Head i Distribution. — Abundant in Mexico and extending north- ward, and commonly, throughout western Texas and New Mex- ico. As far east as Dallas it becomes rare, but the distribution in the United States is continued eastward to Pensacola, Florida. Habits. — The Spiny Swift lives most frequently upon the trunks of trees, mostly on fallen timber, over which it runs with an amazing show of speed. Friends of the writer, who have collected the species in Mexico, tell him that it ascends the trunks of trees with a great alacrity until a short distance over The Swifts one's head, when it dodges from one side of the trunk to the other as the observer is trying to locate the reptile, keeping out of the line of vision in the same fashion as a squirrel. Like many of the swifts, these lizards often burrow in the sand at the bases of the trees, to pass the night. In this habit they resemble the horned lizards (Phrynosoma). The majority of captives, if kept in a cage with a few inches of gravel, burrow just deep enough to cover the back, beginning this operation as the afternoon sun leaves their cage. Group B. — We now arrive at the second group of the Spiny Swifts. There is a single row of large, supraocular plates, with a single internal border and two external borders of small scales. The species are of fair or moderate size. Yarrow's Swift, Sceloporus yarrovii, (Cope), is one of the handsomest of the genus. Above it is a dark, rich purple, or bluish-black — the sides and limbs distinctly bluish. Each of the scales of the upper surface contains a pale greenish or yellow- ish spot. There is a broad, black collar on the sides of the neck, bordered by a pale hue. Behind this collar is a V-shaped band of black, extending over the shoulders. The chin and sides of the abdomen are blotched with blue. Dr. Stejneger explains that specimens of this lizard, when sluggish, will assume an almost blackish hue that is quite uniform. The species attains a length of 8 inches. The scales are weakly keeled and not so bristling as with others of the genus. Distributions. — Fairly abundant in the southern portions of Arizona, whence it appears to range a short distance into Mexico. It lives among rocks and takes refuge in fissures when pursued. The Western Swift, Sceloporus biseriatus, (Hallowell). This is the commonest and most widely distributed of the Western species. It is of moderate size. The scales are proportionately small, and the scalation, will, at a glance, appear considerably finer and smoother than many other Scelopori. The usual ground colour is light, greenish-gray. There are no indications of a collar. Across the back are two series of distinct, narrow and wavy bars. These are blackish and narrowly margined in the rear with a much paler hue than the ground colour. The sides of the abdomen and chin of the males are blue — on very old specimens, blackish. The Swifts The species somewhat resembles the common swift (5. undulatus), but differs in reaching a third larger size, having proportionately smaller and smoother scales and much longer limbs. The specimen photographed was remarkable in having two tails. Dimensions. — Total Length 6j inches. Length of Tail 3} Width of Head I " (Not fully grown) Distribution. — The Great Basin and the mountain ranges of the Pacific region from Oregon to San Diego County, Cali- fornia, inclusive of both. Habits. — Mr. D. D. Streeter informs me that he observed many specimens of this lizard on the ground, in rocky districts. They rushed away with great speed when alarmed, making for the clefts under shelving rocks where they invariably defied capture. Van Denburgh's Swift, Sceloporusvandenburgianus, (Cope), grows to a length of only five inches. The scales are proportion- ately small. Dark green above.with faint traces of a pale band on each side, and obscure, darker cross-bands on the back. The greater por- tion of the under surface of the male is blue. Distribution. — This seems to be a rare swift and confined to southern California. The Yellow-striped Swift, Sceloporus undulatus, variety consobrinus, (Baird & Girard). A variety of the common swift and abundant in many portions of the Western States and in northern Mexico. The very distinct stripes, of a pale hue, on the sides, render it rather characteristic. The scales are small and not heavily keeled, although their spiny tips are rather bristling. It represents one of the smaller species. The commonest phase of ground colour is greenish-yellow. On each side of the back are two very distinct and narrow yel- low stripes — the upper the most vivid, covering a width of two and a half rows of scales and separated from its fellow by about eight scale rows. On many specimens there is a dusky band between the stripes, on the sides. There are usually but slight indkations of cross-markings and these are very fine. The Swifts Dimensions. — Total Length 5 inches. Length of Tail 2$ " Width of Body f " Width of Head $ •• Distribution. — The Yellow-striped Swift is widely distrib- uted. It occurs all over Texas and extends northward into Nebraska, southward well into Mexico and westward into Utah, Nevada and California. Group C. — The species of group C are very similar to those of the preceding division and might appropriately be included within it, but usually exhibit a wrinkling of the larger head plates, which are corrugated in a longitudinal direction. With a genus like tke present one, beset with difficulties for the beginner, we must take advantage of even such slight characters to assist in unravelling the general tangle. The members of this group show no trace of a black collar. The Variable Swift, Sceloporus variabilis, (Wiegmann), has acquired its name from the difference in colouration between the male and the female. The large supraocular plates are nu- merous and narrow; they are bordered externally by two rows of very small, almost granular scales. The larger bead plates are strongly wrinkled — rugose. The scales of the body are pro- portionately small. Olive, or dark green, with a pale, greenish band on each side; two rows of blackish spots on the back. The pale bands are separated by about fourteen rows of scales. Male specimens have an elongated, black ellipse on each side of the abdomen and a blackish band beneath the stripes on the side. The females lack the abdominal black marking and the dark band on the side as well. The species attains a moderate size. Distribution. — In the United States this swift seems to be confined to Texas; in that state it occurs as far north as San Antonio. It is common in the eastern portions of Mexico. The Common Swift, Sceloporus undulatus, (Latrielle), one of the smaller species. The scales are of moderate size, well- keeled and moderately bristling; most specimens have the head scales strongly wrinkled — rugose. Gray, sometimes brown or greenish, with narrow and wavy black cross-bands on the back — often in the shape of irregular 137 The Swifts Vs. On each side of the back is an indistinct, paler band; these bands are about ten rows of scales apart. The males have a black blotch under the chin, enclosing more or less blue, also two large, bluish patches on the abdomen. There is little or no blue on the underside of the female. Illustrated. Dimensions. — The measurements represent the average- sized specimen: Total Length 5^ inches. Length of Tail 2$ " Width of Body £ " WidthofHead ^ Distribution. — The typical form occurs abundantly from the Atlantic to the Pacific coasts, from about the latitude of south- ern New Jersey, southward; in the extreme West it ranges as far north as Oregon. Habits. — It is in the dry and sandy pinelands of the south- eastern United States that this sombre little lizard is found in the greatest numbers. The writer has taken many dozens of specimens in the coast regions of South Carolina and Georgia; they show a marked preference for the fallen pines or sections of cut timber, as about such trunks, with their loosening bark, insect life is more numerous than on the living trees. We took the largest numbers of specimens in the saw-mill yards, for the swifts were always abundant on the piles of logs. Few spec- imens were observed running up the living trees and these were usually lizards that had been frightened from derelict timber and taken to the tree inflight. Their movements upon a large, fallen tree trunk, were very amusing. When approached they would dart to the opposite side of the trunk to that upon which one was approaching. As the collector's body loomed over the trunk the lizard would shift its position until it was directly beneath. If every movement of one's approach were slow and cautious, capture was comparatively simple, for all to be done was to make a rapid grab with the hand on the opposite side of the log from that on which the bulk of the collector's body ap- peared. But alas! This grab could not be regulated to the nicety as if you were actually looking at your object, and, although the hand approached with lightning-like rapidity, the lizard started away from it at the same rate. The result was, in many cases 138 The Swifts that you did grasp the creature, but by the tail. A second later a dark object scurries over the sand in direct line for a tree, and up it darts, while you ruefully examine a wriggling tail from which the original owner has twisted itself free. The writer remembers a section in Fairfax County, Vir- ginia, that teemed with these reptiles. They were especially abundant upon an old rail fence that ran a mile or more around a pasture. The stiles of the fence were old and weather-stained and the lizards were in perfect harmony, in their dull, gray tints, with their surroundings. These specimens were not readily captured. They appeared to realise the opportunities of escape offered by the lengthy span of fence. If approached they darted to the opposite side of the fence-rail, then ran for fifty feet or more along the fence, finally peering over to the side of the pur- suer, but, if finding him nearby, repeating the performance. There was another family of lizards living on the rough stonework of the bridge over Bull Run Creek, in Virginia, and these were more elusive than the former specimens for they darted in and out of the crevices between the masonry in a fashion that made capture impossible. Captive specimens remain quite timid, but they are hardy and will live for years. They require an abundance of sunlight and a perfectly dry cage. The food should be mealworms and other soft-bodied insects. The eggs of this species are from three-eighths of an inch to half an inch in length, according to the size of the female. They are oval and covered with a very thin, papery shell; it is in- dented upon the slightest pressure of the fingers. The eggs may be hatched by placing them in moderately damp — not soggy — sphagnum moss, and keeping them in an ordinary room temperature, where their period of incubation is from six to eight weeks. The Pacific Swift, Sceloporus undulatus, variety occiden- talis, (Baird), differs from the typical form in having more brist- ling scales, while the V-shaped blotches of the back are almost solidly -black, thus appearing as dark triangles. This form is confined to the Pacific coast region. Thayer's Swift, Sceloporus tlayeri, (Baird & Girard), seems to be closely allied to the preceding, but the pale bands — one on each side of the back — are nearer together, or about 6 to 8 139 ihe Swifts scale rows apart, while male specimens have two bluish patches on the throat in place of one, as is usually the case with the com- mon species. Moreover, the abdominal plates of ibis lizard are keeled; in this character it is unique among all the species of the genus. It is of small size. Distribution. — Apparently restricted to southwestern Texas. The Striped Swift, Sceloporus scalaris, (Wiegmann), should be enumerated among the moderate-sized species. The head plates are strongly wrinkled and the scales of the body are small, narrow and sharply pointed. Olive gray, with a very narrow, but vividly defined stripe of yellow or white on each side of the back, extending along tbe centre of a single row of scales. These stripes are separated by about six or seven scale rows. Two rows of dusky crescents on the back. Resembles the sage-brush swift, (S. graciosus), of Division D, and several other species that have pronounced, pale bands on either side of the back, but may be distinguished by the very narrow bands, traversing the centre only, of a single row of scales. On the other species the bands either cover the entire width of a single row of scales, or embrace a half row of scales each side of the former. The width between these bands (num- ber of scale rows) is also an important point to be used in deter- mination. The Striped Swift has a round, and jet black spot at the base of the forelimb. Distribution. — Southern Arizona and Mexico generally. Division D. — In the fourth group of those species of Spiny Swifts that occur within the limits of the United States, we have our largest and most showy species and one other, of con- siderably smaller size. With these two species there are two rows of the large, supraocular plates over each eye, bordered internally by a single row of smaller scales and externally by one or two rows. The Collared Swift, Sceloporus iorquatus, variety poinsettii, (Baird & Girard), is a northerly phase of a Mexican species. It is characterised by a broad, jet-black collar, bordered on each side with yellow and extending entirely around ibe upper surface of the neck. The general proportions of this fine swift are illustrated by 140 The Swifts the photo of an adult specimen upon a man's hand. The form is stout and heavy, the tail short and blunt, while the scales are exceedingly coarse, with needle-like bristling points, a char- acter as pronounced on the tail as the formation of the spinous stalks of many plants. When the scales are examined individu- ally, they appear like feathers — being sharply serrated along their edges. The . colouration of the body is dull olive, brown or gray, with indistinct and wavy cross-bands on the back, at a con- siderable distance apart. Around the neck is a broad, jet-black collar, bordered on either side with yellow. The chin of male specimens is blue and there is a bluish patch on each side of the abdomen. From the other species of swifts occuring within the United States and showing traces of a black collar, this lizard may be told by the collar being complete above. Dimensions. — Total Length 9^ inches. Length of Tail 4* Diameter of Tail, at base f " Width of Body ij Width of Head ij Distribution. — Southern Arizona, New Mexico, southwest- ern Texas and northern Mexico. Dwells principally in rocky places. The Sage-brush Swift, Sceloporus gra«05ws,(Baird&Girard), differs from the preceding not only in its considerably smaller size, but in colouration. The scalation of the head is quite similar, but the scales of the body are proportionately small. The ground colour is brown or olive. On each side are two dis- tinct, yellow stripes, these enclosing a dusky band. On each side of the back is a series of dark and narrow crescents. Be- tween the stripes on the sides, is another series, of similar size. All of these crescents are bordered at their rear with yellow, this hue greatly accentuating their outline. In front of the forelimb and almost in contact with its base, is a round, black spot. The abdomen of male specimens is marked with two blue blotches and the chin is tinted with the same colour. Resembles the striped swift (5. scalaris), but may be at once separated by the scale formula of the head and the smooth- ness of the larger head plates. 141 The Swifts Distribution. — Abundant in the Great Basin. It occurs as far north as Oregon and is common in the mountains of eastern California, Idaho, Nevada and Utah to an altitude of 8,000 feet; most abundant on the sage-covered plateaus. Southward it extends through the deserts, into northern Mexico. Regarding identification. — At no part of this chapter has the writer gone into elaborate details concerning the possible necessity of a distinct, varietal name for certain variations, or combating the validity of some species that bear a close resem- blance to others. Before commencing the chapter, he examined a large series of specimens and compared the various species with the technical descriptions in the regular works of scientific nomen- clature. His decisions resulted at the time, in omitting certain alleged species that he did not consider strong and distinct. That part of the work was then looked upon as a closed chapter, and it is not the writer's idea to burden the student with long explanations as to how he arrived upon the list of species as they stand. The point has been to treat a very confusing genus in a manner that will present it to the student from the stand- point of a bird's-eye view. The genus Sceloporus is worthy of an elaborate monograph, but the proper compilation of this would take half a lifetime and study of the combined collections in the museums of the world — besides many additional specimens to solve certain problems now standing. In comparing specimens of Sceloporus the student should count the scale rows, note the proportionate size of the body scales, study the head plates and compare the colouration of one series with another. The locality is also an important factor and will aid in the case of old specimens of exceedingly brilliant colours, as the dots and splashes of brilliant hues will fit into none of the descriptions. An occasional specimen will exhibit a head scalation that seems to be outside the definitions of all the divisions. In such a case, locality counts and helps in removing the puzzling individual from its indefinite status. 142 CHAPTER XVII: THE HORNED LIZARDS GENUS PHRYNOSOMA A Genus of Lizards that are Most Commonly Known as tie Horned "Toads" FROM all the other genera of the North American Lizards, the Horned Toads are very distinct. Their very wide, much- flattened and toad-like bodies, the short tail and the develop- ment among most of the species of sharp, conical horns upon the back of the head and the temples are unique characters. The scalation is also peculiar, as the back is covered with minute, granular scales, among which rise, almost vertically — greatly enlarged and sharply-pointed scales, which are imbedded like miniature pyramids at their bases. Altogether, these lizards are so spiny in their general make-up as to appear quite formidable to the observer uninitiated in their habits. The Horned Lizards are found only in the western portions of the United States and in Mexico. The number of species generally recognised is 17, of which 4 are exclusively Mexican. Several other species occur commonly in Mexico and range but a very short distance northward over the boundary line of the United States. Owing to the fact that the ear drum of several species is covered with a thin skin studded with minute scales, certain writers have seen fit to place these in a separate genus — Anoia. This character appeals to the writer as too superficial for the division of these peculiar lizards into two genera and he has decided to include them all under the head of Plrynosoma. In studying the species of this genus, the following char- acters should be observed, (i) The formations and propor- tionate length of the head spines. (2) The character of the spines upon the back and whether these are surrounded by a rosette of smaller spines, at their bases. (3) The character and number of rows (whether one or two) of fringes of spiny scales 143 The Horned Lizards along the edge of the body. (4) Whether the scales of the ab- domen are smooth or keeled. (5) The arrangement (if any) of enlarged scales upon the chin. This latter character is a valuable one. Habits. — Unlike the vast majority of lizards, the Horned "Toads" are viviparous — producing living young and to the number of from six to a dozen. The young are born in the same fashion as the viviparous snakes. They are encased in a trans- parent envelope through which they soon break. They are at once active and fully able to care for themselves. At birth they possess rudimentary horns and do not exhibit the rough, spiny appearance of the parent. In an illustration accompany- ing this chapter the size of the newly born young may be com- pared to that of the parent. The Horned Lizards are creatures of hot and dry, sandy or sub-arid situations. Many of the species inhabit the deserts proper where the sun, beating without obstruction upon ground destitute of moisture, produces a heat practically unendurable to the human. In these burning, silent and desolate wastes of the Southwest, the little waifs of the sand dart here and there with wonderful rapidity, subsisting entirely upon insect life. It is during that part of the day when the sun is at its highest that they display the most vivacity. Long before the sunset, while the heat waves yet quiver upward from the bleached soil, they prepare themselves for the night. This is a curious process. The little creature imbeds its nose in the sand like the blade of a plow, when it quickly works its way forward a few inches, scooping vigorously with the head in order to produce a furrow. Thus having worked its way a little distance into the sand it flattens the body and employing the sharp, spiny borders of its sides in shovel-like fashion, digs its way deeper and casts the sand over its back. The head is again employed, then the sides again and finally the queer little reptile is entirely covered. Some- times it digs its way some two or three inches beneath the sur- face. At other times — and more frequently — the back is covered but the top of the head is visible and just level with the surface of the sand. In several ways these reptiles are so toad-like that the original and popular name may be readily appreciated. The method of eating is much like that of the toad, a condition strengthened 144 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE XLVI 14 15 HEADS OF HORNED LIZARDS, Phrynosoma Hernandez's Horned Lizard, P. douglassii hernandezi. g, 13 Texas. Horned Lizard, P. cornutum. 