(Gillies. Exped.Chile). U. S. Naval Astronomical
to the Southern Hemisphere, during the years
1849-'50-'51-'52. Vol. 2. 1855. pp.207-229,
pls. 3436s -

REPTILES

By Charles Girard
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YU SBY. CHARLES GIRARD,

BATRACHIA.
2 FAMILY OF RANIDZ.

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Genus CYSTIGNATHUS, Waele:

Gay. CHAR. Vomerine teeth dispoSed upon a transverse or oblique row more or less inter-
; ana in the middle, and situated either between the i inner nares or behind them; tongue cir-

cular, subcircular, or subcordiform, posteriorly entire, and either attached by its whole surface
or very slightly free behind; tympanum distinct; toes either bordered by a membranous fold or
slightly webbed at their base.

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Srv. Cystignathus, Wacu. Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 202.
Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1853, 420. Ke
- Oss. The genus Cystignathus is here admitted within the limits we have recently assigned to Bs
it on the occasion of the study which we have made of the species of exotic batrachians brought ty

ome by the United States Exploring Expedition, to which we would refer herpetologists.

CYSTIGNATHUS TAENIATUS, Girard.
Pirate XXXIV, Figs. 8—11.

Spec. cuar. Vomerine teeth, situated a little behind the inner nares, well separated upon the
ddle of the palate; tongue subelliptical, free posteriorly, and slightly notched upon the
‘same margin. Greenish yellow, with two dorsal blackish stripes; limbs barred above. A
Sg k vitta upon the sides of the head, extending from the nostril, across the eye, to the shoulder.
Sry. Cystignathus taeniatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

ea

EsoR. The general appearance of this species is rather short, the head forming about the
ird of the entire length—the posterior limbs, of course, excepted. The head is longer than
The snout is subacute and rounded; slightly declive from the eyes forwards and side-
The canthus rostralis is depressed ; the nostrils, very small, are situated nearer to the
) of the snout than to the anterior rim of the orbit. The eye is well developed and subcircu-
wr, its longitudinal diameter being equal to the interocular space above; the upper eyelid is
inutely granular. The tympanum is quite small, though conspicuous. The tongue is well
veloped, in the shape of a subelliptical disk, broadest behind, slightly notched posteriorly,
1 free upon nearly the posterior third of its length. The inner nares are subelliptical, ob-
and conspicuous. The vomerine teeth are exceedingly minute, and disposed upon two
all and subelliptical distant eminences, situated between and a little behind the inner

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SARNIA EAT) 58h 4S Me
208 ZOOLOGY.

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nares. ~ “(Rt Spenin'gs for tlie tuBes of eustachiigré tinalte? anddgssaconspicuous than the inner
vares. ,The supgular air-hladders are yery much developed. The anterior limbs, when
stretched. hatekwards alongside “with the body;%ring the tip of the inner ‘finger ‘close to the
groin, beyond which, consequently, the other fingers extend. The fingers are slender, and
their tips slightly swollen. The innermost is stoutish, and shorter than the second, which is
shorter than the fourth—the third being the longest. The palm of the hand is provided with
quite large tubercles ; that at the base of the inner finger is the largest of all. The first pha-
langes are marked beneath by similar tubercles, though more regularly conical in their shape.
The tubercles under the second phalanx of the third and fourth fingers are quite reduced. The
posterior limbs are long and slender, measuring nearly two inches from their origin to the tip
of the longest toe. The foot is narrow, and likewise slender, as well as the toes, which are
free, there being but a rudimentary webbing to be observed between the three middle ones.
The sole of the foot is smooth ; the inner metatarsal tubercle is rather small and conical, and
the outermost still smaller and inconspicuous. Small tubercles exist under the articulation of
the first and second phalanges, except under the inner toe. The second toe is shorter than the
fifth, whilst the third is longer than the latter. The fourth is much the longest. The inferior
surface of the thighs alone is granular or warty; the skin elsewhere is perfectly smooth, save
minute pores which may be observed about the tympanum and on the sides of the back, where
they constitute a narrow band, extending from the occiput to near the groins. The ground
color is olivaceous or greenish yellow. The region between and behind the eyes exhibit traces
of black markings which cannot be defined upon the specimen before us. There is a black,
narrow vitta along the line of the canthus rostralis, terminating anteriorly by an expansion
over the nostrils posteriorly; the vitta when reaching the eye sends off a tapering branch along
the inferior rim of the orbit, behind which the vitta reappears considerably broader, and pass-
ing over the tympanum terminates above the insertion of the anterior limbs. From the upper
and posterior part of the orbit, above the tympanum, originates a blackish stripe, which extends
to the posterior extremity of the body, covering entirely the series of dorsal pores above alluded
to. The bands from either side converge in their extension. The limbs above are barred with
greyish black. The inferior surface of head, body, and limbs is of a uniform dull yellow hue.
This species was obtained in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.
Plate XXXIV, fig. 8 represents the profile of Cystignathus taeniatus, of the size of life.
fig. 9 is a view from below.
fig. 10, inferior surface of the hand.
fig. 11, inferior surface of the foot.
Figs. 10 and 11 are slightly magnified.

FAMILY OF HYLID&.
Genus PHYLLOBATES, Dum. & B.

Gen. cHAR. Snout protruding over the lower jaw; tongue free posteriorly upon a considera-
ble portion of its length ; no teeth on the palate ; tympanum visible ; tubes of eustachii small ;
fingers and toes slightly depressed, entirely free, dilated upon their extremity into a disk
slightly convex below and above, the latter surface being provided upon its middle with a
small groove. Protrusion of the first cuneiform bone very little developed ; transverse apo-

physis of the sacral vertebra not dilated.
Syv. Phyllobates, Dum. & B. Erp. Gén. VIII, 1841, 637.

Oxs. The shape of the snout reminds us of Hosia, but the latter is provided with palatine teeth.

U.S.N. Astri Exped” PL. Skee

Gteichard. Dougal Se. =
i a

Kes. 1-3. TRICHOMYCTERUS MACULATUS, Cuv.& Val. Figs. 4-7. CHEIRODON PISCICULUS, Grd.
Migs. 8-11. CYSTIGNATHUS 'TAF.NIATUS, Gra. Fiés. 12-15. PHYLLOBATES AURATUS , Grd.

REPTILES. 209

PHYLLOBATES AURATUS, Girard.
Pirate XXXIV, Figs. 12—15.

Spec. cHAR. Tongue narrow and elongated, free for about the half or two-thirds of its length;
anterior limbs, when stretched backwards, reaching the vent with the tip of longest finger ;

inferior surface of thighs granular ; color uniform bluish brown.
Syn. Phyllobates auratus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Descr. The body is elongated and depressed, as well as the head, which constitutes little
less than the third of the whole length; seen from above, the head is subtriangular, subtrun-
cated anteriorly, and sloping inwardly. The nostrils are small, situated on the sides and tow-
ards the tip of the snout, and not to be seen from above; the sides of the head are declivous.
The eyes are well developed, subelliptical in form, their horizontal diameter being equal to the
distance between the anterior rim of the orbit and the tip of the snout, and comprised a little
over twice upon the distance between the external margins of the upper eyelids. The tym-
panum is well developed, oblong in shape, and vertically situated close to the orbit. The

angle of the mouth extends as far back as the posterior rim of the orbit. The tongue is nar--

row and elongated, posteriorly obtuse, and free for about the half or two-thirds of its length.
The inner nares are very large and subcircular, situated far apart on the sides of the roof of
the mouth, which is concave and perfectly smooth, there being no teeth on either the vomer or
palatine bones. The openings for the tubes of eustachii are small, and not conspicuous. The
anterior limbs are slender, the fingers stretching beyond the groin. The fingers are free, slen-
der, depressed, and dilated upon their tips; upper surface of the dilation divided by a medial
groove or furrow. There is a large metacarpal tubercle ; smaller tubercles are observed under
the first phalanx, and under the second of the two external fingers. The palm of the hand is
smooth. The first finger is longer than the second; the fourth is the shortest, and the most
slender of all. The hind lmbs are stoutish, one-fourth longer than the body and head
together—the tibia being more developed than the femur. The toes are free, slender, de-
pressed and dilated upon their extremities, and grooved above in the same manner as the
fingers. The sole of the foot is smooth, and the inferior surface of all the phalanges provided
with very small tubercles. The internal metatarsal tubercle is elongated, the external one
rounded-; both of moderate development. The inferior surface of the thighs is granular; the
skin is otherwise perfectly smooth; its surface, under the magnifying glass, exhibits very
minute pores, scarcely more developed under the belly than on the back. The color above is
metallic golden, whilst beneath a uniform bluish brown predominates.

Collected by the late Professor C. B. Adams, on the island of Taboga, in the bay of Panama.

Plate XXXIV, fig. 12, represents Phyllobates auratus in a profile view, size of life.

_ fig. 13, is a view from beneath.
7 fig. 1, a hand, seen from below.
fig. 15, a foot, also from below.
Figs. 14 and 15 are slightly magnified.

OPHIDIA.

FAMILY OF VIPERIDZ.
Genus ELAPS, Schn.

Grn. cHAR, Body slender and cylindrical; tail short and conical; head somewhat depressed—

in most cases continuous with the body, subelliptical when viewed from above, tapering for-
Pa a

210 ZOOLOGY.

wards, and covered above with plates, generally nine in number; no pit between the eye and
nostril; loral plate present; mouth moderately cleft, not dilatable; upper jaw furnished on
either side and quite posteriorly with a poisonous fang; scales smooth ; preanal scutella bifid ;
subcaudal scutelle divided.

Syn. LHlaps, Scun. Hist. Amph. Nat. and Lit. 1801, 289.
Fiz. N. Class. Rept. 1826, 33.
B. & G. Cat. Rept. N. Amer. I, 1853, 21.

