A fairly common terrestrial carnivore and insectivore of up to 1.2 m in length. Superficially similar (but unrelated) to monitor lizards, with a low skull, large eyes and a slender form.
This drawing of the Glacier des Evettes, sketched circa 1909-1910 by Emmanuel de Martonne in one of his 27 field notebooks, shows the interest of the French geographer for glaciers and his research on their erosive action. The drawing and notes are related to the photographic glass plate taken by Emmanuel de Martonne on the spot.