2, 6 Douglass's Horned Lizard, P. douglassii (typical). 3, 7 Ditmars's Horned Lizard, P. ditmarsii. 4, 8 Mexican Horned Lizard, P. orbiculare. 10, 14 Ashy Horned Lizard, P. cdidiarum. 11, 15 Regal Horned Lizard, P. regale. 12, 16 Pacific Horned Lizard, P- coronatum. XI.VII DOUGLASS'S HORNED LIZARD, Phrynosoma douglassii The homs are reduced to mere tubercles. Inhabits the northern Pacific region PAINTED HORNHi I.I/AKIi. P. doutlatniornatisiimuf This desert variety slums in it* markings remarkable similarity to the soil HERNANDEZ'S HORNED LIZARD, P. douglassii hernandrti On this variety the horns are much more developed than with the typical form. Common in the Western Plains region The Horned Lizards by the character of the tongue. The Horned Lizards do not procure their prey by a scampering rush as do the majority of the North American lacertilians. In coming in close proximity to the food, the head is bent deliberately, the thick, viscid tongue is quickly protruded and like a flash the morsel has disappeared within the lizard's mouth. Although these actions are very toad-like, all similarity to the movements of the batrachian may a few seconds later be dispelled, when the lizard, taking fright, darts away with the speed of a startled mouse. If caught and handled, the average horned "toad" is rather a spiritless creature. It seldom attempts to bite, although it may vigorously employ the spines of the head in an endeavour to produce injury which is quite impossible, beyond a superficial scrarch. The average specimen shuts its eyes and feigns a state of indifference, or death. Some specimens puff up prodigiously, while others perform to the extreme reverse, flattening the body to such an extent that they seem devoid of internal organs. Oc- casional specimens, when handled, exhibit a remarkable habit. This consists of the ejection of jets of blood from the corner of the eye. It was after examining several hundred specimens, that the writer's inclination to become sceptical about the alleged habit suddenly received a startling reverse. He received an unusually large and fat specimen of a Mexican species — Pbryno- soma orbiculare, of a rich, reddish hue — almost a crimson. After photographing the specimen, it was measured. The latter process seemed to greatly excite the creature. It finally threw the head slightly upward, the neck became rigid, the eyes bulged from the sockets, when there was a distinct sound like that pro- duced if one presses the tongue against the roof of the mouth and forces a small quantity of air forward. This rasping sound, consuming but the fraction of a second, was accompanied by a jet of blood at great pressure. It hit the wall, four feet away, at the same level as that of the reptile. The duration of the flow of blood appeared to be about one and a half seconds and toward its termination the force gradually diminished, as noted by a course of drops down the wall and along the floor to a posi- tion almost under the spot where the reptile had been held. The stream of blood seemed to be as fine as a horse-hair and to issue from the eye-lid, which was momentarily much swollen. For some time after the performance the eyes were tightly closed The Horned Lizards and nothing could induce the lizard to open them. Within two minutes after it was placed on the ground the protruding aspect of the eye-balls and the swelling of the eye-lids had dis- appeared. Most surprising was the amount of blood expended. The wall and floor showed a course of thickly-sprinkled spots about one eighth of an inch in diameter. There were 103 of these spots. In captivity the Horned Lizards are highly interesting and will long survive if properly cared for. They require a screen cage, of fair dimensions, with several inches of fine sand (building sand) and must be kept dry and very warm. A flood of sun- shine, for the greater part of the day, is absolutely necessary to keep them in good health and feeding. Without the sun they exhibit a general lassitude and feed indifferently. Water should be given them in very shallow dishes, sunk in the sand, but care should be taken in filling these that the sand itself is not moistened. Mealworms, which may be obtained at any bird store, form a good food, but specimens are also fond of ants, small, soft-bodied grubs, roaches, grasshoppers and crickets. They will not eat earthworms. A key to the genus follows: Division I. Head spines rudimentary or small — represented by mere tubercular scales, or spines that are little longer than the horizontal diameter of eye-opening. Area inside of the two large rows of plates on chin, com- posed of small, uniform scales, a. Ear drum exposed. f A single row of spiny, marginal scales on body. Head spines reduced to tubercles, or with some varieties, spines that are shorter than the diameter of the eye. DOUGLASS'S HORNED "TOAD," P. dou^lassii — and varieties. Central head spines about equal in length to the hori- zontal diameter of eye-opening. MEXICAN HORNED "TOAD," P. orbiculare. ft No fringe of spiny scales on sides. Central head spines about length of diameter of eye- opening. Abdominal scales smooth. LITTLE HORNED "TOAD, " P. modestum. No head spines. Head very wide and flat at the tem- ples, with ridges forming crown-like process above. Abdominal scales keeled. DITMARS'S HORNED "TOAD," P. 146 The Horned Lizards b. Ear drum covered with granular scales. Head spines rudimentary. Body spines little developed. Colour pinkish or dull red. SMOOTH HORNED "TOAD," P. platyrhinum. Division II. Head spines well developed. a. Ear drum covered with granular scales. t A single series of marginal, spiny scales. Size rather small; head proportionately small, with large, central spines directed upward. ASHY HORNED 'TOAD," P. calidiarum. ft Two series of marginal spiny scales, the lower but slightly developed. Head spines moderate. No enlarged scales on central portion of chin. GOODE'S HORNED "TOAD," P. goodei. Head spines large. Two rows of slightly enlarged scales on central portion of chin. MACCALL'S HORNED "TOAD," P. maccallii. b. Ear drum exposed. * A row of large, projecting plates beneath each series of lower labials, and between these, two double rows or triple rows of enlarged scales. Head spines large, of regular arrangement. One series of marginal spines. CERROS ISLAND HORNED "TOAD," P. cerroense. Head spines large, of regular arrangement. Body spines very bristling. Two series of marginal spines, of equal length. PACIFIC HORNED "TOAD," P. COTOnatum. Four large central horns and three upon each temple, forming a perfect circlet or crown upon the rear of head. One large and one very small series of mar- ginal, spiny scales on sides of body. REGAL HORNED "TOAD," P. regale. **A row of large, projecting plates beneath each series of lower labials; between these, two single rows of en- larged scales. Two large, central head spines, directed upward; three temporal spines. TEXAS HORNED "TOAD," P. Concerning a name. — Thus far, in this chapter, the writer has use'd freely the name "horned toad," but he realises how inappropriate is that appellation in connection with a genus of lizards. However, he feels, that to introduce the beginner to any group of reptiles, it is best to employ a well-known, popular title at the start. Now that we understand our subjects, let us The Horned Lizards altogether drop this misleading title and call these creatures the horned lizards, as they literally are. Among the batra- chians there are actually a number of species of horned toads — true horned toads. The South American genus Ceraiophrys furnishes startling examples in size and grotesque development. Thus we can understand why the name "horned toads," if ap- plied to the present genus of lizards, might be very misleading to a general naturalist. A descriptive list of the Horned Lizards follows: DOUGLASS'S HORNED LIZARD Pbrynosoma douglassii, (Bell) Of the first group comprising the greater portion of this genus — the members possessing an exposed ear drum — Douglass's Horned Lizard exhibits the most rudimentary horns. Three phases of this species may be recognised. With the typical form and one of the varieties, the horns are reduced to mere tubercles. The third phase has very short horns — shorter than the horizontal diameter of the eye. The limbs are proportion- ately shorter than of the other horned lizards. As the accompanying illustrations very clearly delineate the various characters of the three phases, elaborate details would be superfluous. These points distinguish the three varieties; all of which have smooth abdominal scales, and small, equal-sized scales upon the chin: Size small, limbs short. Horns reduced to tubercles. Snout very blunt. DOUGLASS'S HORNED LIZARD, P. douglassii, typical, Bell. Length of adult. — 4$ inches. Distribution. — The northern and Pacific district including the slopes of the Sierra Nevada Range. Size moderate. Horns more developed, although of tubercular form. Pattern vivid. Snout more pointed. ORNATE HORNED LIZARD, P. douglassii, variety ornatissi- [mum, Girard. Length of adult. — 5 £ inches. Distribution. — Desert regions and dry plateaus east of the Sierra Nevada Range, from Canada to Mexico. 148 THE REPTILE BOOK PLATE XLV111 DITMARS'S HORNED LIZARD, Phrynosoma dilmarsii The horns are reduced to tubercles and the back lacks the spiny aspect of most of the species. Has been found in northern Sonora, Mexico MEXICAN HORNED LIZARD, Phrynosoma orbiculart A large Mexican species. Most examples are of a dull red hue THE REPTILE Boo£ PLATE XLIX REGAL HORXED LIZARD, Phrynosoma regale A showy species of the southwestern deserts. The only member of its genus having four central occipital horns. the temporal horns produce the effect of a circlet or crown. The horns are often pinkish Thfs<- ami 1"» PACII H H»K\I I, I.|/\KI,, l'llr^osoma coron,ilum Most nearly allied to the Regal I! I U,t .liffmng in thi- mon- efaapta body, th.- thiik.-r ami longer tail, and in having only two occipital hc.rns. Inluil.iLs southern California and Lower California The Horned Lizards Size moderate. Horns more developed and nearly as long as the horizontal diameter of the eye. HERNANDEZ'S HORNED LIZARD, P. douglassii, variety her- [nandesi, Girard. Length of adult.— $\ inches. Distribution. — The Great Plains and Rocky Moun- tain district generally — an abundant form. This species is interesting in demonstrating, in all its phases, the remarkable similarity of the colour of individuals to the soil on which they live. It is illustrated to an extraordinary degree with specimens found in areas where the soil is of an unusual shade. Several specimens of the desert form ornatis si- mum collected for the writer were examined with surprise;/^ were distinctly pink, with white spots. A letter received from the collector contained the following explanation: "The horned toads sent you were taken in a region where the soil was pinkish, scattered with fine white pebbles. They were very difficult to see, unless mov- ing. Dr. Stejneger described specimens of the typical form from the San Francisco Mountains, that exactly match in their ground colour the soil and rocks, while their paler markings are perfect imitations of the lichens covering the rocks. He further explains that even more remarkable are the specimens collected by Dr. Merriam in a black lava belt. These specimens were satiny black, with rich, yellow markings — even the gloss of the lava was imi- tated. A female specimen of this phase and her young are fig- ured in an accompanying photograph. Through the courtesy of D. D. Streeter, Jr., the writer has received a number of living female specimens of the variety hernandesi, from Wyoming. This afforded an admirable op- portunity of studying the young horned lizards, which are pro- duced alive and a few minutes after birth are able to scurry over the ground with an agility equal to that of the parent. The average brood of young among these specimens numbered ten. The young creatures appeared quite smooth. Their skin was soft and delicate. All of these young reptiles were born during the early part of September. THE MEXICAN HORNED LIZARD Phrynosoma orbiculare, (Wiegmann) This species falls readily into the first group of the genus, by reason of its short horns and exposed ear drums. The scales 149 The Horned Lizards of the abdomen are smooth, and the chin scales are small and regular with no enlarged rows. The enlarged scales of the back are but slightly bristling. The horns are barely larger than those of Hernandez's Horned Lizard; the central horns are the larger and of about the same length as the horizontal diameter of the eye opening. As with Douglass's Horned Lizard and its varieties, there is a single row of spiny, marginal scales on the side of the body. Colouration. — Dark reddish brown above, with four trans- verse brown or black spots on each side of a pale band from the back of the head to the tail; these spots are generally bordered with yellow. The tail is banded. The abdomen is yellow, spotted or marbled with black. Dimensions. — Total Length 5} inches. Length of Tail, Male, 2\ Greatest Width of Body if Length of Central Horns \ " The tail of the female is much shorter than that of the male. Distribution. — Extreme southern Arizona — possibly New Mexico and southwestern Texas. Northern and central Mexico, generally. THE REGAL HORNED LIZARD Pkrynosoma regale, (Girard) In every character, this is the finest species of the genus. It attains a considerable size (for the genus) and the circlet of large, flat spines upon the rear of the head at once impart a unique aspect. There are four large central head spines and three spines upon each temple. All of these spines or horns are in such perfect alignment that a crown-like effect is pro- duced. 