Art. XLV.—Description of a new Species of Lizard of the Genus Naultinus.

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 12, 1879, Page 314

Art. XLV.—Description of a new Species of Lizard of the Genus Naultinus. By W. L. Buller, C.M.G., Sc.D., F.R.S. [Read before the Wellington Philosophical Society, 10th January, 1880.] The lizard described in this paper was obtained in August last by Mr. Joseph Annabell while engaged on a Government survey in the wooded country of the Wanganui district. It is an interesting form, belonging to a well known

Palinurus Tumidus sp. nov.

group of tree-lizards, whose colours and markings, for protective purposes, bear a strong resemblance to their natural surroundings. The bright green tints of one species enables it almost to defy detection amidst the evergreen foliage of the native shrubs; the marbled-brown skin of another is peculiarly adapted for concealment as it clings to the bark of a tree, or hides in the crevices; whilst a third, which inhabits the sulphur-crusted grounds in the Lake District, is of a uniform bright sulphur-yellow. The species described by the author of this paper is beautifully marked on its upper surface with patches of pale brown and minute granulations of yellow, exactly resembling in appearance a peculiar Lichen common on the bark of certain trees. Apart from good specific characters, it furnishes another remarkable instance of the law of assimilative colouring referred to.