Ow. The characteristic of the genus laps, as given above, we wish it to be understood, is
merely provisional, not having had at our command a sufficient number of the species described
by the different authors. We reserve it for another occasion to revise its diagnosis in a manner
satisfactory both to our mind and to the actual state of herpetology.

ELAPS NIGROCINCTUS, Girard.
Pirate XXXV, Figs. 1—6.

Spec. cHAR. Head subelliptical, broader than the body, which is long and cylindrical ; tail
conical, abruptly tapering from its base; scales smooth, disposed upon fifteen rows ; color red-
dish, annulated with jet black; tip of scales blackish ; anterior portion of head black; an
occipito-temporal yellowish ring ; tip of tail black.

Syn. Elaps nigrocinctus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226,

Descr. The head is slightly detached from the body by a somewhat contracted neck. The
eyes are very small, situated near the upper surface of the head, their diameter being equal to
the width of the suroculary plate. The snout is obtusely rounded. The vertical plate is mod-
erately elongated and subpentagonal, pointed posteriorly ; its anterior margin is sometimes
perfectly straight, at others subconvex, so as to assume a subhexagonal shape. The occipitals
are large, broad, and elongated, subrounded exteriorly, truncated anteriorly, permitting the
posterior angle of the vertical to engage between them. The suroculary is short, a little
longer than broad, and irregular in its outline, which is five-sided; the side limiting the
orbit above being slightly concave, the others nearly straight. The postfrontals are well
developed, broader than long, and,irregularly six-sided, sending an angular projection towards
the sides of the head, where it engages between the ante-orbital and postnasal plates, without,
however, reaching the labials. The prefrontals are subquadrangular, broader than long, their
external margin reaching the upper edge of the nostrils. The rostral is broadly developed,
rather short, subpyramidal in form, and concave beneath. The nasals are well developed, the
posterior one being nearly as long as the anterior is high. The nostrils are small and circular,
intermediate between the two nasal plates. The anteorbital is irregularly triangular, rather
elongated, and similar in shape to the postnasal, the anterior angle of which meets its own
posterior angle a little in advance of the commissure between the second and third labials. The
postorbitals, two in number, are nearly equal in size, and subpentagonal in shape. There are
three temporal shields well developed, the posterior one being the largest. We observe seven
upper labials, increasing in size from the first or anterior to the sixth inclusive; the seventh is
a little smaller than the sixth ; the third and fourth forming part of the orbit. There are six
lower labials, of which the fourth is the largest, and much expanded beneath; the fifth is nearly
equal to the third ; the sixth is a little smaller than the latter; the second is the smallest.
The symphyseal plate is triangular. The mental shields constitute three pairs; the anterior
two being parallel to one another; the third is obliquely situated along the margin of the

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REPTILES. 211

fourth, fifth, and sixth lower labials. The body is subcylindrical, a little more slender anteri-
orly than posteriorly. The tail is short, subconical, and tapering to a point; it forms but the
two-twenty-first part of the whole length. The scales are perfectly smooth, constituting fifteen
longitudinal rows, larger in the outermost row, and smallest upon the dorsal line or middle
row. The scales themselves are acuminated posteriorly. On the tail they are shorter, and
truncated posteriorly, constituting seven rows upon its origin, and three only towards its tip.
The abdominal scutellze are two hundred and eighteen in number: the preanal is bifid. The
subcaudal scutell are all bifid, and constitute thirty-six pairs. The tip of the tail is conical
in the adult state, and somewhat acute in young specimens.

Abdesc. 217+ 1. Sube. sc. 18. Dors. rows 15. Total length 29 inches; tail 2;%.

The body is reddish, annulated with jet black. The anterior part of the head from behind
the eye is black, then follows a yellow ring, embracing in its width almost the whole length of
the occipital plate, and just behind it the first black ring, embracing the posterior part of the
head and neck, covering about six scales. There are fifteen more black rings hence to the
tail, each covering about three scales. The intermediate red spaces embrace anteriorly four-
teen scales, ten upon the middle region of the body, and eight towards the tail. There is an
obsolete indication of a yellow margin to the anterior two black rings. The scales in the red
spaces are tipped with black on the tail; the black rings are much wider than the red ones,
there bemg three of each kind; the tip is black. The inferior surface is reddish-yellow sparsely
spread over with small and irregular black spots.

Specimens of this species were collected at Taboga, on the bay of Panama, Central America.

Plate XX XV, fig. 1, represents Llaps nigrocinctus, of the size of life.

fig. 2, a view of the head, seen from above.

fig. 3, a side view of the head.

fig. 4, the head, seen from below.

fig. 5, shows the vent and the bifid preanal scutella.

fig. 6, is a portion of the left side of the body, showing the shape and number
of rows of scales.

Figs. 2—5 are slightly magnified.

&

FAMILY OF OXYCEPHALIDZ.
Genus DRYOPHIS, Fitz.

Gen. cHAR. Body and tail long and slender. Cephalic plates normal. Hyes large. One
anteorbital plate; several postorbitals. No loral. One nasal, with nostril in its middle. Ros-
tral situated under the snout, which protrudes over the lower jaw. Several labials constituting
the inferior rim of orbit. Dorsal scales smooth. The last two abdominal scutalle bifid; sub-
caudals all bifid.

Syy. Dryophis, Frrz. N. Class. Rept. 1826, 29 and 60,

DRYOPHIS VITTATUS, Girard.
Pruate XXXVI, Figs. 1—6,

Spec. cHAR. Three postorbital plates, two of which constituting the posterior rim of the orbit;
the third being placed behind them, Fifth, sixth, and seventh, or fourth, fifth, and sixth labials

212 ZOOLOGY.

constructing the inferior rim of the orbit. A black vitta along the upper margin of upper max-
illary plates extending posteriorly along a portion of the neck.

Syn. Dryophis vittatus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Descr. The entire length of the specimen figured is forty-seven inches, of which eleven belong
to the tail. The head measures about one inch and an eighth. Its upper surface is flattened ;
the inferior one subconvex, and the sides perpendicular. The eye is large and circular, and its
diameter is comprised about six times in the length of the head. The snout is tapering, the
upper jaw protruding considerably over the lower. The rostral plate is rather small, subcres-
centic, convex anteriorly, and depressed upon its middle surface. It is obliquely situated at the
inferior surface of the snout, showing but a very narrow edge in a view from above (fig. 2). The
prefrontals are twice as long as broad upon the middle of their length; they belong exclusively
to the upper surface of the head. The postfrontals are much larger than the latter, one-third
longer upon their upper surface, and extend upon the sides of the head until they reach the
upper labials. The vertical is elongated and slender, subtruncated anteriorly, and subacute
posteriorly, engaging between the inner margins of the occipitals. The latter are as long as
the vertical, but broader anteriorly; their external margin being defined by an undulating line.
The superciliaries are a little longer than the postfrontals, subtriangular in shape; the summit
of the triangle directed forwards. ‘There is a long and narrow nasal, in which, and rather in
advance of the middle of its length, the nostril opens subangular in shape. There is no loral;
but the lateral expansion of the postfrontals fills up the space between the nasal plate and a
large anteorbital, much broader upwards than downwards, slightly visible in a view from
above (fig. 2). Its anterior angle fits a notch in the posterior margin of the postfrontals, upon
the line of demarcation between the sides and upper part of the head. The postorbitals are
rather small, and three in number; two upon an anterior line, the lowermost being much the
smallest of the two. A third, very small, is situated immediately behind the latter. Three
large and subequal temporals terminate the series of cephalic plates and shields. The upper
labials are nine in number; the posterior one being the longest and largest of all, and the
anterior one the most slender. The fifth, sixth, and seventh constitute on the right side the
inferior rim of the orbit, though the fifth and seventh only in part. On the left (fig. 3) there
is one labial less. The lower labials are likewise nine in number ; the fifth and sixth, situated
beneath the eye, are the largest? the others diminishing gradually in size towards the anterior
and posterior regions. The symphyseal or anterior odd lower labial is small, and rounded ex-
teriorly. There are three pairs of elongated mental shields, the anterior pair reaching the
margin of the jaw between the symphyseal and the first lower labial. The subgular scales are
well developed and elongated.

The body is subeylindrical, much thinner anteriorly than posteriorly, the neck having about
the thickness of the tail upon its anterior third. The scales are smooth, elongated, and acute
posteriorly, constituting seventeen longitudinal rows upon the middle of the body, and twelve
towards its posterior extremity. 'The external row, nearest to the abdominal scutelle, is com-
posed of the largest scales. The abdominal scutelle, one hundred and ninety-five in number,
are rather wide, convex upon their posterior margin; the posterior two are bifid. The tail is
very slender, and tapering to a point; there are six rows of scales upon its anterior portion,
near its origin; they are, moreover, broader and shorter than those on the body. The subcaudal
scutelle constitute a double row to nearly the tip of the tail, where scutelle and scales assume
a uniform aspect. One hundred and sixty-five pairs of the latter may distinctly be enumerated.
Beyond that number verticiles of scales surround the remaining portion of the tail.

Abd. se. 193-2. Sube. sc. 165. Dors. rows 17 and 12. Total length, 47 inches; tail, 18 inches.

The coloration must be much altered by the action of the alcoholic liquor in which the specimen

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REPTILES. 213

is preserved. The upper surface and sides of heads are olivaceous brown, and the body and
tail above purplish grey. Beneath and anteriorly the hue is of a soiled white, whilst pos-
teriorly it is greyish yellow. The upper labials have the same hue as the lower surface of
head. A black line may be traced along the upper margin of the upper labials, from the snout
to about an inch and a half along the sides of the neck. Along the back and sides of the ante-
rior part of the body there are oblique series of jet black elongated spots. The lower and inner
margin of the scales is whitish, and apparent only when the skin is extended and the whole
surface of the scales exposed. The posterior portion of the body is sparsely dotted with black;
the tail is unicolor.
This species figured was collected on the island of Taboga, bay of Panama.
Plate XXXVI, fig. 1, represents Dryophis vittatus, of the size of life.
fig. 2, view of the head, seen from above.
fig. 3, side view of the head.
fig. 4, under view of the head.
fig. 5, vent and post-abdominal scutella.

fig. 6, a portion of the left side of the body, showing the form and number
of longitudinal rows of scales.

