Art. XXVII.—Notice of a new Variety of Tuatara Lizard (Sphcnodon) from East Cape Island.

By Walter L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.L.S.

[Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 17th November, 1877.]

During a recent visit to Napier I saw in the possession of Mr. John White a live tuatara, which he had obtained from the natives more than a year ago as a chiefs gift, and which one of his sons had succeeded in completely domesticating.

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At the first glance at this lizard I observed that it was very different from ordinary examples, and on a closer examination it appeared to me, if not a distinct species, a sufficiently well-marked variety to deserve special notice in our "Transactions."

It is comparatively short and thick-set in form, and presents a remarkable depression in the occipital region. The dorsal spines (twenty in number) are very minute; those along the neck are larger, and number fourteen. The caudal spines are much thicker and dark coloured, all the former being pure white. The tail, which has been broken off at some period, is reproduced in the usual thickened form and in darker colours.

The general colour is olivaceous-brown; sides of the body ruddy yellow with a flesh-coloured or pinkish hue, varied, spotted, and marked with olive-green and greyish-brown; on each side of the nape, large irregular ashy-white spots washed with yellow. The olive-green is brightest on the back and toes; and on the lower part of the former, on each side of the spine, there are irregular markings of ashy white. Throat bright ashy grey, with longitudinal series of minute white spots. On each side of the neck there is a broad crescent-shaped mark of olive-brown which encircles the pale-coloured throat. Under parts generally uniform pale grey; under surface of feet greenish-white. Colours darker on the (reproduced) tail. Claws horn-colour. Irides as in the ordinary form.

As will be seen from the above description, this remarkable example approaches more nearly, in the general character of its markings, to Sphenodon guntlieri than to S. punctatum, although it is sufficiently distinct in appearance from both. It may turn out of course to be a merely accidental variety; but Mr. White states from recollection that another specimen obtained by the natives at the same time and from the same locality was exactly similar to this one.

This lizard has become perfectly tame, and appears to recognize its young keeper's voice. It greedily devours blue-bottle flies, caterpillars and insects of all sorts, and also feeds on fresh meat minced up. In the early part of December last it commenced to cast its skin, and it then became restless, making every endeavour to get underground. About the 1st January the old skin was completely thrown off, the colours of the new one being perceptibly brighter and more defined.

Mr. White states that this lizard was obtained on East Cape Island, and he has promised to furnish some further information respecting it after he has had an opportunity of comparing notes with the natives.