CURIOUS HABITS OF LIZARDS.
“The lizard family has many queer and remarkable habits; but none of these antics,” says a writer in the St. Louis Republic, “will compare with that known to the naturalist as ‘shooting the tail.’ All species of lizards are born cowards, but the effects of fear are not the same among the different members of the family. As an illustration I will say that there is one variety of the lizard family (the so-called ‘horned toad’) which, when excited, spurts a fine stream of blood from a duct situated just above the eye. Another variety, an inhabitant of Australia (naturally bluish-black in color), turns suddenly white and appears to be perfectly paralyzed the moment it finds itself confronted by real or imaginary danger. “The most curious habit of all, however, and one which is possessed by a large per cent. of the entire lizard family, is that of voluntarily amputating the tail if suddenly surprised by one of its many enemies. The lizard’s habit of ridding itself of the caudal appendage under such circumstances reminds me that the lobster always drops or sheds its claws in the time of thunder-storms. In fact, anything that excites or irritates the lobster will cause a similar exhibition of this peculiar power. The lizard which amputates or purposely drops the tail when scared, does not become paralyzed, like his Australian brother, but hurries away as fast as the four legs will carry the tailless body. The amputated tail is left to the mercy of the enemy. It lies on the ground, floundering like a fish. This attracts the attention of the pursuer, which makes a meal of the amputated member, while the body is escaping to a place of safety.”