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HARVARD UNIVERSITY.
LIBRARY
OF THE
MUSEUM OF COMPARATIVE ZOOLOGY,
(kx/yxA.ucL^A± 10, i^q.
JAN 10 191/
CATALOGUE
l(o>7^
0 1'
mUTE AMERICAN REPTILES
IN THE M U S E U Jt OF THE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
PART I. — SERPENTS.
BY
S. F. BAIRD AND C. aiRARD.
WASHINGTON: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
JANUARY, 1853.
JAN 10 1917
CATALOGUE
OP
NORTH AMERICAN REPTILES
IN THE MUSEUM OP THE
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
PART I.-SEEPENTS.
BY
S. F. BAIRD AND C. aiRARD.
WASHINGTON: SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.
JANUARY, 1853.
Accepted for publication, November, 1852.
.JOSEPH HENRY,
Secretary S. I.
STEKEOTTPED BY L. JOHNSON h CO. PHILADEIPHIA.
PRINTEI) BY T. K. i P. G. COLLINS.
MCZ LIBRARY
HARVARD UillVERSirri
Cpno"^'DG£. MA USA
CONTENTS.
Page
Preface v
Introduction vii
Explanation of Terms used vii
Synopsis op Families and Genera, and Systematic Index op Species of North American Serpents ix
Genus Crotalus 1
— Crotalophorus 11
— Agkistrodon 17
— ToxicoPHis 19
— Elaps 21
— Eutainia 24
— Nerodia 88
— Regina 45
— Ninia 49
— Heterodon 51
PiTUOPHlS 64
— Scotophis 78
— Ophibolus 82
— Georgia 92
— Bascanion 93
— Masticophis 98
— Salvadora 104
— Leptophis 106
— Chlorosoma 108
— CONTIA 110
DiADOPHIS 112
LODIA 116
— SONORA 117
— Rhinostoma 118
— Rhinocheilus 120
— Haldea 122
— Farancia 123
— Abastor 125
— Virginia 127
— Celuta 128
— Tantilla 131
— Osceola 133
— Storeria 135
— Wenona 139
— Rena 142
iii
iv CONTENTS.
Page APPENDIX A. — Species examined, of which no Specimens are in
POSSESSION OF the SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 145
APPENDIX B. — Species desckibed by authors, but of which no Specimens could be obtained 150
APPENDIX C. — Species collected on the United States and Mexican Boundary Survey by John H. Clark and Arthur Schott, under Maj. Wm. H. Emory, and received too late for insertion in their proper places 15G
APPENDIX D. — Index of Sources from which the Specimens have been received 162
APPENDIX E. — Index of States and Territories from which Specimens have been received 164
Alphabetical Index 165
1. Vernacular Names 165
2. Systematic Names 167
PREFACE.
In the present catalogue it is proposed to present a systematic ac- count of the collection of North American Serpents in the museum of the Smithsonian Institution. In the Appendix will be found such species not in possession of the Institution, as could be borrowed for description, as well as notes on more or less authentic species of which no specimens could be found.
A complete synonomy of all the species has not been attempted, as tending to swell the bulk of a catalogue too much. All those, however, necessary to a proper understanding of the history or cha- racter of the species, have been introduced, and all the synonyms quoted have been actually verified by original reference.
Owing to the want of osteological preparations, it has been a difii- cult task to arrange the genera in a natural succession. In many cases forms are now combined which will hereafter necessarily be widely separated. The almost entire deficiency of modern general works upon the Colubridce, has also been a serious obstacle to any correct idea of a natural system. The forthcoming work of M. M. Dumeril will undoubtedly clear up much of the obscurity which now exists. But when systematic writers all carefully avoid the subject of the Ophidians, each waiting for the others to make the first step, the attempt to combine genera by well marked, though perhaps arti- ficial points of relation, will it is hoped be looked upon with indul- gence, even after more comprehensive and extended investigations shall render it necessary to break up the combinations here adopted.
The collections upon which the original descriptions of the present catalogue have been based are as follows : —
Spencer F. Baird. Species from Massachusetts, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.
Charles Girard. Maine, Massachusetts, and South Carolina.
Rev. Charles Fox. Species from Eastern Michigan.
Dr. p. II. Hoy. Species from Eastern Wisconsin.
Prof. L. Agassiz. Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and Florida.
V
^l PREFACE.
Dr. J. P. KiRTLAND. Northern Ohio.
Gr. W. Fahnestock. Western Pennsylvania.
Miss Valeria Blaney. Eastern Shore of Maryland.
Dr. C B. R. Kennerly. Northern Virginia.
John H. Clark. Maryland, Texas, New Mexico, and Sonora.
John Varden. District of Columbia and Louisiana.
Dr. J. B. Barratt. Western South Carolina.
Miss Charlotte Paine and Mrs. M. E. Daniel. Western S. Carolina.
Dr. S. B. Barker. Charleston, S. C
Prof. F. S. Holmes and Dr. W. J. Burnett. South Carolina.
R. R. CuYLER and Dr. W. L. Jones. Georgia.
D. C. Lloyd. Eastern Mississippi.
Dr. B. F. Shumard and Col. B. L. C. Wailes. Mississippi.
James Fairie. Mexico and Western Louisiana.
Capts. R. B. Marcy and G. B. McClellan, U. S. A. Red River, Ark.
Ferdinand Lindheimer. Central Texas.
Col. J. D. Graham, U. S. A. The specimens collected while on the U. S. and Mex. Boundary Survey, by Mr. J. H. Clark, viz., in Texas, New Mexico, and Sonora.
Maj. W. H. Emory. Specimens collected on the U. S. and Mexi- can Boundary Survey, by Arthur Schott, at Eagle Pass, Tex., and by J. H. Clark, in Texas and New Mexico.
Gen. S. Churchill, U. S. A. Valley of the Rio Grande.
Dr. L. Edwards, LT. S. A. Northern Mexico.
Dr. Wm. Gambel. New Mexico and California.
Dr. John L. Le Conte. Littoral California.
Dr. C. C. Boyle and J. S. Bowman. Central California.
Dr. a. J. Skilton. Species collected in California by Henry Moores, Esq.
U. S. Exploring Expedition. Littoral California and Oregon.
Academy of Natural Sciences of Philad. Various unique specimens described by Dr. Holbrook.
Boston Society of Natural History. California.
SPENCER F. BAIRD, Assist. Sec. S. I. in charge of Museum.
Smithsonian Institution, ") January 5, 1853. J
INTHODUCTION.
EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED.
The vertical plate is the central one in the middle of the head above, having on each side of it the svperdliaries, which form the upper part of the orbit. The two plates behind the vertical are the occi'pitah; the pair in front of it, the postfrontals. The prefrontals or anterior frontah are situated in front of the postfrontals; and an- terior to these and terminating the snout is the rostral. The plates immediately in front of the eye are the antcorhitals ; those behind it are the jyostorhitals. In advance of the anteorbital is the loraly be- tween which and the rostral are the two nasals, with the nostril be- tween them. The upper and lower labials margin the upper and lower jaws. The temporal shields are situated between the upper labials and the occipitals. The inframaxillary or mental scutellae or shields are just within the lower labials.
The arrangement on the top of the head of one rostral, two pairs of frontals, one vertical with one superciliary on each side, and one pair of occipitals we have considered as typical or normal, from which but few of the genera described vary. Sometimes one plate occupies the place of the two prefrontals, and in some genera a second median plate is seen between the rostral, frontals, and vertical. On the side of the head we have sometimes but one nasal, and sometimes either the loral or the anteorbitals may be wanting. Where the latter con- dition exists, it is sometimes difficult at first to determine which plate has disappeared. A clue is to be found in the shape of the remain- ing plate ; if this be longitudinal, it is probably the loral ; if vertical, or divided into two or more, one above the other, it is to be con- sidered as anteorbital. The loral belongs to the postfrontals, and the anteorbital to the vertical, the posterior edges in the former and
vii
viii INTRODUCTION.
the anterior in the latter generally ranging. Thus, when the ver- tical plate is very short, the anteorbital is also short or wanting entirely, and the same relation holds good between the loral and postfrontals.
The specimen whose measurements are first given, unless stated to the contrary, has served as the type of the description, and the first mentioned species is to be considered as the type of the genus.
Of the five numbers given at the end of the descriptions, the first indicates the number of the abdominal scutellje from chin to anus. The second is that of the pairs of subcaudal scutella? ; the third, the dorsal rows or the number of rows of scales around the body (ex- cluding the abdominal series). The fourth number shows the entire length of the animal, and the fifth the length of the tail, in English inches.
In referring to the dorsal rows, the exterior one, or that next the scutellae, is considered to be the first, unless the contrary is stated.
When there are two numbers separated by the symbol at the be- ginning of the measurements, the fii'st indicates the number of entire abdominal scutellte, the latter of those that are bifid or divided. The subcaudal scutellas are to be considered as divided or in pairs, unless mentioned to the contrarv.
In enumerating the number of labial plates, those on one side of the jaws only are to be understood, and the terminal and median one on the symphysis of the upper and lower maxillaries is never in- cluded. On the upper jaw that plate is at the end of the snout, and is the rostral.
The descriptions are all based on specimens preserved in alcohol, unless otherwise stated.
INTRODUCTION. ix
Synopsis op Families and Genera, and list op Species of North American Serpents.
Family I. — Crotalidae. Erectible poison fangs, in front. Few teeth in upper jaw. A deep pit between the eye and nostril.
