Physignathus.

P. Lesueurii. Water-lizard.

A common species, in almost every part of Australia, of largo size, 3 or 4 feet in length, with bright yellow throat and copper-red breast; the colouration is more or less bright during certain seasons, and in young animals indistinct. This species may be seen basking on trees or logs near the water, from which it plunges in as soon as disturbed; it keeps a long time under the surface, and moves along the bottom without difficulty.

The larger species of beetles form the principal food of this Lizard.