0} all the species of Phrynosoma, this stands unique in the possession of four central head spines (occipital spines). The plates beneath and parallel with the lower lip plates (labials) are exceedingly projecting. Tbere are two rows of enlarged scales on each side of the chin. The scales of the abdomen are smooth. There is a single row of spine-like scales along the side, and beneath this, for a portion of the body's length, a much smaller fringe. The Horned LUardt The large scales of the back have four keels, which combine in forming a sharp point. Colouration. — Pale brown, with a narrow, pale band on the back. There are two obscure, dark blotches on the neck and three or four dark blotches on each side of the back. All the markings are obscure. Beneath, the colour is yellowish white, with or without spots. Dimensions. — Total Length (Grows to 7 inches). . . 5$ inches. LengthofTail if " Greatest Width of Body 2j Length of Outer Pair of Central Horns f Distribution. — Southern Arizona — the Gila and Colorado Deserts; Sonora, Mexico. This species has usually been considered very rare and is seldom seen in collections, and the writer was much surprised to examine a dozen living specimens, received in one shipment, from Phoenix, Arizona, that had been collected by Mr. George F. Breninger. Following is a portion of a letter from Mr. Brenin- ger: "The horned toad I am now sending you is the true form of the desert." (This refers to a specimen of Pbrynosoma ealidiarum). "It is quite a different 'toad from those taken about the city" (P. regale) "which, I believe, have been brought from elsewhere, for ten years ago they were rare." The writer has also received several specimens of the Regal Horned Lizard from Tucson, Arizona. These were especially large specimens, with quite distinct markings and pink horns. Habits. — As a captive, this is one of the most hardy species of the horned lizards. When handled it tries to defend itself by thrusting its head upward and backward, thus bringing the spines vigorously into contact with one's fingers. CERROS ISLAND HORNED LIZARD Pbrynosoma cerroense, (Stejneger) The present species seems to be closely allied to the Pacific Horned Lizard, from which it differs in having but a single row of the spiny, marginal scales, and having rounded horns. There are two central horns, and three successively enlarged horns on each temple. On each side of the chin are three rows of enlarged scales. The abdominal scales are smooth. The Horned Lizards Colouration. — Brownish gray. A dark patch on each side of the neck, and three irregular cross-bands on the back. Ab- domen cream colour, with dusky spots. Dimensions. — Total Length ................... 4^ inches. Length of Head and Body Distribution. — The type specimen was taken on Cerros Island, off the west coast of Lower California at about the mid- dle of the peninsula. The species has not been found elsewhere. THE PACIFIC HORNED LIZARD; CALIFORNIA HORNED LIZARD . Pbrynosoma coronatum, (Blainville) The Pacific Horned Lizard is narrower of body than other species and the proportionately longer tail accentuates this character. The large and numerous spiny scales of the back and tail, impart by much the most bristling appearance of any of the North American species. There are two large, cen- tral head spines, and three successively larger spines or. each temple. All of the horns are flat. There are from three to four rows of enlarged scales on each side of the central line of the chin. On each side of the body are two rows of fringe-like spiny scales, the upper series the larger. The scales of the breast and abdomen are smooth. Some specimens have one, some two rows of spiny mar- ginal scales on the tail. Upon this variation was based a species known technically as Pbrynosoma blainvillei, (Gray). As other distinctive characters are lacking and as specimens of this alleged species show the same peculiar body outlines of this very dis- tinct Western lizard, we must place the name in the category of a synonym, under the head of the present species. Colouration. — Pale grayish or brown above, with a large, reddish-brown patch on each side of the nape; three, transverse bands of similar colour on the back, often bordered in the rear with white or yellow spots. Abdomen yellow, with dusky gray patches. Many examples have horns of a decidedly pinkish tinge. Dimensions. — The measurements given are of an adult specimen from San Diego County, California: 152 The Horned Lizards Total Length . 6J inches. Length of Tail 2^ Greatest Width of Body i £ Length of Central Horns $ The tail is very broad at the base and tapers very gradually for the greater part of its length. Distribution. — Southern portion of the Pacific region. The ranges of the species is from immediately south of San Fran- cisco, southward into the peninsula of Lower California and into Sonora, Mexico. It is particularly abundant in the desert regions of San Diego County, California. Habits. — A very hardy lizard in captivity. Of the various species of Phrynosoma observed by the writer, specimens of this reptile have lived the longest and adapted themselves most readily to captivity. They are very fond of mealworms, but will also take ants, grasshoppers and crickets. THE TEXAS HORNED LIZARD Pbrynosoma cornutum, (Harlan) Most widely distributed and abundant of all the horned lizards. It is the proverbial horned "toad" brought back by the Eastern traveller from his trip to Texas. The head spines are large. There are two central horns, rounded and directed rather sharply upward. On each temple are three successively larger horns, the last or rear one slightly smaller than the central pair (occipital horns). Slightly beneath the lower lip plates (labials) is a row of enlarged and projecting plates. On each side of tbe central region of the cbin is a single row of enlarged scales. Among the great majority of specimens, the scales of the abdomen are keeled; a few have faintly keeled or smooth scales. There are two well-developed series of mar- ginal, spiny scales. This is a very stout, rounded species, with a small, thin tail. Its outlines are in strong contrast to the preceding one. Colouration. — The markings are very distinct. A vividly- defined, yellow band on the back, extends from immediately behind the head and' down the tail. On each side of the nape is a large, dark blotch. Three dark rounded spots on each side of the back, usually bordered in the rear with a narrow crescent of bright yellow. On the top of the head are 153 The Horned Lizards three dark bands; beneath the eye are three wider bands. Ab- domen yellow with numerous dark, round spots. Dimensions. — Following are the dimensions of a large spec- imen from Texas: Total Length 6 inches. Length of Tail if " Width of Body 2| Length of Central Horns ^ " Distribution. — In the Central States this species occurs as far eastward as Missouri, and has been recorded in western Illi- nois, though it does not, at the present time, appear to exist as far east as the locality of the latter record. Farther south, its most easterly limit is western Arkansas and thence on a line southward to Galveston, Texas. Westward the species ranges throughout the great state of Texas, through New Mexico, Ari- zona and into eastern California. Its most northerly limit in the United States, appears to be Nebraska. In Mexico it occurs in the states of Chihuahua and Sonora. It is most abundant in Texas. Habits. — The habits are in no way different from the other horned lizards described. It is fairly hardy in captivity, but does not live so well as the California species, or the fine, Regal Horned Lizard of the Arizona