Plated Lizard

Gerrhonotus imbricatus, (Wieg.)

Colouration: The pattern is very indistinct, and the majority of old specimens are uniform brown.
Dimensions: Total Length . . . . . 10 1/2 inches.
Distribution: The extreme southwest portion of Texas, and possibly southern Arizona and New Mexico; northern and central Mexico generally. Occurs to an elevation of 11,000 feet.

Differs from the two preceding species, in its more obsolete pattern, proportionately shorter tail and broader head. In front of the large shields between the eye are three pairs of smaller shields, in place of the three shields arranged in triangular fashion that will be noted with the majority of the species. The scales of the back are strongly keeled to the number of eight or ten rows; those of the sides are smooth.

Length of Tail . . . . . 4 3/4 inches.

Greatest Diameter . . . . . 1 1/8 inches.

Width of Head . . . . . 1 inches.

Length of Head (to back of ear) . . . . . 1 1/4 inches.

The Genus Ophisaurus.--But one species of this genus is known. It is the familiar Glass "Snake," quite snake-like in aspect; having no traces of external limbs. In North America, it is the only limbless representative of the Family Anguidae. The limbless species of this family occur principally in southern Europe, Asia and Africa. The Sheltopusic (Pseudopus apus), and the Blind "Worm" (Anguis fragilis), are familiar Old World examples.

A description of the New World species follows: