Other Lizards.—Within the main halls of the Reptile House will be found various representatives of the smaller Lizards, a few of which may be mentioned.
The beautiful, emerald-colored Green Lizard, (Lacerta viridis), of Europe, is not only a handsome species, but it is also one of the most satisfactory to keep in a vivarium—a good feeder and always posing.
The famous Glass “Snake,” (Ophiosauris ventralis), is important because its resemblance to a snake is so perfect it is generally mistaken for one, although a true lizard. It is not, however, a “connecting link” between the lizards and the serpents.
Our well-known Gila Monster, (pronounced He-la) (Heloderma suspectum), is a stupid, slow-moving creature from the southwestern deserts, thick-set and stumpy in body, and it has the appearance of being covered all over with dark-brown-black, and yellow beads, such as Indians use in their bead industry. Its bite is sufficiently venomous that it inflicts a painful wound, but it is not necessarily fatal.
The Chameleon of the Old World, (Chamaeleo vulgaris), because of its color phases and its remarkable form, is truly a great “curiosity”; but it should not be confused with our so-called American Chameleon, which belongs to another Family, and is also less interesting.
THE SERPENTS.
The Order of Serpents, (Ophidia).—The large glazed cases along the northern side of the main hall of the Reptile House are devoted to the larger serpents, while the smaller species are provided for along the south wall, and in the adjoining room. One serious difficulty in the management of a collection of living serpents lies in the fact that often the most valuable specimens are so nervous and shy in their feeding habits it is impossible to cage several together.
Out of the many species of serpents exhibited in the Reptile House, ten are chosen as fairly representing the principal groups.
The Regal Python, (Python reticulatus), here represented by a fine specimen, 22 feet in length, weighing 170 pounds, is the best representative of the rock pythons of Asia and Africa. The island of Borneo is its center of distribution. None of the constrictors is venomous, but their crushing power is almost beyond belief.
The Rock Python, (Python sebae), of Africa, is a light-colored species with a very small head, and is frequently seen in the hands and around the necks of snake-charmers.