deserts. DITMARS' HORNED LIZARD Pbrynosoma ditmarsii, (Stejneger) In considering this recently discovered species, we arrive at what might be termed the second group of horned lizards. The general size of the species is rather smaller than those pre- viously described, while the scalation of the body is finer. Thus these species appear much smoother and less bristling than the former lizards. With several of the species, the ear drum is covered with granular scales and is not visible externally. Like that portion of the genus already treated this latter portion is so arranged that the species with rudimemtary horns precede those with well developed head spines. The present species is practically hornless and has the widest head of any of the genus. The head is considerably wider than long. The region of the temple is produced into a flat, crest- like prominence, bordered in the rear with large scales, but no The Horned Lizards actual horns. On the lower jaw are two rows of enlarged, very keen-edged plates, which, instead of being parallel with the lower lip plates as with other species, extend obliquely from them, downward. The central chin scales are small and of uniform size. The scales of the abdomen are strongly keeled. The back of this species is quite smooth, and sprinkled with enlarged, keeled scales laying quite flat against the skin. There is no margin of spiny scales. Lacking the head spines and bristling, spiny exterior of most of the species, the aspect is very toad-like. The tail of the female is much shorter than the male. Colouration. — Sandy red, with obscure, dark cross-bands on central portion of the back. Dimensions. — Total Length (Male Specimen) .... 4 inches. Width of Body if " WidthofHead. 1} " Length of Head | Distribution. — But two specimens are known — a male and a female. They were taken in Mexico, in the state of Sonora, a short distance south of the southern border of Arizona. Habits. — The writer has observed but one living specimen. It was an interesting creature and lived about a year. It would feed only when the sun was shining brightly upon the sand of the cage, when it took large ants, grasshoppers, crickets and mealworms. The ants were snapped up in a manner appealing much to the habits of the true toads — namely, the bending of the head downward toward the prey, the instant protrusion of a pink tongue and the sudden disappearance of the insect in a movement so quick that the human eye was unable to fol- low it. This movement was attended by a single gulp on the part of the reptile. There was no subsequent mastication. The swallowing of larger prey was attended by a curious series of mano3uvres. There was the same momentary, downward pointing of the head and the prey was conveyed to the jaws like a flash, but as it was too big to be drawn entirely into the jaws by the action of the tongue, it was roughly masticated and worked into the mouth by an extraordinary process of wip- ing the jaws from one side to another upon the sand and with such vigor and rapidity that numerous grains were thrown against the glass sides of the cage. After swallowing a large The Horned Lizards insect, the reptile assumed an astonished expression, opening the eyes widely, then nodding the head violently up and down, six or eight times. Although the general demeanour of the horned lizards is timid and inoffensive, occasional specimens make ludicrous attempts at self defence. The present specimen was curious in this regard. When annoyed it would arch its back, point its snout downward, then make jumps of fully an inch from the ground, from this position, each jump being accompanied by a miniature hiss, which sounded like a sneeze. The performance was altogether clown-like and far from alarming. When the lizard discovered that its efforts were unsuccessful in driving the intruder away, it resorted to flight, in a scamper for a dark corner. Late in the afternoon it so buried itself in the sand, that only its nostrils and the crown-like top of the head were visible, and these so closely matched the colour of the sand that a close inspection was necessary to find it at such times. The animal died from inflammation of the intestines, a condition that kills many of the captive horned lizards and may result from the change of environment, from the absolutely dry and warm sands of the desert — the home of most of the species — to the general clamminess that pervades sand or gravel in our damp, Eastern climate, unless the bottom of the cage is heated by steam or hot water pipes — rather a difficult provision in a private collection. The rarity of this horned lizard might be accounted for in the consideration of its relatively smooth skin and absence of head spines, rendering it an easy prey for various snakes. Thus the general abundance of those species with bristling body spines and long horns upon the head might also be explained. THE LITTLE HORNED LIZARD Phrynosoma modestum, (Girard) Appeals to Ditmars's Horned Lizard in the absence of the marginal, spiny scales, at the edge of the abdomen. It is a comparatively smooth species, and the head spines are small. Thus it lacks the spiny, bristling appearance of the larger species. Like the preceding, the ear drum is exposed or but partially covered with granular scales, a character which removes it from all of the succeeding horned lizards. The scales of the abdomen 156 THE REPTILE BooK KATE L TEXAS HORNED LIZARD, Phrynosoma cornutum Commonest and most widely distributed of the horned lizards. Found from Missouri to Texas and westward to California ASHY HORNED LIZARD, Phrynosoma calidiarum A rare species. Found in the deserts of Arizona and eastern Calif ore ;a KiPTlLE PLATE LI KEELED LIZARD. Gerrhonotus mtiltifarinalus An abundant lizard in the Pacific Region. Il> shingle-like stairs and the deep fold on carh side — characteristic of the Anguida — readily distinguish it from lizards of other families in the United States LONG-TAILED EXAMPLE or THF Kl I I i:n LIZARD. Grrrhonotus multiforinc TV tout length of this uprcimen Li i si inches, of which the tail u.kes up 10 inches The Horned Lizards are smooth and there are no enlarged rows of scales in the cen- tral portion of the chin. Colouration. — Pale, yellowish, or pinkish. A large black patch on each side of the nape — but this is sometimes indistinct. There are practically no cross-bars on the back, although the tail is usually banded. The abdomen is yellowish-white and, with the exception of the region of the vent, is immaculate; there are frequently several small patches of black both in front and behind the vent. Dimensions. — Total Length 3f inches. Length of Head, including Horns. . . || Width of head, including Temporal Horns -j-f " Distribution. — Western Texas, New Mexico and Arizona; the states of Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico. THE ASHY HORNED LIZARD Phrynosoma calidiarum, (Cope) The ear drums are not visible, being covered with fine, granular scales. Among those species that follow, all of which exhibit this character, the present one may be recognised by the single row of marginal, spiny scales. Back quite spiny; head spines well developed, particularly the central horns, which are directed quite sharply upward. Upon gross examination