Laboratory Method

The weight, together with a series of measurements for each lizard, was taken in the laboratory. All measurements were made in millimetres to the nearest 0.5 of a millimetre, and recorded on individual index cards. Each lizard was laid in the supine position and held at the mid-body point with the fingers of both hands. The skink was then gently stretched out by stroking towards the head and tail. This process was repeated for up to three or four minutes if necessary, until the well known state of false hypnosis shown in many species of lizards was induced. Juveniles can be quieted in a shorter time than adults. The small size of L. zelandica rendered this method necessary. The method gave consistently good results.

Each lizard was weighed on a laboratory scale, to the nearest tenth of a gram. Some difference between weights recorded for the one lizard at short intervals may have been due to the presence or absence of food in the skink's alimentary tract. In most cases, however, each animal was held in captivity for 24 hours without food before weighing.