Family II. — Colubridae. Both jaws fully provided with teeth. No anal appendages.
A. Loral and anteorhital both present
B. Either loral or anteorhital absent.
Family III. — Boidae. Both jaws with teeth. Rudiments of hinder limbs or spiar-like anal appendages.
Family IV. — Typhlopidae. Teeth only in one jaw, either the upper or lower. Upper jaw strongly projecting. Scales on the belly instead of scutellae, disposed in several series like those on the upper surface.
Family I. — CROTALID-SI.
Pac,'e
_ ., .^, ^^, f with small scale-like plates Crotalus 1
Tail with a rattle. J ^uh large plates arranged as in
Top of head covered (^ Colubfr Icrotalophorus 11
Tail without a rattle, /present Agkistrodon 17
Loral plate \ absent Toxicophis 19
INTRODUCTION.
Family II.— COLUBRID^.
A. Loral and anteorhital both present.
INTRODUCTION.
XI
Family II. — COLUBRID.a3, continued. B. Loral or anteorhitals absent.
Anteorbitals
absent. Prefrontals
Loral absent.
Scales
one. Scales
.Haldea.
Page
122
L
/ carinated
\ smooth Farancia....l23
two. Scales?, / One nasal Abastor 125
smooth. Post- J \Two nasals Virginia 127
orbitals [one Celuta 129
., fPostabdom.se. divided... Tantilla 131
^•^°°t^ 1 " " entire.... Osceola 133
carinated Storeria 135
Family m. — BOrD-SJ.
Anteorbitals & / one. superciliaries \ three.
Page
Loral one 'Wenona...l39
Lorals two Cliarina....l54
Family IV.— TYPHLOPID^.
Cephalic plates con- sisting of
Page
f Fi'ontonasals, nasals, oculars, parietals, and
I postparietals Rena 142
Prefrontals, frontal proper, fronto-nasals, nasals, oculars, pre- and supra-oculars, [ and parietals Ophthalinidion...l55
sii INTRODUCTION.
Systematic Index of well-ascertained Species or North
American Serpents.
(7%e new species are indicated hy an asterisk).
CROTALtJS, Linn.
Page
1. Crotalus durissus, Linn Penna., Louisiana, Mississippi.. 1
2. " adamaiiteus, Beauv South Carolina 3
3.* " atrox, B. & G Texas 6
4. " lucifer, B. & G Oregon 6
5. " confluentus, Say Arkansas, Texas 8
6.* " molossus, B. & G Sonora 10
7. " oregonus, IIoLBR Columbia River 145
CROTALOPHORUS, Gray.
1. Crotalopliorus miliarius, Holbe. ...Georgia, South Carolina 11
2.* " consors, B. & G Texas 12
3. " tergeminus, Holbr Wise. Mich. Ohio 14
4.* " Edwardsii, B. & G Mexico, Sonora 15
5. " Kirtlandii, Holbr Ohio 16
AGKISTRODON, Beauv.
1. Agkistrodou contortrix, B.&G... .Ohio, Penna., S. C, La 17
TOXICOPHIS, Troost.
1. Toxicophis piscivorus, B. & G Louisiana 19
2.* " pugnax, B. & G Texas 20
ELAPS, FiTz.
1. Elaps fulvius, Cuv South Carolina 21
2.* " tenere, B. & G Texas 22
3.* " tristis, B. &G MississiiDpi, Texas 23
EUTAINIA, B. & G.
I. Eutainia saurita, B. & G Mass., Penna., N. Y., Mel, Va... 24
2.* " Faireyi, B. & G Louisiana 25
8. " proxima, B. & G Ark., Texas, New Mexico 25
4. " infenialis, B. & G California 26
5.* " Pickeringii, B. & G Oregon 27
6. " parietalis, B. & G Texas 28
7.* " leptocephala, B. & G Oregon 29
8. " sirtalis, B. & G Me., Mich., N. Y., Penna., Md.,
Va., S. C, Miss 30
9.* " dorsaHs, B. & G Texas 31
10. " ordinata, B. & G Georgia 32
II. " ordinoides, B. & G California 33
INTRODUCTION.
Xill
12.* Eutainia radix, B. & G Wisconsin
13.* " elegaiis, B. & G California
14.* " vagrans, B. & G Mex., Cal., Oregon.
Page .. 34 .. 34
.. 35
15.
16.
Marciana, B. & G. conciuna, B. & G..
.Ark., Texas 36
.Oregon 146
NERODIA, B. & G.
1. Nerodia sipedon, B. & G Mich., Mass., Penna.,N.Y., Md.. 38
2. " fasciata, B. & G South Carolina 39
3. " erythrogaster, B. & G La., S. C 40
4.* " Agassizii, B. & G Lake Huron 41
5.* " Woodhousii, B. & G .Texas 42
6. " taxispilota, B. & G Georgia 43
7.* " Kolbrookii, B. & G Louisiana 43
8. " niger, B. &G Massachusetts 147
9. " rhombifer, B. & G Arkansas 147
10. " transversa, B. & G Arkansas 148
REGINA, B. & G.
1. Regina leberis, B. & G Mich., Ohio, Penna 45
2. " rigida, B. & G Penna., Georgia 46
3.* " Graliamii, B. & G Texas 47
4.* " Clarkii, B. &G Texas 48
NINIA, B. & G.
1.* Ninia diademata, B. & G Mexico 49
HETERODON, Beauv.
1. Heterodon platyrhinos, Late Penna., Va., S. C, Ohio, Miss... 51
cognatus, B. & G Texas 54
" niger, Troost Penna., S. C, Miss 55
atmodes, B. & G Ga., S. C 57
" simus, HoLBR S. C, Miss 59
" nasicus, B. & G Ark., Texas, Sonora, Cal 61
2.*
3.
4.*
5.
6.
PITUOPHIS, HoLBB.
1. Pituophis melanoleucus, Holbk... Carolina 65
2. " bellona, B. & G Texas, Cal., Sonora 66
3.* " McClellanii, B. & G Arkansas 68
4. " catenifer, B. & G California 69
5.* " Wilkesii, B. & 6 Oregon 71
6.* " annectens, B. & G California 72
SCOTOPHIS, B. & G.
1. Scotophis alleghanieasis, B. & G... Pennsylvania 73
2.* " Lindheimerii, B. & G Texas 74
3.* " vulpinus, B. & G Mich., Wise 75
|
2.* |
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|
3. |
|
|
4. |
|
|
5. |
|
|
6. |
|
|
7.* |
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|
8. |
|
|
9.* |
xiv INTRODUCTION.
Pagp
4.* Scotophis confinis, B. & G South Carolina TD
5.* " laetus, B. & G Arkansas ""
6. " guttatus, B. & G S. C, Ga., Miss 78
7. " quadrivittatus, B. & G.... Florida 80
8.* " Emoryi, B. & G Texas 157
OPHIBOLUS, B. & G.
1.* Ophibolus BoyUi, B. &G California 82
splendidus, B. & G Sonora !^3
Sayi, B. & G La., Miss., Ark., Texas 84
getulus, B. & G S. C, Miss 85
rlionibomaculatus,B.&G..Ga., S. C 86
eximius, B. & G Mass., N. Y., Penna 87
clericus, B. & G Va., Miss 88
doUatus, B. & G Mississippi 89
gentilis, B. «& G Ark., La 90
GEORGIA, B. & G.
1. Georgia Couperi, B. & G Georgia 912
2. " obsoleta, B. & G Texas 158
BASCANION, B. & G.
1. Bascanion constrictor, B. & G Penna., Md., Miss., S. C, La.... 93
2.* " Fremontii, B. & G California 95
3.* " Foxii, B. &G Mich., Penna 96
4. " flaviventris, B. & G Texas, Cal 96
5.* " vetustus, B. & G Cal., Oregon 97
MASTICOPHIS, B. & G.
1. Masticophis flagelliformis.B.&G.. .South Carolina 98, 149
2. " flavigularis, B. & G Texas, Ark 09
3. " mormon, B. & G Utah 101
4.* " ornatus, B. &G Texas 102
5. " taeniatus, B. & G California 103
6.* " Schottii, B. &G Texas 160
SALVADORA, B. & G. 1.* Salvadora Grahamias, B. & G Sonora 104
LEPTOPHIS, Bell.
1. Leptophis aestivus, Bell Md.,Va., S. C, Miss 106
2.* " majaUs, B. & G Texas, Ark 107
CHLOROSOMA, Wagl.
1. Chlorosoma vernalis, B. & G Me., Mass., N. Y., Penna., Mich.
AVisc, Miss 108
CONTIA, B. & G. l.-» Contia mitis, B. & G Cal., Oregon 110
INTRODUCTION. XV
DIADOPHIS, B. & G.
Page
1. Diadophis punctatus, B. & G N. Y., Tenna., Ga., S. C, Miss.. 112
2.* " amabilis, B. & G California 113
3.* " docilis, B. & G Texas 114
4.* " pulchellus, B. &G California 115
5.* " regalis, B. & G Sonera 115
LODIA, B. & G. 1. Lodia tenuis, B. & G Oregon 116
SONORA, B. & G. 1.* Sonora semiannulata, B. &G Sonora 117
RHINOSTOMA, FiTZ. 1. Rhinostoma coccinea, Holer S. C, Ga., Miss., La 118
RHINOCHEILUS, B. & G. 1.* Rhinocheilus Lecontii, B. & G California 120
HALDEA, B. & G. 1. Haldea striatula, B. &G Va., S. C, Miss 122
FARANCIA, Gray. 1. Farancia abacurus, B. &G S. C, La 123
ABASTOR, Gray. 1. Abastor erythrogrammus, GRAT...Ga 125
VIRGINIA, B. & G. 1.* Virginia Valerias, B. & G Md., Va., S. C 127
CELUTA, B. & G. 1. Celuta amoena, B. & G Penna., Md., Va., S. C, Miss.. ..129
TANTILLA, B. & G.