FAMILY OF COLUBRIDZ.
Genus TACHYMENIS, Wiegm.

Gen. cHar. Body subcylindrical, of moderate length; tail short, subconical, tapering.
Head colubrine slightly detached from the body. Cephalic plates normal. Eyes of medium
size. One or two anteorbitals and two postorbitals. One loral. Two nasals, with nostril be-
tween them. Jaws subequal. Dorsal scales smooth. Preanal scutella bifid. Subcaudal
scutelle all divided.

Syn. Tachymenis, Winem. in Nov. Act. Phys. Med. Acad. Nat. Cur. XVII. 1. 1835, 251.

Oxs. The genus Tachymenis is, so far, composed of two species, one from Peru figured and
described by Wiegmann in the work cited above, and another from Chile, described below.

TACHYMENIS CHILENSIS, Girard.
Prate XXXVII, Figs. 1—6.

Spec. car. Two anteorbitals. Third and fourth labials constituting the inferior rim of the
orbit. Dorsal scales in nineteen rows. Olivaceous brown above, with crossing lines of black.
Beneath yellowish, with anterior margin of scutelle black. Two postocular black vitte.

Syn. Coronella chilensis, Scut, Ess. Phys. Serp. Part. descr. 1800, 30.
GurcH. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 79. Erpet. Plate iv, fig. 1, a, b, ¢, d.
Dipsas chilensis, Dum. Mém. Acad. des Sc. XXIII, 1853, 112.
Dum. & B. Erp. gén. VII. 1, 1854, 608.
Tachymenis chilensis, Grp, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Gun. reM. Of the three specimens that were collected, the one which is figured is the largest,
and yet not fully grown. Though immature, we propose to describe them carefully, since the
figure in the Historia de Chile is not as accurate as might be desired. We have seen upon
specimens of others species, the zoological characters entirely developed when they bore the
same relations towards their adult as those now before us.

214 ZOOLOGY.

Drscr. The head is subovoid, being depressed upon its upper surface; the snout is rounded,
and the eye, subcircular in shape, is of moderate development, its diameter being equal to the
width of the vertical plate upon the middle of its length. The vertical plate is large and sub-
pentagonal, either slightly concave upon its sides or linear; its posterior extremity being
moderately angular. The occipitals are a little shorter than the vertical, but anteriorly nearly
as broad. The postfrontals are broader than long, extending but little to the sides of the head,
being posteriorly rounded. The prefrontals are subtriangular, irregularly rounded off, and do
not reach the nostrils. The rostral is subconical, concave beneath. The nostrils are small
and subelliptical, situated between two plates the sutures of which are sometimes obliterated
either above or below these apertures. The loral is quadrangular and larger than either the
post or prenasals, which have the same general shape. There are two anteorbitals; the upper-
most is longer than high, and a little longer than the lower one, which is rather narrow and
elongated ; also two postorbitals nearly equal in size and similar in shape. The temporal
shields, seven or eight in number, are so small and so much like the scales, that there are only
two that may readily be distinguished from the latter by their shape. The upper labials are
seven in number: the fifth being the largest, the sixth is the next in size, then the fourth, the
third, and the second ; the seventh is a little larger than the first, which is the smallest of all.
The third and fourth constitute the inferior rim of the orbit ; their suture being situated beneath
the pupil. The symphyseal is triangular; the lower labials, being nine in number, diminish in
size both forwards and backwards from the fifth, which is the largest of all ; the seventh, eighth,
and ninth are rather narrow and elongated, whilst the four anterior are higher than long.
The first one in particular is nearly twice the height of the second, and separates entirely the
symphyseal from the anterior mental shields, of which it assumes the general feature. There
are two pairs of mental shields of about the same length, but the posterior pair is more slender
and posteriorly subacute.

The body is subcylindrical, thickest upon its middle, tapering both posteriorly and anteriorly
where a somewhat contracted neck separates it from the head. The tail is subconical, pointed
posteriorly, rather short, constituting about the sixth part of the entire length. The scales
are smooth, disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series; they are subacute posteriorly, and
largest upon the external series, gradually diminishing hence to the central or dorsal series.
On the nape and under the head they are the smallest. The abdominal region is rather nar-
row. There are one hundred and fifty-five abdominal scutelle, the posterior one being bifid,
and forty-three subcaudal scutelle, all of which bifid.

Abd. se. 154+ 1. Sube. sc. 43. Dors. rows 19. Total length 15 inches and ;%; tail 23 inches.

The ground-color appears now olivaceous brown above, yellowish beneath. The anterior
margin of the abdominal scutellw being jet black with a subtriangular blotch upon their middle
region, and occasionally also upon their extremities, the lower surface of the body may assume
quite a maculated appearance. The anterior margin of all the scales is black, but when in
their normal and imbricated state, the black is not seen externally except upon the fourth and
eight series on either side, thus constituting two pair of obsolete vittee. The middle dorsal
series exhibits likewise the black margin of its scales, though in a less conspicuous manner as
the specimens grow to a larger size. In the very immature condition almost every scale shows
its black edge, constituting irregular zigzag lines. The dorsal vittze sometimes assume the ap-
pearance of a series of double crescents contiguous upon their convexity: this is owing to the
fact of the black extending along the sides of the scales. The lateral vittee, from the neck
ascend to the occipital region of the head, the sides of which are marked by two narrow black
stripes, the upper one slightly arched, extending from the posterior rim of the orbit to the angle
of the mouth ; the other runs obliquely from the lower rim of the orbit, across the fourth and
fifth labials to the edge of the mouth.

This species was collected in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

REPTILES. 215

Plate XXXVI, fig. 1, represents Tachymenis chilensis, size of life.
fig. 2, the head viewed from above.
fig. 3, a side view of same.
fig. 4, a view of its inferior surface.
fig. 5, exhibits the vent and post-abdominal scutella.
fig. 6, is a portion of the left side showing the form of the scales and the
number of their series.
Figs. 2—5 are shghtly magnified.

Genus TAENIOPHIS, Girard.

Gen. cHAR. Head depressed and detached from the body, which is slender and subcylindrical.
Tail tapering to a point, and comparatively short. Cephalic plates normal. One anteorbital,
and two postorbitals. An elongated, quadrangular loral. Two nasals, nostril between them.
Eyes above the medium size, situated above the fourth and fifth labials; pupil circular.
Mouth deeply cleft. Scales smooth, disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series. Post-abdo-
minal scutella bifid; subcaudal scutelle all divided. Colors disposed upon uniform longi-
tudinal bands.

Syn. Zaeniophis, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 226.

Oss. This genus is closely related to Diadophis, and may be distinguished from it by the
presence of one anteorbital plate only, a larger number of longitudinal rows of scales, and the
distribution .of its colors.

It includes, so far, two species, both of which are new to science. One, an inhabitant of
Chile, is described below; the other (Z. imperialis, B. & G.) is Mexican: a specimen in the
Smithsonian museum having been found at Matamoras.

TAENIOPHIS TANTILLUS, Girard.
Prare XXXVI, Figs. 7—12.
Spec. CHAR. Body and tail very slender. Head elongated, and very distinct from the body.
Eyes proportionally large. A deep chestnut-brown band along the dorsal region; light brown

on the sides. Beneath greenish or yellowish grey. Upper labials yellowish-white. A super-
ciliary yellowish filet.

Syn. Taeniophis tantillus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 227.

Descr. The body is small, slender, and elongated; the tail conical and tapering, forming
about the two sevenths of the total length. The head is small, well detached from the body by
a contracted neck, depressed above, and declive upon the region anterior to the eye. The snout
is obtuse. The eye is very large, and subcircular; its horizontal diameter being comprised
once and a half across the ocular region of the head, embracing the vertical and superciliary
plates ; the pupil is circular. The nostrils aré quite small, subcircular in shape, and situated
between two nasal plates, though encroaching more upon the prenasal than upon the postnasal,
which is slightly the largest of the two. The vertical plate is large, broadest anteriorly,
rounded or subconvex upon its margin, subconcave upon the sides, and triangularly acute pos-
teriorly. The occipital plates are larger than the vertical, and are externally rounded. The
postfrontals are irregularly five-sided, and extend slightly to the sides of the head. The pre-
frontals are subtriangular, externally rounded. The rostral is broad but rather low, convex

216 ~ ZOOLOGY.

upon its upper margin, and very concave below. The postnasal is slightly larger than the pre-
nasal. The loral is elongated and subtrapezoid. There is but one anteorbital, very narrow
upon its lower portion, quite broad across the superciliary line, and extending to the upper
surface of the head under the shape of a small triangle, the summit of which being contiguous
to the lateral anterior edge of the vertical, thus preventing a contact between the postfrontals
and the superciliaries. The latter are well developed, narrowest anteriorly. There are two
postorbitals, the uppermost being twice the size of the lower. Two temporal shields only can
be distinguished by their form from the occipital scales. The upper labials are eight in number,
the fourth and fifth forming the inferior rim of the orbit; the fifth, sixth, and seventh are the
largest; the fourth is a little larger than the eighth, the anterior three being the smallest.
There are ten inferior labials, and a symphyseal, quite small and triangular. The first extends
to the anterior pair of mental shields; the second and third are the smallest of the three; the
fourth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth are nearly equal; the sixth is the largest, and the
fifth somewhat smaller than the sixth. The posterior pair of mental shields is more slender
than the anterior pair, but nearly of the same length. The abdominal scutelle are a hundred
and ninety-five in number; the posterior is bifid. There are about a hundred and ten subcaudal
scutelle, all of which are subdivided. The scales are elongated and posteriorly subacute,
smooth and disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series, the two outermost of which being the
largest; the others diminishing slightly towards the dorsal region.

