Myths of the Cherokee by James Mooney

Gi'ga-tsuha'`li--This lizard is probably the Pleistodon erythrocephalus, which is described in Holbrook's "Herpetology" as being about 11 to 13 inches long, with bright red head, olive-brown body and tail, and yellowish-white throat and abdomen. "The Pleistodon erythrocephalus chooses his residence in deep forests, and is commonly found about hollow trees, often at a height of 30 or 40 feet from the ground, sometimes taking up his abode in the last year's nest of the woodpecker, out of which he thrusts his bright red head in a threatening manner to those who would disturb his home. He never makes his habitation on or near the ground, and in fact seldom descends from his elevation unless in search of food or water. Though shy and timid, he is very fierce when taken, and bites severely, owing to the great strength of his jaws, as well as the size and firmness of the teeth. The bite, however, though sharp and painful, is not, as is commonly supposed, venomous." [544] Large horned beetle--This beetle, variously called by the Cherokee crawfish, deer or buck, on account of its branching horns, is probably the "flying stag" of early travelers. Says Timberlake: "Of insects, the flying stag is almost the only one worthy of notice. It is about the shape of a beetle, but has very large, beautiful, branching horns, like those of a stag, from whence it took its name" (Memoirs p. 46). Lawson, about 1700, also mentions "the flying stags, with horns," among the insects of eastern Carolina.