1.* TantUla coronata, B. &G Mississippi 131
2.* •' gracilis, B. & G Texas 132
OSCEOLA, B. & G. 1. Osceola elapsoidea, B. &G S. C, Miss 133
STORERIA, B. & G.
1. Storeria Dekayi, B. & G Wise, Mich., Ohio, Mass., N. Y.,
Pa., Md., S. C, Ga., La., Tex.. 135
2. " occipito-maculata, B. Me., N. Y., Lake Sup., Wise,
&G Pa. S. C, Ga 137
xvi INTRODUCTION.
■WENONA, B. & G.
Page
1. Wenona plumbea, B. & G Oregon 139
2. '^ isabeUa, B. & G Oregon 140
RENA, B. & G.
1.* Rena dulcis, B. & G Texas 142
2.* " humilis, B. & G California 143
SUMMARY.
Genera. Old 13
New 22
Total 35
Species. Old , 65
New 54
Total 119
SPECIES NOT SEEN.
1. ToJiicophis atrofuscus, Troost Tennessee 150
2. Coluber testaceus, Sat Rocky Mts 150
3. " Sayi, Schl Missouri 151
4. " vertebralis, Blainv California 152
5. " (Ophis) californiae, Blainv California 153
6. " (Sacholus) zonatus, Blainv.... California 153
7. " planicep.s, Blainv California 154
8. Charina Bottae, Gray California 154
9. Ophthalmidion longissi- 1 „, . , „
^ r. c% y Florida.? 155
mum, Bum. & Bibr. J
SERPENTS.
/fe. ^./--^ ./
Genus C R O T A I. U S,* Linn. ,^rfi^Op0- t^^r
Gen. Char. Upper surface of head covered with small plates, scale-like, with a few larger ones in front. The tail is terminated by a well-developed rattle. A deep pit between the eyes and the nostrils. Subcaudal scutellae entire. Temporal and labial shields small and convex.
» 1. CrotalMS dui'issus, Linn. — Head angular. Scales between the superciliaries small, numerous, uniform. Plates above snout, 2 anterior frontal, and 5 postfrontal. Suborbital chain continuous, of large scales. Two rows between this and labials. Labials 12-14 above, 5th largest; 13-15 below. Scales on the back 23-25, all carinated ; carination on outer row obsolete. Tail black. Above sulphur-brown, with two rows of confluent brown lozenges. Light line from superciliary to angle of the mouth. Be- hind this a dark patch.
Stn. Crotalus durissus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1766, 372. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. L, III. 1788, 1081.— Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. IIL 1842, 9. PI. i. — Dekay, New Y. Fauna. Pt. III. 1842, 55. PI. ix., fig. 19.— Stoker, Rep. Kept, of Mass. 1839, 233.
Vipera caudisona americana, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II. 1743, 41. PI. Ixi.
Banded Rattlesnake.
Head above covered with small subtuberculous scales. Supercili- aries large. Anterior frontals large, triangular, emarginated behind to receive a series of three small plates. A single subhexagonal plate between the superciliary and anterior frontal. The exterior plate of the posterior frontal row is much the largest, and is in contact with
* The names and characteristics of the higher divisions will be given in the sy- nopsis of species.
The figures at the end of the descriptions refer, the Ist to the number of abdomi- nal scutellaj ; 2d, to the subcaudal scutellse ; 3d, to the dorsal rows ; 4th, to thy total length ; and 5th, to the length of the tail.
1
2 CROTALUS.
the superciliaries. A series of three or four larger flat scales extends from the posterior extremity of the superciliary. Scales on the cheeks very large, truncate. Anterior orbitals double ; the upper one rect- angular, elongated longitudinally; separated from the nasal by two small plates.
General color above, that of roll sulphur; beneath, whitish yel- low. Along the back is a double series of subrhomboidal blotches, looking as if they had been in contact, and then the line of junction partially effaced for the three or four central rows. The impression conveyed of the color of these blotches is that of coarse mottlings of soot or gunpowder grains, more crowded exteriorly. There are twenty-one of these blotches from the head to the anus, the tail being entirely black. The rhomboids are enclosed within about twelve dorsal series of scales. Directly opposite to these spots on each side is a series of subtriangular blotches similarly constituted as to colour, and extending from the abdomen to about the fifth lateral row, and some six or seven scales long. Anteriorly these are distinct from the dorsal series, but posteriorly they are confluent with them, forming a series of zigzag blotches across the body. The scutellre below show more or less of the grain-like mottlings. Posteriorly the yellow of the body is sufi"used with darker.