Abd. sc. 19441. Sube. se. 110. Dors. rows 19. Total length, 12 inches; tail, 3 inches and ,3,.

The ground-color of the sides of the body is light brown, minutely dotted with black. On
the back there is a band of deep chestnut-brown margined with black, covering three longitu-
dinal rows of scales. The two adjoining rows are partly (internally) brown and partly (exter-
nally) black. Along the neck and anterior fourth of the body each scale of the external series,
covered by the dark dorsal band, has a white spot upon its middle, thus interrupting the black
border. Towards the posterior part of the body the dorsal brown band covers but three series
of scales, the internal margin of the adjoining series being black. Along the tail, where that
band may be traced tapering towards its top, the black margin has immerged into the brown.
The inferior surface of the body is uniform greenish or yellowish grey. The upper surface of
the head is dark brown. <A yellowish white filet or stripe extends from the rostral plate, along
the superciliary ridge, to the posterior extremity of the superciliary plates. A subelliptical spot
of the same hue, but margined with black, may be seen on the upper part of the upper post-
orbital plate, interrupting the vitta just alluded to, and which can be traced along the external
edge of the occipital plate, more conspicuous, and margined with black. The vitta extends
along the neck, and eventually immerges into the dorsal band. The sides of the head are brown,
and of a deeper hue than the sides of the body ; the upper labial plates being also yellowish-
white. A vitta of that same hue may be traced‘from near the top of the jaw along the neck.
The inferior labials, the mental shields, and the subgular scales, exhibit each a central light
spot margined with black. Two light vittee may be followed, one on the two external rows of
scales, another along the edge of the abdominal scutelle, from beneath the throat to a consid-
erable length backwards. The hue of the sides of the head likewise tapers along the sides of
the neck for about the same distance.

Specimens of this species were obtained from the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

Plate XX XVII, fig. 7, represents Taeniophis tantillus, size of life.

fig. 8, is the head, seen from above.

fig. 9, aside view of the head.

fig. 10, the head, seen from below.

fig. 11, exhibits the vent and post-abdominal scutella.

fig. 12, a portion of the left side of the body, showing the shape of the
scales, their relative size, and disposition in series.

| U.S.N. Astr! Exped?

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EC SS Dy Sy Do niececeseceet RNR a ;
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6 SS SSS AS te Bi : 5 Ky ‘ Msn
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. Figs 1-4. PROCTOTRETUS TENUIS, Dum & Bibr. Figs 5-12. PROCTOTRETUS FEMORATUS, Grd.
Figs 13-20. PROCTOTRETUS STANTONI, Grd.

é _ sa. =x”DlUlUlUltCO~*™OCUMU™™™™C™C~@SCti‘®’

REPTILES. PHY
SAURIA.

FAMILY OF STELLIONIDAE.
Genus PROCTOTRETUS, Dum. & B.

Gen. cHAR. Body rounded or slightly depressed, covered with imbricated scales ; the upper
ones carinated, the inferior ones generally smooth; neither a dorsal nor a caudal crest; head
subpyramido-quadrangular, more or less depressed; cephalic plates moderate, polygonal ; oc-
cipital generally not very conspicuous; teeth on the palate; sides of neck either folded or smooth;
no subgular fold; an ear opening; membrane of tympanum but little depressed; fingers simple;
tail either long or conical, or moderate and slightly depressed; no femoral pores; anal pores in
the males.

Syn. Proctotretus, Dum. & B. Erp. gén. IV, 1837, 266.
Gutcu. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 28.

PROCTOTRETUS TENUIS, Dum.an B.
Prate XL, Figs. 1—4.

Spec. cHar. Cephalic plates usually smooth, occasionally covered v. ith very minute granules.
Auricular aperture large; its anterior margin subtubercular. One series of supralabials. Tem-
poral plates irregularly rounded, subimbricated, subtuberculous, and of moderate development.
Sides of neck folded and granular. Dorsal scales small, carinated, and posteriorly obtuse ;
lateral scales smaller, not imbricated, provided with a rudimentary carina; abdominal scutelles
smooth and mostly entire. Posterior surface of thighs minutely granular. Tail long and
slender. Brownish-black, with transverse subcrescentic black bands.

Syn. Proctotretus tenuis, Dum. & B. Erp. gén. IV, 1837, 279.
Bet, Zool. of the Beagle, V, Rept. 1843, 7, Plate ii, fig. 2.
Guicu. in Gay, Hist. Chile, II, 1848, 32, Erp. Plate 1, fig. 1.
Homer. and Jaca. Voy. au Pole Sud et dans 1’Océanie, Plate ii, fig. 2.

Descr. The form, although slender in its general aspect, is less a characteristic of this species
than it really is for several others of its congenere. The body is depressed; swollen upon its
middle region; the limbs being of moderate development. The anterior, when stretched along-
side the body, are far from attaining the groins; and the tip of the longest toe of the posterior,
when the latter are brought forwards, reaches the middle region of the neck. The tail is elon-
gated, conical, tapering to a point, and nearly twice as long as the body and head together.

The tongue is large and fleshy ; elongated in shape and depressed, sublanceolated, occupy-
ing the entire space between the two branches of the lower jaw. The teeth are of moderate
development, smallest anteriorly, and subcylindrical; whilst posteriorly these are somewhat
flattened, or else stouter upon their base.

The head is depressed, subtriangular in a view from above, and rounded upon the snout.
The plates which cover its surface are generally smooth, but exhibit sometimes a very minute
granulation, apparent only through a magnifying glass. The cephalic plates vary as regards
both their size and number, being smallest when most numerous. In the specimen figured,
there are three pairs of frontals: one pair of post-occipitals, an odd occipital, a vertical, and
an odd frontal, which are somewhat larger than the rest, and nearly equal among themselves.
An inner series of surocularies may be noticed as the next in size; they are separated from

28 *

218 ZOOLOGY.

the vertical or interocular, and the occipitals, by a concentric series of small plates. There is
but one and a rather small nasal, in the midst of which the nostril opens, leaving but a nar-
row rim. The loral region is occupied by several small plates. The anterior suborbitals are
more developed than the posterior, all of which being provided with a keel along their inner
margin. The surciliary ridge is composed of about six elongated, narrow, and obliquely
superposed plates. The lids are covered with very small plates, the marginal series being
somewhat more developed than the rest, except on the periphery of these organs, and yet may
still be distinguished from the latter by their regular shape and disposition. The rostral is
transversally elongated and very low. The upper labials are very elongated and very narrow,
six or seven in number, increasing in length from the first to the fourth inclusive, then dimin-
ish considerably backwards. The supralabials have the same general appearance as the labials
themselves, save in being a little smaller. Occasionally two or more minute plates may be
observed upon the loral region between the loral plates proper and the supralabials. The tem-
poral plates are of moderate development, and of nearly equal size with the post-occipitals.
They are irregularly rounded, slightly imbricated, and provided either with a rudimentary
tubercle or an obsolete carina, The symphyseal is larger than the rostral, and especially
broader upon its middle region. The inferior labials (five or six in number) are broader than
the upper, more conspicuous therefore, and diminishing gradually backwards. There are four

oo

or five pairs of mental shields: the anterior pair being the largest and contiguous upon their
inner margin, whilst the other pairs diverge, and gradually diminish in size backwards. Be-
tween the mental shields and lower labial plates there exists a complete series, and part of a
second, of small infralabials. The inferior surface of the head, the throat, the belly, the pre-
‘anal region, thighs, and legs, are covered with smooth, posteriorly obtuse, and generally entire
scales or scutellee of moderate development, a little smaller under the head and larger under
the hind limbs ; some few on the sides of the belly exhibiting a small notch posteriorly. The
sides of the neck, the insertion of the limbs, the inferior surface of the forearm, and the poste-
rior surface of the thighs, are granular. On the sides of the abdomen the scales are irregu-
larly rounded, subtuberculous, or subcarinated, and smaller than those on the dorsal region,
which are distinctly, though moderately, carinated, and posteriorly obtuse. The upper surface
of the limbs and the inferior surface of the arm are covered with scales similar in shape and
structure to those on the back; on the palm of the hands and the sole of the feet they are
much smaller, acute posteriorly, and distinctly carinated; around the fingers and toes they
constitute irregular verticiles—the superior ones being more irregular in size than the inferior,
and less distinctly carinated. The inner or first finger is the smallest ; the outermost is the
next in length; then the second; then the third, which is nearly as long as the fourth, which
is the longest. The nails are rather short, compressed, acerated upon their extremity, and
gently curved. The first toe is the smallest ; the second is the next in length; then the fifth;
then the third; the fourth is the longest. Their nails do not differ materially from those of
the fingers. The scales which cover the tail are the most conspicuous of all; they constitute
oblique series upon the base of that organ, and annular rows further backwards. The oblique
series have the same shape as those of the back. Those constituting the annular rows are su-
periorly subquadrangular and elongated, with their carina oblique; whilst beneath, they be-
come much narrower, posteriorly acute, with a straight carina along their middle region.

The ground-color is blackish brown in the male, and greenish brown in the female ; in either
sex there are two parallel series of transverse black bands, convex ‘anteriorly, margined with
a whitish, or else a lighter tint along their concavity. These bands, however, are more con-
spicuous in the female than in the male. They may be traced from the head, on each side of
the dorsal region, to the posterior extremity of the body, where the series, from either side,
combine more or less into one, which extends along the upper surface of the tail. The limbs,
as well as the tail, are transversally barred with black. In the female, the dorsal region and
the flanks are cither dotted with black or spotted with whitish ; whilst in the male, these spots

GL Ss ee ee

REPTILES. 219

are either bluish, reddish, or else of a metallic green, especially on the neck. The upper sur-
face and sides of the head are spotted with different shades of black, or dotted with yellow and
black. The occipital region and the back, in the male, occasionally exhibit sinuating black
lines upon a brownish ground, which itself bears bluish, greenish, or slate-colored spots. Be-
neath, the ground-color is whitish, vermiculated, maculated or clouded with greyish lines,
spots, or dots. That region sometimes is unicolor in the female.
This species appears to be quite abundant in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile, whence numer-
ous specimens were obtained and preserved.
Plate X XXVIII, fig. 1, represents a profile view of the female sex of Proctotretus tenuis,
size of life.
fig. 2, is an under view, showing the structure of that region.
fig. 3, is an upper view of the head.
fig. 4, a side view of the head.
Figs. 2, 3, and 4, are slightly magnified.

