File:The reptile book; a comprehensive popularised work on the structure and habits of the turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, lizards and snakes which inhabit the United States and northern Mexico (1915) (14803331883).jpg

Identifier: reptilebookcompr1915ditm (find matches)
Title: The reptile book; a comprehensive popularised work on the structure and habits of the turtles, tortoises, crocodilians, lizards and snakes which inhabit the United States and northern Mexico
Year: 1915 (1910s)
Authors: Ditmars, Raymond Lee, 1876-1942
Subjects: Reptiles -- North America
Publisher: New York, Doubleday, Page
Contributing Library: MBLWHOI Library
Digitizing Sponsor: MBLWHOI Library

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Length of Head z\ Distribution.—Desert regions of southern Arizona andNew Mexico—the valleys of the Gila River and its tributaries.A few specimens have been taken in extreme northern Mexico. Habits of the Gila Monster In a wild state this creature is vicious and not nearly sosluggish in actions as is generally believed. It will turn andsnap with the agility of an angry dog. In captivity, where itthrives and soon becomes accustomed to its surroundings, thislizard becomes the most docile of creatures and will permit itself * Pronounced Heeln Monster. 172
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I I § fe fl g *.l £V2 O C/3 •Oo I CIO a .a (D iI The Beaded Lizards to be handled in the most unceremonious manner without dis-playing a trace of bad temper. A wild Gila Monster is a really formidable creature, if humanarm or limb be within reach of its powerful jaws. The reptilessudden twists as it snaps from side to side are wonderfully agileand difficult to avoid. During such demonstrations it givesvoice to sharp hisses and opens its jaws widely, disclosing theblack mouth-parts. Unfortunate indeed is the unwary oneseized in those fang-studded jaws, for the lizard retains its holdwith a tenacity rivalling a bulldog. The jaws must be actuallypried or torn apart in order to free the object grasped, but todo this is beyond the power of the unaided fingers. If the headof the reptile be severed from the body, the vise-like grip remainsthe same. It is when the jaws are thus engaged and the fangsof the lower are imbedded that the poisonous saliva flows fromthe swollen glands of the chi

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