There are no markings of lines distinctly visible on the sides of the head. In the centre of the spaces between the dorsal and lateral series of blotches are indications of small obsolete spots ; and in some cases the yellow scales external to the blotches are of lighter colour than the rest.
Huntingdon Co., Pa. 166. 25. 23. 42. 5. D. C. Lloyd.
Another specimen has the ground-color darker, more brownish yellow. The markings, however, are on the same pattern, except that the line of junction of the blotches is not so much effaced, and the colors more decided. Lateral row of scales smooth, not cari- ated. Plates of head similar. Fifteen labial plates, fourth upper one the largest. The blotches are nearly uniform umber-brown, margined with darker; the scales external to which are lighter than the ground-color.
Lycominrj Co., Pa. 165. 25. 23. 25. Si. S. F. Baird.
A female from Huntingdon Co., Pa., has the general pattern of the one last mentioned, but a dark brown tint pervades the whole
CRO TALUS. 3
body, and obscures tbe pattern of coloration. External row of scales smooth. The inferior.orbital chain is composed of scales nearly as large as the two next rows. Huntingdon Co., Pa. ? 168. 18. 23. 35. 3J. S. F. Baird.
In a specimen from Prairie Mer Rouge, La., the general system of coloration is similar; it differs principally in having a reddish brown strip or tint down the back, for a width of some three scales, extendino- from head to tail. First row of lateral scales smooth. Plates of head as described, except that there are but two plates em- braced between the two postfrontals. The upper jaw pale cream colour, the line of demarcation starting from the anterior canthus, and passing backward to the angle of the mouth, along the edge of the labials, or rather a narrow cream-colored line beginning on the upper labials, at the angle of the mouth, and widening on the fifth plate, encloses the whole anterior portion of the face below the nostrils. The white patch closely mottled with black beneath the eye. A brown patch across and beneath the angle of the mouth, in- terrupted by the white just mentioned.
Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 165. 27. 25. Jas. Fairie.
Mississippi. Col. Wailes.
2. CrotaltBS adaSManteaiS, Beauv.— Head triangular. Two an- terior frontals, connected -witli siiperciliaries on each side by two large plates : inside of these a second row ; included space filled by small scales. Scales margining superciliaries small ; scattered larger ones toward the centre of the intermediate space. Three I'ows of scales between tbe suborbi- tals and labials. Suborbitals extending to the middle of the orbit. Labials 15 or 16 above ; 1st, 5th, and 7th largest and vertical ; — below, 18 ; 1st, 4th, and 5th largest. Dorsal rows 27 ; outer rows obsoletely carinated. Three or four dark rings on tail. Three series of well-defined perfect rhombs, one dorsal, two lateral, separated by narrolv lines. Light stripe from su- perciliary to 'the angle of the mouth. A second in front of the eye.
Stn. Crotalus adamanieus, Beauv. Trans. Amer. Philos. Soc. IV, 1824, 368.— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 17. PI. ii.
C. horridus, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, ii, 1827, 370. Diamond Rattlesnake.
Scales on the cheek smooth. Three rather large plates on the edge of the upper part of the head, between the superciliaries and rostral, inside of which is a second row of three, also larger than the rest.
4 CROTALUS.
The two lower rows of lateral scales smooth. Third and fourth very faintly cariuated. Scales on the back and sides not conspicu- ously different in size except the lower 2 or 3 rows. Posteriorly, near the tail, all the scales are carinated except the lowest.
General color, yellowish gray, with rhomboidal black blotches, lighter in the centre, and with all the angles perfect. Or rather there is a series of dull yellowish lines crossing obliquely from one side of the abdomen to the other over the back, following the oblique series of scales, and occupying generally the posterior half of each scale, the basal portion being black. These lines, of which there are about 36 crossing from each side, from head to tail, (9 on tail,) decussate first on the 5th or 6th lateral row, and then on the back, where they are more or less confluent three or four rows. The rhomboids thus enclosed and crossing the back are generally black for IJ or 2 scales within the yellowish lines, and the most central portion is dark yellowish brown, mottled with darker. The inter- vals on the sides between the lines are mostly dark yellowish brown, minutely mottled with dark brown. These intervals constitute a lateral series of transverse rhomboids, sometimes with the lower angle truncated. Opposite to the dorsal rhomboids is a series of small triangles in the angles of the first decussation. The distance between two parallel transverse stripes generally consists of five rows of scales, occasionally of six.