PROCTOTRETUS FEMORATUS, Girard.
Prats XL, Figs. 5—12.

Spec. cuar. Cephalic plates rugose. Auricular aperture moderate, provided with an arched
plate upon its supero-anterior margin, and one or two conical scales beneath and upon the
same anterior margin. One series of supralabials. Temporal shields well developed, imbri-
cated and carinated. Sides of neck with but one inconspicuous fold, and covered with small
carinated scales. Dorsal scales large, carinated, posteriorly acute, and diminishing in size
towards the sides. Abdominal scutellee smooth and entire. Posterior surface of thighs granu-
lar. Tail elongated and slender. Brownish, with two parallel light vitte on either side, and
two series of black spots. Abdomen whitish, unicolor; inferior surface of head with greyish,
irregularly broken lines.

Syn. Proctotretus femoratus, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 227.

Descr. This species has the same slender aspect as P. tenuis, the limbs and tail being devel-
oped nearly in the same proportions. The body, mayhap, is a little shorter, and more slender
still. The tongue and teeth present the same general shape and structure. The head is
depressed, and quite declive from the frontal region towards the snout. Viewed from above, it
is subtriangular, subtruncated anteriorly. The cephalic plates are of moderate development ;
exhibiting upon their surface sinuating, subtubercular ridges, which give to that region a
rugose appearance. The vertical, a pair of post-occipitals, and two pairs of postfrontals may
be distinguished, amid their number, as the largest. Three postinternal surocularies hold the
same relations towards their analogues as the former; a concentric chain being observed upon
the inner margin of the surface of the upper lid. The perforation of the nostrils takes place
through one single plate more towards its posterior or inferior edge than the anterior. The
loral region being considerably reduced by the declivity of the frontal region, there are but
one or two loral plates. The suborbital chain is composed of three narrow and elongated
plates, provided internally with a conspicuous and sharp ridge or crest; the longest occupying
the inferior rim of the orbit and the other two its anterior rim; whilst the posterior rim is
formed by the anterior temporal plates. The surciliary ridge is composed of five or six obliquely
superposed plates, smallest posteriorly. The surface of the lids is granular; their margins
being provided with a series of very small plates. The rostral is transversally elongated and

220 ZOOLOGY.

very low. The upper labials are elongated and narrow, six in number, increasing in size from
the first to the fourth, which is the longest, then diminishing again posteriorly. The supra-
labial series is composed of about an equal number of similar plates but narrower still. The
symphyseal is larger than the rostral, and especially broader upon its middle region. The
inferior labials, six or seven in number, are broader than the upper, diminishing gradually
backwards. There are four pairs of mental shields; the anterior pair is the largest, con-
tiguous upon the inner margins, whilst the other pairs diverge in diminishing in size pos-
teriorly. A series of infra-labials may be traced from the angle of the mouth to between a
portion of the first inferior labial plate and anterior mental shield. The temporal plates are
well developed, particularly towards the upper region; they are posteriorly obtuse, imbricated,
and distinctly carinated. The side of the neck, which exhibits a very obsolete fold, is covered
with small, acute, and carinated scales.. The posterior margin of the auricular aperture and
region of the shoulder are minutely granular. The dorsal scales are rather large upon the
back, diminishing in size towards the middle of the flank, being carinated and acute posteriorly.
The inferior half of the flanks are covered with scales or scutelle similar to those which exist
upon the belly, being only a little smaller and obsoletely carinated upwards. The abdominal
scutelle or scales are smooth, obtuse posteriorly, and rather smaller than the dorsal scales.
Under the head and throat they do not differ materially from those on the abdomen, but are a
little larger under the head than under the throat: their posterior margin is entire. If an
obsolete notch is to be observed at all, it is in those occupying the flanks, but that notch may
be owing to the fact that the carinz do not always extend to the posterior margin. The upper
surface of the anterior limbs is covered with scales similar to, but smaller than those on the
back, obtuse and smooth upon the anterior region and the carpus. Under the forearm they are
very small and smooth, increasing in size under the arm, and again diminishing towards the
palm of the hand, which is entirely covered with them, and not only carinated and posteriorly
acerated, but provided also with a lateral acute processus, particularly developed upon the meta-
carpal region. The fingers above are plated and smooth; beneath they are provided with small
scales, carinated, acerated posteriorly and disposed upon regular transverse rows. The fingers
have the same relative length, and the nails the same form as in P. tenuis. The hind limbs
and the tarsi are covered above with scales similar, but smaller than those on the back, and
larger than on the fore limbs, carinated even on the tarsi. The anterior tibio-metatarsal region
is distinguished by very small scales, almost passing to the granular aspect. The posterior
surface of the thighs is granular; whilst their inferior surface is covered anteriorly with scutel-
le similar to those of the abdomen, and posteriorly with three or four series of scales, some-
what acute and projecting beyond the surtace of that organ, the external series being the most
developed. On the inferior surface of the femoral region the scutelle or scales are subcarinated
and well developed, the external series projecting a little beyond the surface of the organ. On
the sole of the feet the scales are quite small, acute, and more distinctly carinated. The toes
are surrounded with small subverticillated scales, more uniform and more distinctly carinated
beneath than above. The proportional length of the toes and the form of the nails is the same
as in P. tenuis. The caudal scales have likewise the same general structure; there being,
however, no contrast in size between them and those of the back, though a little larger on the
base of that organ. The ground-color is brown, olivaceous, or blackish. The upper surface of
the head is either unicolor or dotted with blackish; its sides generally exhibit two or three
oblique and black lines extending from beneath the orbit towards either the margin or the
angle of the mouth. The suborbital ridge may be black also. There are two parallel light
vittee on the sides of the body, the uppermost extending from the surciliary ridge to a portion
of the tail; the lower one extends from the temporal region across the upper edge of the auricu-
lar aperture, and above the insertion of fore limbs to the groin. The dorsal region sometimes
is lighter than the sides, and appears like another broad vitta. There are two series of
black, transversally elongated spots, with a light or bluish margin; the intermediate space

REPTILES. 22:

being dark brown. The first series stretches immediately along the inner margin of the upper
vitta; the second is enclosed between the two vitte. The lower half of the flanks, beneath
the inferior vitta, is covered with irregularly vertical or rounded black spots. The inferior sur-
face of the body is unicolor whitish or greyish; numerous interrupted series of linear spots are
observed under the head and inferior portion of its sides. The vittze upon the latter regions
are margined with black. There is an irregular black spot at the shoulder close to the inser-
tion of the fore limbs. The series of dorsal spots extends along the upper surface and sides of
the tail; the latter is maculated with greyish below. The limbs above are transversally barred,
and beneath they are of the same hue as the abdomen.

In some, probably male specimens, the vittze and spots are less distinct, and immerge into
the ground-color. The sides of the abdomen are of a reddish metallic hue, with black and
bluish small spots.

Specimens of this species were collected in the vicinity of Santiago, Chile.

Plate XXXVIII, fig. 5, represents the profile of Proctotretus femoratus, size of life.

fig. 6, is the head, seen from above.

fig. 7, a side view of the head.

fig. 8, the head, from below.

fig. 9, shows the inferior surface of the anterior limb.

fig. 10, the inferior surface of the posterior limb and the vent also.
fig. 11, some dorsal scales.

fig. 12, some abdominal scutelle.

Figs. 6—12 are slightly magnified, in order to show readily the structures they are intended
to represent.

PROCTOTRETUS STANTONTI, Girard.
Prate XL, Figs. 13—20.

Spec. cHAR. Cephalic plates rugose. Auricular aperture moderate, margined anteriorly
with very small scales, one of which is larger than the rest. One series of supralabials. Tem-
poral shields well developed, subrounded, imbricated, and carinated. Sides of neck with one
indistinct fold, and covered with acute and carinated scales, a little smaller than those of the
back, which are large, posteriorly subacute, and strongly carinated. Abdominal scutella
rounded posteriorly and slightly carinated. Posterior surface of thighs granular. Tail elon-
gated and slender. Ground-color deep brown, with a reddish tint posteriorly ; two parallel
vittze on the sides. Abdomen unicolor, with metallic reflections.

Syn. Proctotretus stantoni, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 227.

Descr. The specimen figured—the only one in our possession—is of a rather small size, and,
in all likelihood, not fully grown. It resembles, in general appearance, P. gracilis, particu-
larly in its system of coloration, differing, however, in too many peculiarities of structure to
dwell at all upon that external resemblance.