this resembles the Texas Horned Liz- ard, P. cornutum. The central portion of the chin is covered with small scales, of uniform si%e. The scales of the abdomen are perfectly smooth. Colouration. — Ashy-gray, with wavy black cross-bars. Ab- domen immaculate white; on the chin and at the base of the tail are a few black spots. Dimensions. — The measurements of an adult male, from the Gila Desert, are given: Total Length 4£ inches. LengthofTail ij " Greatest Width of Body 4 Length of Central Horns J Distribution. — Appears to be very rare. The type spec- imen was taken in Death Valley, eastern California. The writer received a specimen from the Gila Desert, south of Phoenix, Arizona. The Horned Lizards GOODE'S HORNED LIZARD Pbrynosoma goodei, (Stejneger) Goode's Horned Lizard is one of the smallest species of the genus. It attains a slightly larger size than the P. modestum, the Little Horned Lizard. The spiny scales of the back are but slightly protruding and the general aspect is that of a toad- like creature with quite smooth, granular skin. The ear drum is covered with granular scales. Two rows of marginal, spiny scales, but the lower is very fine and small. Scales of the ab- domen perfectly smooth. The head spines are peculiar; they are of fair size, but the two rear temporal horns are quite the size of the central (occipital) horns. Colouration. — Alcoholic specimens are grayish above and white beneath. There is a blackish spot on each side of the nape, and a series of black spots on each side of the back. The abdomen is white and immaculate. Dimensions. — Total Length 4^ inches. Length of Head and Body 2§ " Distribution. — This is a desert species. It has been taken in Sonora, Mexico, and possibly occurs in southern Arizona. THE SMOOTH HORNED LIZARD Pbrynosoma platyrhinum, (Girard) This abundant species differs from the other horned lizards having the ear drum covered with granular scales and possessing a fairly smooth skin, in tbe structure of the bead spines, which are rudimentary. They are barely longer than the horizontal diameter of the eye-opening. There are two single rows of slightly enlarged scales on that portion of the chin embraced by tbe sharp, projecting plates beneath tbe lower labials. Scales of the abdomen smooth; two series of marginal, spiny scales at the edge of the abdomen — the lower but slightly developed. Colouration. — Pinkish-gray or brownish-gray; a large, dark patch on each side of the nape. The back is marked with dark, wavy cross-bands, which may be very indistinct. Abdomen immaculate white. Dimension. — Total Length 5 inches. Length of Head and Body 158 The Horned Lizards Distribution. — Abundant in the desert and sub-arid regions of eastern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and southern Idaho. MAcCALL'S HORNED LIZARD Pbrynosoma maccallii, (Hallowell) The last lizard of this genus is of rare occurrence. It has the longest head spines of any of those species with concealed ear-drums. There are two series of spiny, marginal scales on the body, the upper of which is the longer. In the central region of the chin are two single rows of slightly enlarged scales. The scales of the abdomen are smooth. The skin of the back appears very smooth as compared with other horned lizards. The head spines are peculiar. There are two very large central spines; only the two rear spines of the temples are large — this in place of the three successively larger temporal spines of most species. Colouration. — Ashy-gray; a narrow, brownish line upon the back; on each side this are two rows of round, brown spots each containing a paler centre, which in turn is centered with a brown dot. Dimensions. — Total Length 3! inches. Length of Head and Body 2|£ " Width of Body i^ " Distribution. — The Colorado Desert. The United States National Museum has specimens from Fort Yuma, Arizona. It appears to be a very rare species. Habits. — Nothing is known of the habits. The desert fauna of the United States is not only distinct, but highly interesting. One of the most fascinating exhibits in the reptile house of the New York Zoological Park, is the "desert room." Here, even the most casual observer will at once note something peculiar about the lizards and the snakes — their pallid hues, their remarkable similarity to the sand and their adaptability to the dry, loose soil, in their movements of burrowing or progressing at great speed over a surface where many reptiles would be clumsy. At a temperature in which some reptiles thrive, these creatures of the deserts are sluggish. They flourish and are most active in a heat that is practically un- endurable to the human. This phase of reptile life is worth much space — much more than can be given to it in the present work. '59 CHAPTER XVIII: THE PLATED LIZARDS AND SNAKE-LIKE SPECIES The Families ANGUID/E and ANIELLID/E, Embracing the North American Genera GERRHONOTUS— Plated Lizards; OPHI- SAURUS— Glass "Snake" and AN I ELL A— Ground "Snake." FAMILY Anguida; the Plated Lizards and Glass "Snakes:" With this family, the student is referred to a group of degener- ate lizards, all of which are elongate and serpentine in form, and either possess small and rather weak limbs, or are externally wholly devoid of these organs. The latter species are often mistaken for snakes, which is a natural consequence, owing to the methods of progression and the serpentine outlines, in every way appealing to the snake rather than to the lizard. There are forty-four species of this family; they inhabit both the New and the Old Worlds. They are most abundantly represented in Mexico and in Central America. The species are characteris- tic from the presence of a deep fold on each side of the body. The Plated Lizards; Genus Gerrhonotus: The body is slender, with large, square scales above, arranged in regular, ring-like rows; with most of the species, the scales of the middle portion of the back are strongly keeled. Along each side of the body, from behind the ear to the base of the hind limb, is a strip of soft flesh, containing small, granular scales; against the lower border of this strip, the edge of the abdominal sheet of scales fits loosely, forming a deep fold. The head is distinct from the neck and pointed at the snout. The limbs are rather small and the tail very long and brittle — frequently twice as long as the head and body. Four species of this genus inhabit the extreme western and southwestern portions of the United States. Nineteen species are recognised, the greater number occurring in tropical Mexico and Central America. Like many other genera among the reptiles these lizards have encountered a share of the undue enthusiasm displayed 160 t>LATE Lll BROWN* LIZARD, Gerrtumotus liocephalus May be identified by the several rows of smooth scales on each side KING'S LIZARD, Gerrhonotus kingii The most brightly coloured member of its genus. The scales are faintly keeled THK Ri rni.f HIM IK Pi ATF. LIIT I'LAIKI) I.I/ARD. Gcrrhonotiis imbriralus DistinguisacJ from the three preceding species by two (2) pairs of plutcs anterior to the frontal plate — that between the rye ~ A Western species GLASS "SVAKE." Ophisaurui rcntr,,!^ A makr-likc rrprcM-ntativc of the Anguititr. inhabiting the Sonihrm States. Several very similar *;*-t !.->. arc f.mn