On the sides and posteriorly these markings are more or less in- distinct, though generally recognisable. The tail usually exhibits a good deal of black. The under parts are dull yellowish white, or greenish white, clouded toward the sides with brown. No regular spots visible. The black on the tail does not constitute complete rings, but is interrupted in the middle of the lower surface, and in fact the black patches alternate with each other, and are not opposite.
The top of the head is light brown, with occasional black scales. A dull yellowish streak starts at the posterior edge of the supercili- ary plate, and passing obliquely backward, through two rows of scales, extends to the angle of the mouth. A second band starts on the plate in advance of the superciliary, and crossing the anterior orbitals, expands till it involves the 7th, 8th, and 9th upper labials. Inter- val between the first two stripes dark brown. There are also indi- cations of a second vertical light bar in front of the nostril, and two below the pit. Rostral dark yellowish, lighter in the margin. Charleston, S. C. 1G9. 32. 27. 48. 5]. Dr. Barker.
CROTALUS.
3. CrotalUS atrox, B. & G. — Head subtriangular. Plates on head ; 2 anterior frontals in contact, between these and superciliaries, on side of the crown, 2 imbricated plates. Space enclosed occupied by smaller scales. Superciliaries bordered by a row of larger scales; the anterior much largest. Three rows of scales between labials and suborbitals. Labials 16 above; 1st, 5th, and 7th largest; — 15 below, 1st and 3d largest. Dorsal rows 25-27: 2 exterior rows smooth. On the tail 3-6 half rings. Color yel- lowish brown, with a continuous succession of dorsal lozenges, sometimes truncate before and behind; intervals all narrow. A single transverse light line on superciliary. Stripe from superciliary directly to the angle of the mouth.
General style of coloration somewhat as in C. adamanteris. Ground- color above dull yellowish brown, with a series of subhexagonal patches from the head nearly to the tail, in an uninterrupted series, separated throughout by narrow lines. "We may refer the markings to the intersection of two series of light yellowish lines, about 40 in number, crossing obliquely from each side across to the other, along the anterior half of as many oblique series of scales. The lateral de- cussation is along the sixth row of dorsal scales; on the back, where they cross, the lines are confluent for a breadth of five or sis scales, making a series of transverse lines across the back, truncating the obtuse angles of the rhomboids, which would otherwise be produced. Sometimes the acute lateral angle of the rhomboids are also trun- cated. Laterally, the yellowish lines are more or less obsolete, leav- ing a more or less distinct chain pattern. The rhomboids or sub- rhomboids enclosed have a narrow margin of dark brown, lighter toward the centre. In all cases the interval between the successive rhomboids is but one or two half scales in width. The lateral rhom- boids and triangles referred to in C. adamanteus are indicated by two alternating series of dark brown blotches, the first along the 3d and 4th lateral row, opposite the apices of the rhomboids ; the second along the Gth and 7th, and alternating with the same; the spots occupy one scale, or part of four contiguous ones. Space between these rhomboids and the yellowish lines, dull yellowish brown. Be- neath nearly uniform yellowish, slightly clouded on the sides of the scales. On the tail the blotches are confluent into 3 or 6 dark brown half rings, interrupted on the under surface. General distribution of lines on the head much as in C. adamanteus ; a narrow light line from the posterior end of the superciliary backward, directly to the
6 CROTALUS.
angle of the moutli ; a second from tlie anterior extremity, nearly parallel with the first, the two enclosing an indistinct patch, and sepa- rated on the labials by 4J scales. There is also a single narrow light line across the superciliary perpendicular to its length, obsolete in old specimens.
It may readily be distinguished from C. o.damanteus by its light color and the truncations of the rhomboids, as well as the general obsoleteness of the lateral markings. The rhomboids are longer in proportion and more rounded. The two lateral rows of scales are smooth, the next two more strongly carinated than in C. adaman- teus. The 5th upper labial is largest, and transverse ; the rest nearly uniform. The stripes on the side of the head are less distinct.
From G. conflucntus, it may be distinguished by the greater com- parative size of the interval between the dorsal blotches, especially posteriorly. In G. covjiuentus, there are two light lines across the superciliary plate, dividing it into three sections, the central rather narrower. Here, too, the posterior facial stripe, instead of passing to the angle of the mouth, goes back of it on the 2d row above the labials, in C. atrox, passing directly to the angle of the mouth. Other important distinctions are seen in the narrower scales of G. conjiuentus, &c.
From G. hici/er, the more narrow head, fewer and larger inter- superciliary scales, lighter color, arrangement of color along the head,
will at once distinguish it.