The head is very depressed and sloping upon the frontal distance. Seen from above, its
shape is subovoid, rather narrow anteriorly. The cephalic plates, the surface of which is
slightly rugose, are well developed, and the frontals symmetrically arranged; thus we find
two pairs of small prefrontals and three pairs of considerably larger postfrontals, separated by
a transverse series of three plates, the middle one of which is much larger than the adjoining
two, though itself equal to the smallest postfrontals. There is a vertical of medium size, a

222 ZOOLOGY.

small, odd occipital, on each side of which, and immediately in advance of a large pair of post-
occipitals, is seen a pair of small plates. T'wo more pairs, equal in size to the last, may be
observed on either side of the large post-occipitals, and finally, behind the latter a series or two
of quite small plates, limiting the occipital region. The nostrils open in one single plate;
there are three lorals, one forming the continuation of the surciliary ridge, above which and the
nasal, between these and the frontals, there are four minute, elongated plates irregularly dis-
posed. The surciliary ridge is composed of six obliquely superposed laminze. The surocul-
aries are nearly as large as the prefrontals, and surrounded by a series of small plates. The
suborbital series consists of two plates only, a very long one beneath the orbit, and another
rather small anteriorly, their inner crest or ridge being well marked. The posterior rim of the
orbit is margined by small plates alike the temporal group. The surface of the lids is minutely
granular; their margin is provided with a double series of very narrow, elongated, and very
small plates. The rostral is transversally elongated, but quite low, or else narrow. The upper
labials, five in number, are very narrow and elongated, increasing in length from the first to
the fourth inclusive ; the fifth is equal to the first. The supralabials are very exiguous; the
middle ones being the longest. The symphyseal is larger than the rostral. The inferior labials,
four in number, gradually lose their width posteriorly; the third is the longest; the fourth is
the smallest of all. There are five pairs of mental shields, diminishing in size posteriorly; the
shields of the anterior pair being contiguous upon their inner margin. Between the inferior
labials and the mentals a triple series of elongated scutellee or shields may be observed, one
series only extending to the posterior half of the anterior inferior labial and anterior mental
shield. The temporal shields are well developed, slightly imbricated, rounded posteriorly, and
carinated. The neck exhibits but a slight loose elevation of the skin, and is protected by acute
and carinated scales, somewhat smaller than those of the back and sides. A small space imme-
diately behind the ear is granular, though not as minutely as about the axille.

The dorsal scales are large, subrhomboid, subacute posteriorly, and strongly carinated; they
are smaller upon the neck, and diminish gradually in size towards the sides of the body and
along the tail, where they constitute longitudinal series, instead of being arranged in verticiles
or else concentrically. Upon the origin of tail their posterior margin is rounded and subacute;
farther behind they gradually elongate, and the carina, instead of occupying the middle line of
the scale, becomes oblique. Along the inferior surface of that organ they are more uniform
and more slender.

The limbs are very slender, and, when stretched alongside with the body, the anterior do not
reach the setting on of the thighs, and the posterior the ear opening, in which respects, as in
many others, this species may be distinguished from P. gracilis. The upper surface of these
organs, from their origin to the tip of the fingers, is covered with carinated scales, similar in
shape, though a little smaller than those of the sides of the back. They are plate-like on the
upper surface of the fingers, and obsoletely carinated. On the palm of the hands and sole of
the feet they are the smallest of all, except on the inferior surface of the arm and the anterior
tibio-metatarsal region, where they approximate the granular aspect of the posterior surface of
the thighs.

The inferior surface of the head, neck, and abdomen, is covered with uniform scutellew, some-
what smaller under the neck, and likewise diminishing in size towards the sides of the abdomen.
The average size of these scutellz is smaller than the dorsal scales. Their posterior margin is
rounded, and their surface slightly carinated from the chin to the preanal region, on the margin
of which there are very small plates. The postanal region is granulated like the posterior sur-
face of the thighs.

The ground-color is uniform deep brown, with a reddish tint from the posterior third of the
body to half the length of the tail. The sides bear two parallel light vitte, the uppermost
extending from the occiput to the base of the tail, the other from the auditive aperture to the
setting on of the hind legs. The inferior surface is unicolor, whitish or yellowish, with a me-

REPTILES. 223

tallic tint of purplish under the head, greenish under the chest, and coppery under the belly
and tail.

Collected near Santiago, Chile, where the species must be scarce, judging of it by the fact that
only one specimen was found amongst the numerous of the other species.

Plate XXXVIII, fig. 13, represents Proctotretus stantoni, in profile and of the size of life.
fig. 14, the head seen from above.
fig. 15, side view of the head.
fig. 16, under view of the head.
fig. 17, anterior limb from beneath.
fig. 18, posterior limb from beneath.
fig. 19, dorsal scales.
fig. 20, abdominal scuttellee.
Figs. 14—20 are slightly magnified.

We would not have concluded the history of the new members thus added to the ‘‘ Fauna of
Chile,’ by the exertions of the United States Naval Astronomical Expedition, without in-
scribing the name of one who was its father and its promoter, Hon. Fred. P, Stanton, of Ten-
nessee. Science owes a debt of gratitude to all the enlightened men, who, by the position they
hold in the councils of nations, declare themselves the patrons of scientific researches,

FAMILY OF LACERTIDZ.
Genus APOROMERA, Dum, & B.

Gen. cHAR. Base of tongue not sheathed, bifurcated upon its extremity, covered with sub-
rhomboid and subimbricated papille. Teeth on the palate. Intermaxillary teeth conical and
simple. Maxillary teeth compressed, apart, acute, and curved ; the anterior ones simple, the
following notched at the summit of their anterior margin. Perforation of nostrils from behind
forwards, situated on the sides of the snout, near its extremity and between three or four plates.
Eyelids present. A tympanic membrane stretched inside the auditive orifice, Transverse
and simple folds under the neck. Ventral scutella small, quadrilateral, smooth, and disposed
alternatively. No femoral pores. Hands terminated each by five, a little compressed, fingers,
not carinated beneath. Five toes, with internal edge tubercular, Tail cyclo-tetragonal.

Syn. Aporomera, Dum. & B., Erp. gén. V. 1839, 69.
GuicH. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. IL, 1848, 58.

Oss. This genus embraces, as yet, but two species, both South American.

APOROMERA ORNATA, Dum. &B.
Pirate XXXIX, Figs. 1—4.
Spec. cian. Cephalic plates subconvex and smooth. Auricular orifice subcrescentic, convex

posteriorly and folded upon¢the latter margin. A double series of supralabial plates. Tempo-
ral shields small, polygonal, and rugose. Sides of neck folded and covered with small

224 ZOOLOGY.

subcircular scales. Dorsal scales subangular and moderate in size. Abdominal scutelle
quadrangularly elongated, disposed upon transverse series, and smooth. Tail longer than the
body and head together. Above olivaceous, with four rows of black spots margined with
white. Beneath yellowish white, spotted with black.

Syv. Aporomera ornata, Dum. & B. Erp. gén. V, 1839, 76.
Guricu. in Gay, Hist. de Chile, Zool. II, 1848, 58, Plate iii, fig. 1.
Ameiva oculata, D’Orz. Voy. Amér. mérid. Rept. Plate v, figs. 6—9.

Oss. Finding that the iconography of this species might be considerably improved, under the
circumstances, we have thought that such an opportunity ought not be allowed to pass without
avail. The figures detailing its external structures are such as will throw a considerable light
upon what is already known of that animal by those given in Gay’s Historia de Chile, which,
when compared to ours, cannot but attract the attention of herpetologists, as exhibiting some
dissimilarities in the plates which protect the head.

Descr. The latter is subquadrangular or rather subconical, flattened upon its upper surface,
and more or less swollen upon the temporal regions. The vertical plate is irregularly six-
sided and broadest anteriorly. The occipitals are very numerous, most of them small and
polygonal, irregularly disposed, save eight of them, occupying the middle of said region imme-
diately behind the vertical. The foremost is very small and odd, situated in a notch of the
posterior margin of the vertical. On its sides but a little behind, and obliquely disposed, are
two larger plates as one pair. Immediately behind these first three, the largest of the occipitals
may be observed, elongated, irregular, varying in shape, almost as large as the vertical, and
having on either side a smaller plate as a second pair, exteriorly and behind which is a third
pair still smaller. On some specimens two or three other pairs are observed, scarce larger than
those covering the rest of the occipital region, and constituting two parallel series posteriorly to
the third pair above mentioned. On the frontal region the plates are small and numerous,
varying in absolute number as well as in form, and disposed without any marked regularity,
save a somewhat concentric arrangement amongst the external ones; but this may not be con-
stant in all the specimens. The rostral is broad and low, six-sided, the three upper sides
concave or subconcave, the uppermost sometimes so small as to give to that plate a conico-pen~
tagonal shape. There are three or four—one or two anterior, and two posterior—nasals.
Between the nasals and the rostral is situated a conspicuous phrenic plate, exhibiting a large
portion of its surface in an upper view of the head. The posterior prenasal (or prenasals) forms
an oblique arch from the first upper labial to the upper portion of the nostril. The postnasals
are the smallest, subquadrangular in shape, placed one above the other so as to limit equally
the posterior edge of the nostrils, which is large and approximates the labials. The loral
region is occupied by three rather large plates, much higher than broad, and increasing in
size from forwards backwards. The inferior orbitals, nine or ten in number, form a continuous
chain from the postero-inferior part of the eye to the surciliaries, increasing in size from back-
wards forwards, and provided with a carina from about beneath the pupil anteriorly. Thirteen
or fourteen surciliaries constitute the upper edge of the orbit; these plates are small, subequal in
size, a little larger anteriorly than posteriorly, and transversely elongated upon the middle ot
the chain. The upper and lower lids are densely covered with a pavement of irregular and
small plates, disposed in series next to the inferior orbitals, where they are somewhat larger as
well as anteriorly. Upon the edge of the lids they are likewise disposed in series, but not
otherwise different from those on the middle region of these organs. Upon the upper lid they
assume a granular aspect owing to their much reduced size. There are from five to seven
suroculary plates transversely elongated, the middle one being the largest, and surrounded
with small plates constituting one single series upon the region adjoining the vertex, and a
double series exteriorly where these plates are the smallest of the group. The upper labials,

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SRN ee

REPTILES. 225

eleven or twelve in number, are of medium development, decreasing gradually in size posteri-
orly. The inferior labials, with nearly the same size, form, structure, and number as the
upper, extend posteriorly to the same distance, which corresponds to a vertical line which
would fall back of the eye: There is one row of small supralabials, largest anteriorly, extending
from behind the first labial and beneath the nostril, to beneath the posterior half of the orbit.
A second row may be traced from the second loral to the third or fourth suborbitals ; and above
there are a few more, as an indication, mayhap, of a third row, at all events very obsolete.
The symphyseal is transversely elongated and obtusely angular upon the line of its contact with
the labials and mental shields. There are four pairs of mental shields and an odd anterior one.
The posterior pair is the smallest ; the next to it or fhird pair is the largest in some specimens,
whilst in others it is the second which has the pre-eminence in that respect. The odd plate is
generally equal in size to those of the largest pair. The first, second, and anterior portion of
the third pair come into close contact upon their inner margin, leaving no space for smaller
plates to intervene. On the lower half of the temporal region, the plate or scales, whatever
called, are quite small, and very minute on the upper half. On the sides of the neck which is
folded, behind the ear opening and beneath it, they assume a granular aspect; they increase
somewhat in size below, being uniform under the throat and subgular folds, which are con-
siderably developed. They are large upon an area back of the mental shields, between which
and the inferior labials a series of them intervene; also sensibly larger upon the middle and
posterior part of the hoyid region.

The dorsal scales are uniform, moderate in size, and subcircular, disposed upon transverse
irregular series from the head to the origin of tail, diminishing in size and uniformity towards
the lower portion of the flanks. About the insertion of the limbs, and upon the thoracic region
behind the arm, their appearance is granular.

The limbs are stoutish and well proportioned; the fore might be termed rather. short,
inasmuch as they do not extend much beyond the middle region of the body when stretched
along its sides. But the apparent shortness of these limbs in that respect is owing to the fact
that the body in this genus is proportionally much more. elongated than in Proctotretus. The
scales on the upper surface of the forearm and arm are larger than on the body ; on the arm
and carpus they assume the shape of scutelle or plates, one row of which, transversely elon-
gated, may be traced to the tips of the fingers. On the lower surface and palm of the hand
they are again granular. There is a row of plates at the base of the metacarpus. The three
external fingers are provided beneath with a double row of tuberculous plates, the two others
with but one row, and all of them laterally with a series of small plates. The inner finger is
the shortest, the external is the next in size, then the second; the third and fourth are equal in
length. The nails are strong, of moderate development, compressed, acerated anteriorly, and
curved: the plate, the upper and the lower, situated at their base, is the most developed of the
digital series. On the upper surface of the hind legs and external half of the foot, the scales
are nearly of the size of those on the back; the posterior surface is granular, as well as the sole
of the foot, whilst the inferior surface and inner half of the foot are covered with scutelle,
larger under the tibial than under the femoral region; smallest on the foot. The toes are
protected above with a series of transversally elongated and irregular scutelle, and beneath
with a series of tubercular plates. Their inner sides are granular, whilst on the outer sides
the scutelle of their upper surface meet the plates of the lower. The abdominal scutella
are well developed, elongated, irregularly subquadrangular, and disposed upon transverse
series. On the anterior portion of the chest these scutelle are quite small, and irregularly dis-
posed in advance of the arms. They diminish, likewise, in size towards the posterior region of
the abdomen, preserving, however, their disposition upon transverse series. The preanal
scutelle are very irregular in their form, of moderate development, the central Veing the
largest. The anal folds are granular. The tail is very long, sub or cyclo-tetragonal, tapering
to a point, and covered with circular rows of elongated scales, increasing in size from the base

29*

226 ZOOLOGY.

of that organ to the last fifth of its length. They are smooth upon the anterior fifth, hence
to the tip conspicuously carinated, particularly upon the middle region; at the base of the tail
the scales are but slightly larger than on the posterior portion of the body; they are smooth
everywhere else except, as mentioned, upon the tail. The carination is gradually appearing
under the shape of a blunt and small protuberance which may be seen upon the posterior ex-
tremity of the scales. Every other or every third row subdivides as it ascends from the sides
of the tail towards its upper surface, from the base to about the third of the length, the sub-
division gradually diminishing in extent until reduced to a few scales upon the middle of the
upper region ; hence backwards they constitute regular annular rows. The ground-color is
olivaceous, varying in shade. From the occipital region to the base of the tail there are four
longitudinal series of rather large black patches. The latter are subcireular or subquadrangu-
lar, transversally elongated, and provided laterally with a white line or spots, exteriorly again
margined with a black filet; sometimes the black and central part of the blotch is wanting, in
which case we have two independent white subrounded spots, margined with black. The
occipital region is maculated with black. The inferior region of the flanks is vermiculated or
spotted with brownish black, upon a whitish ground. The upper surface of the anterior limbs
exhibits confluent lines or spots—some brownish, others whitish ; the posterior limbs are macu-
lated or else vermiculated with blackish. The upper surface of the tail presents intermingled
black, brown, and olivaceous spots of various shades. The inferior regions are white; the
throat, the belly, the thighs, and base of the tail are spotted with blackish brown.

Collected in the neighborhood of Santiago, Chile.

It is worthy of remark that Ameiva oculata, mentioned by d’Orbigny in his Travels to South
America, was erroneously introduced in that work. The specimen from which his figure is
made, is one of those collected by Claude Gay, in Chile, supposed for a time by the naturalists
of the Garden of Plants in Paris to have been brought home by Alcide d’Orbigny, whose collec-
tions were deposited in that establishment, where Claude Gay had likewise sent his.

The shapes of the dorsal black spots, as described above, agree in the two specimens brought
home by Lieut. Gilliss. They are at variance with those described and figured by Claude Gay.

Plate XX XIX, fig. 1, represents Aporomera ornata, in profile and size of life.

fig. 2, is an under view of the same specimen.
fig. 3, the head seen from above.
fig. 4, a side view of the head.

Genus CNEMIDOPHORUS, Wagl.

Gen. cuar. Base of tongue not sheathed, moderately long, divided upon its anterior ex-
tremity into two smooth filets, covered with scaly, rhomboid, and subimbricated papille. Palate
toothed. Intermaxillary teeth conical and simple; maxillary teeth compressed; the anterior
simple ; the posterior tricuspid. External opening of nostrils situated either exclusively in a
single naso-rostral plate, or between several nasals. Eyelids present. Tympanic membrane dis-
tinct, stretched inside the rim of the auditive aperture; a double transversal fold under the neck.
Ventral scutelle quadrilateral, flat, smooth, not, or little imbricated, disposed in alternate rows.
Large scutelle-like plates under the legs. Femoral pores present. Five fingers a little com-
pressed, not carinated beneath. Five toes similar in structure to the fingers. Tail cyclo-

tetragonal.

Syn. Cnemidophorus, Waa. Nat. Syst. Amph. 1830, 154.
Dum. & Bisr, Erp. Gén. V, 1839, 123.

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REPTILES. 227

Ops. The species of this genus may be arranged into two groups, according to the number
of longitudinal series of abdominal scutella, some having eight, the others ten of such series:
the species described below belonging to the latter group.

CNEMIDOPHORUS PRASIGNIS, B.& G.
Prarz XXXVMII, Figs. 1—5.

Spec. cuaAr. Abdominal scutelle disposed upon ten longitudinal rows; dorsal scales very mi-
nute. Postsubgular fold provided with small plates upon its edge. Ground-color greenish,
blotched with black, and exhibiting laterally two narrow, light vitte.

Syn. Cnemidophorus presignis, B. & G. Proc. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. VI, 1852, 129.

Descr. The head, which is contained twice and three-fourths of a time in the combined length
of the neck and body, is subpyramidal in shape, slightly arched upon the occiput. The plates
which cover its upper surface are well developed. The vertical is hexagonal, broadest ante-
riorly ; it is preceded by a pair of postfrontals, narrowest upon the line of their junction, dilated
exteriorly and rounded upon the latter margin. A large and unique prefrontal occupies nearly
the whole width of the snout, being irregularly octagonal in its outline, touching posteriorly the
postfrontals, exteriorly the loral and postnasal, and anteriorly the prenasals. The rostral oc-
cupies the entire width of the snout, advancing in a conical form towards the prefrontal, which,
however, it does not reach. The prenasal is elongated and subquadrangular, being slightly
curved backwards owing to its oblique situation on the sides of the snout, extending from the
margins of the labials to the upper surface of the snout, where it meets its fellow from the op-
posite side, separating entirely the rostral from the prefrontal. The postnasal is not quite as
high, though a little broader than the prenasal. It is anteriorly subconvex, and posteriorly
concave, exhibiting a portion of its surface in an upper view of the head. The nostrils are
large, situated at the inferior margin of the nasal plates, close to the labials, encroaching more
upon the prenasal than upon the postnasal. The loral is very large, its convex anterior margin
fitting the concave one of the postnasal. It is broadest anteriorly, and three-sided, offering
points of contact to a surciliary and two anteorbitals, the lowermost being the largest, angu-
lar, and five-sided, whilst the upper one is elongated and narrow. There are two suborbitals,
the anterior being twice as large as the posterior one. The postorbitals are numerous, small,
and polygonal. Four surocularies and six surciliaries constitute the upper roof of the eye, the
surciliaries forming a prominent ridge, between which and the surocularies a series of small
scales may be observed, extending from the anterior margin of the second suroculary and pos-
terior margin of the second surciliary backwards, enclosing the posterior outline of the surocu-
laries half way between the third of the latter group and the anterior occipitals. The anterior
three surciliaries are much longer than the posterior three. The eyelids, upper and lower, are
densely covered with small scales, the largest of which constituting a row along the inner mar-
gin of the orbitals. On the edge of the lids is another series more conspicuous than upon the
intervening space. The middle surface of the lower eyelid is provided with a horizontal series
of five or six quadrangular plates; the latter being higher than long. The occipitals are seven
in number, the anterior two being somewhat larger than the others, broadest upon their poste-
rior half, and in contact anteriorly with the vertical. The posterior five are disposed upon a
sublinear and transverse row, the central one being placed immediately behind the middle line
of the anterior two; the adjoining two, the largest of the five, are in contact anteriorly with
the first pair of occipitals; the exterior two occupy a somewhat retreated situation along the
external margin of the internal pair. An area of small plates surrounds posteriorly and exteri-
orly the postoccipitals. From the posterior extremity of the surciliary ridge to the upper mar-

228 ZOOLOGY.

gin of the auditive aperture may be seen a series of small polygonal plates, a continuation
of the postorbitals. There are six upper labials; the two middle ones are much the largest,
and longer than high. The anterior two are subquadrangular; the posterior two elongated,
narrow, subtriangular; the last of the series is very small, with its acutest angle directed for-
wards, the reverse of the fifth. The inferior labials are seven in number, the posterior ones be-
ing very small and narrow; the third and fourth are very large; the second is nearly equal in
size with the fourth upper labial, and the first nearly equal to the fifth of its own series. The
symphiseal is semi-elliptical, and well developed. The submaxillaries or mental shields are very
large; the anterior odd one is broadest; the second, on either side, are in contact for almost their
whole length; the third and fourth diverge. Six or seven smaller plates, disposed upon a
double row, terminate the submaxillary series at the angle of the mouth, and close to the an-
terior and lower rim of the auditive aperture. The latter is large and sub-circular, margined
anteriorly with scales somewhat larger than those covering the middle of the temporal region.
The extreme margin of the angle of the mouth is provided with small scales or else minute
plates. The mental region, enclosed by the submaxillary plates, is covered with irregular and
small scales, a narrow area of which may be seen extending to the lower edge of the auditive
aperture. The anterior portion of the throat is provided with small polygonal plates, whilst
the posterior portion of that region is covered laterally with minute, and upon its middle with
rather small plates. The plates on the middle region of the posterior subgular fold are nearly
equal in size to those of the anterior portion of the throat. On the margin of that fold they
are again very small.

The anterior and upper surface of the forearm is provided with a series of five large polygonal
and transversely elongated plates, surrounded with smaller ones, and beneath, posteriorly, to-
wards the elbow, may be seen an area covered with about a dozen plates of a much smaller size,
and rather subcircular than polygonal in their outline. The anterior and upper surface of the
arm exhibits a series of transversely elongated plates, still larger and more numerous than on
the forearm, surrounded likewise by smaller ones. The remaining portion of the surface of that
limb is densely covered with small scales, assuming a plate-like aspect upon the middle region
beneath and towards the elbow. The palm of the hand is covered with minute scales, and the
metacarpus, opposite the external finger, is marked by a few’small plates. The hand above is
plated; the plates being a little smaller on the metacarpus than on the carpus. The fingers
are protected above and below by a series of transversely elongated and uniform plates, extend-
ing to the very base of the nails. There is a lateral series of small scales separating the upper
from the lower digital plates. The internal and external fingers are shorter than the others,
and nearly equal in length. The middle one is a little longer than the adjoining two. The
nails are well developed, compressed posteriorly, conical, acerated, and curved anteriorly.
The anterior surface of the thigh is covered with plates of medium size, diminishing very
much in size towards the inferior surface. The femoral pores, seventeen in number, limit the
plated surface of that organ. They issue forth between an anterior subcrescentic small plate and
two minute posterior ones. The inferior surface of the leg is covered with four longitudinal
series of plates, very large upon the anterior series, and diminishing gradually in size upon the
remaining series. The inferior surface of the metatarsus is protected by rather conspicuous and
imbricated plates, whilst on the upper surface there exist minute scales. The tarsus exhibits
four series of well-developed plates, which may be traced along the upper surface of the toes
narrower upon the articulation of the phalanges than upon their middle region. The inferior
surface of the toes is provided externally with a conspicuous series of small plates, and internally
with two much smaller and irregular series placed along the thumb, the first (longest) and
second toes, whilst these latter series are replaced by scales upon the fourth and fifth toes.
The posterior surface of the tarsus is covered with minute scales, somewhat larger on the sole
of the foot, between the thumb and the first (longest) and second finger. The plates on the
upper surface of the tarsus and those on the inferior surface of the leg are contiguous upon the

a ee eee

REPTILES. 229

external edge of the metatarsus behind the small toe. The nails are less developed than upon
the anterior extremities, compressed at their base, acerated upon their extremity, and but
slightly curved.

The dorsal and lateral regions of the body and upper surface of the hind legs are covered
with very small and irregular scales. The inferior surface of the body is plated all over with
quadrangular scutelle, disposed upon ten longitudinal rows, the outermost of which is but
imperfectly developed, upon the middle region of the abdomen. The second row, proceeding
from the sides inwardly, is composed of scutelle, nearly quadrangular, whilst on the three
remaining rows the scutella are transversally longer, in the shape of an elongated quadrangle.
Upon the anterior portion of the chest the series are interrupted and composed of smaller and
irregularly-shaped scutelle. The preanal region exhibits three rather large polygonal scutelle
surrounded by small plates, diminishing in size as they recede from the central group. ‘The
postanal region is densely covered with small plates or scales. The tail is long, subcylindrical,
and tapering to a point. The scales which cover its surface are elongated and narrow, keeled
upon their middle line, and disposed in verticiles or circular rows. On the upper part and
sides of that organ the scales maintain the same width throughout their length, whilst inferi-
orly some of them may be seen slightly tapering posteriorly. The ground-color is greenish, the
head, the locomotory members, and the tail, marmorated with black. Two lighter stripes may
be seen running along the sides, the uppermost starting from the surciliary ridge, the lower
one from behind the eye across the auditive aperture, and parallel towards the posterior extremity
of the body. Hence, along the sides of the tail to a considerable distance, the uppermost unin-
terruptedly above the hind limbs, the lower one with a break near the origin of the thighs.
The area enclosed by these two vitte or stripes is black, provided upon its middle region with
a series of greenish subrounded spots. The region of the flanks beneath the lower vitta is
either entirely black, with two or three irregular series of greenish spots, or else the green and
the black mingle, and assume a meandric aspect. The external three series of abdominal
scutelle are provided with a black spot upon their middle. The dorsal region enclosed between
the uppermost vitta presents a medial, light-greenish band, edged with transverse blotches of
black, enclosing a quadrangular space of deeper green, occasionally mottled with black. Upon
the occiput and neck most of the space is greenish. It is not improbable that the young will
be found to possess a more defined dorsal vitta, mayhap, similar altogether to those now to
be observed on the sides. The inferior surface of the head, the chest, the middle region of the
abdomen, and the preanal region, are uniformly yellowish-green. The inferior surface of the
fore-limbs is yellowish, the inferior surface of the hind limbs and tail whitish, obsoletely
blotched with blackish.

Specimens of this species were collected at Chagres, isthmus of Panama, by the late Prof.
C. B. Adams, of Amherst College, Massachusetts.

Plate XX XVIII, fig. 1, represents the profile of Cnemidophorus presignis, size of life.
fig. 2, is an under view of the same specimen, showing the varied structure
of the plates, scales, and scutelle, referred to in the above description; @
is an enlarged view of one from a femoral pore.
. 3, exhibits the head from above.
. 4, an enlarged toe.
. 5, an enlarged finger.

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FISHES

FAMILY OF PERCIDE. .
Genus PERCICHTHYS, Girard. Kill

Gen. car. Body oblong or elongated, compressed, covered with scales of medium develop- ; :
ment, finely ciliated upon their posterior margin. Snout rather thick and blunt, overlappins .
slightly the lower jaw. Two dorsal fins contiguous at their base. Insertion of ventral fins

immediately beneath the base of pectorals. Anal fin provided with three spiny rays. Tong
smooth. Upper surface of head, suborbitals and posterior dilatation of maxillary, covered witl
scales, as well as the cheeks and opercular apparatus. Suborbital and preopercle steel
Opercle provided with a spine. Branchiostegals six or seven in number. Card-like teeth, ae
the jaws; velvet-like teeth disposed upon a transverse band in front of the vomer and upon a anar-—

row band along the palatines, sometimes only towards the anterior extremity of the latter bones. — .

Syv. Percichthys, Grp. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VII, 1854, 197.

Oxs. This genus, closely allied to Perca, is to be dis inguished from it by the shape of the |
snout and the structure of the mouth; the presence of small scales on the top of the head, on re
the suborbital bones and (upper) asses + ; the position of the ventral fins, and by the pres-—
ence of three spiny rays, instead of two, at the anterior margin of the anal fin. Moreover, the i

head, as a whole, has something of a sciznoid touch about it. aa
Perea trucha, of Cuv. and Val.* which, according to M. d’Orbigny, is an inhabitant of
the Rio Negro of Patagonia, is a species of this genus. eg

I am led to consider Perca ciliata, K. and V. H., from the island of Java, Perca marginata, —
Cuy. and Val., brought to France from the puseel hemisphere by the navigator Péron, and
Perca trulta, One and Val., from Cook’s straight (New Zealand), as repeals referable to the
genus Percichthys. oo

Should this be true, the hitherto cosmopolite genus Perca would thus be restricted to ae ;
boreal hemisphere; the analogous species of the ee hemisphere constituting an allied genus —
or several allied genera, since one of the species of this group has led us to the establishment of —
another genus equally distinct from both Perca and Pon cichthys.

Perca levis, Jen.,f an inhabitant of the Rio Santa Crux, Patagonia, belongs also to sie rs
genus Percichthys, being closely allied to P. trucha, if at all distinct from it.

The following is the formula of its fins and branchiostegals:

Br. 7; D.9—1/11; A. 3/9; C. 17; P. 15; V. 1/5.
Again, Perca trucha of Cuv. and Val. is not identical with the Perca trucha of the “ Hist

de Chile.’’ The latter we propose to call Percichthys chilensis. The distinctive marks ae

* Histoire Naturelle des Poissons. Tome IX, 1833, 429.
t Zool. of Beagle, IV. Fish, 1842, I, Pl. i. ie

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