Col. J. D. Graham. »
j> })
4. CrotaiMS Baacller, B. & G. Muzzle broad. Scales between the superciliaries numerous, small, and uniform. Plates on top of bead, 4 pre- frontal, 4 postfrontal, or else irregular. Three rows scales between the sub- orbitals and labials. Labials 16 above ; 1st and 5th largest ; — 15 below. Dor- sal rows 25, exterior smooth, 2d and 3d with obsolete carination. Tail, and posterior portion of body with 16 or 17 half rings. A succession of brown dorsal hexagons or octagons, separated throughout by a narrow lighter line. Light stripe from superciliary crosses the angle of tlie mouth on the od and 4th row above labial.
Stx. Crdalus ludfer, B. & G. Froc- Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. YI., 1852, 177 .
|
Indianola. |
187. 23. 25. |
33. |
3i |
|
|
ii |
183. 27. 27. |
39|. |
,41, |
|
|
cc |
177. 28. 25. |
36. |
4| |
|
|
?' |
187. 23. 25. |
15f. |
11. |
|
|
San Pedro, |
Texas. |
177. 28. 25. |
36. |
4f |
CROTALUS. 7
Head very broad anteriorly, outline little tapering. Head above covered with many small tuberculiforra scales, showing a substelli- form radiation. Interval between superciliary plates filled with small scales, nearly uniform in size ; row bordering the superciliaries verj' small. Scales in front of the superciliaries variable : in one speci- men there are two rows of four each, of considerable size ; in another they are larger than the rest, but irregular. Scales on the cheeks large, flat, smooth.
Ground-color, light brown above. Along the back a series of subhexagonal or octagonal blotches, formed by a skeleton of dull yellowish, constituting a dorsal chain. The space thus enclosed of the ground-color is margined faintly with dark brown : the width of the interval between the successive blotches is from one-half to one and a half scales. These spots are frequently confluent, two and three running together. Where most distinct the spots are four scales long and eleven wide. On each side of this dorsal series is a second, separated by a single row of scales, the blotches extending from the abdominal scutellse to the 5th or Gth row. These are smaller than the dorsal, and subcircular. Opposite the transverse light bands, and in the open space between four contiguous blotches ou the sides, smaller blotches arc indistinctly visible. Posteriorly, the spots on the back and sides are confluent and darker; in one specimen form- ing 17 half rings, encircling the back, leaving about 24 dorsal blotches. Abdomen greenish yellow, more or less clouded with brown at the bases of the scales. Head dark brown ; a light line from posterior portion of the superciliaries along the 4th row of su- pralabial scales back to the angle of the jaws, on the occiput, where it expands into the color of the under part. Upper labials of the same light color behind, rapidly widening anteriorly so as to include whole front and side of the face, leaving only the top of the head dark. The space about the facial pit darker.
The theory of coloration is that of decussating lines, which, when they intersect, unite so as to have the angles of intersection truncated.
The species has a general resemblance to C. atrox in the arrange- ment of the blotches, but is darker, and has about 17 dark half rings posteriorly instead of 4 or 5. In G. atrox the head is narrower and more triangular, the space between the superciliaries narrow, and occupied by angulated larger scales instead of small tuberculous ones. In C. atrox, the row bordering the superciliaries is much larger than the rest, and the scales on the top of the head generally more angu-
8 CROTALUS.
lated. In C. lucifcr, the line on the side of the head, instead of going directly from the posterior end of the superciliary to the com- missures, passes back nearly parallel to the mouth, crossing along the 4th row of scales above the labial. The second line in front of the eye is much wider below in C. lucifer, and the face generally shows more of white, while the dark portions are much darker.
A specimen collected in California by Dr. Leconte resembles this, but owing to the imperfect state of preservation, little definite can be ascertained. The dorsal figures are, however, more in lozenges than in hexagons. Color dark. Size, very large.
Oregon. 168. 25. 25. 27f . 3|. (in dep.) Expl. Esped.
5. Crotalus COllfluentus, Sat. Head subtriangular. Plates on top of head squamiform, irregular, angulated, and imbricated ; scales be- tween superciliaries small, numerous, uniform. Four rows of scales be- tween the suborbital series (which only extends to the centre of the orbit) and the labials. Labials 15 or 18, nearly uniform. Dorsal series 27-29. Dorsal blotches quadrate, concave before and behind ; intervals greater behind. Spots transversely quadrate posteriorly, ultimately becom- ing 10 or 12 half rings. Two transverse lines on superciliaries, enclosing about one-third. Stripe from superciliary to angle of jaws, crosses angle of the mouth on the second row above labial. Rostral margined with lighter.
Stn. Crotalus confluentus, Sat, in Zow^'s Exped. Rocky Mts. II, 1823, 48. C. Lecontei, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1851, 180.
This species bears a considerable resemblance to C. atrox, but the body is more slender and compact. Scales on the top of the head anterior to the superciliaries nearly uniform in size. Line of scales across from one nostril to the other consists of six, not four as in C. atrox. Superciliaries more prominent. Labial series much smaller. Upper anterior orbitals much smaller, as also is the anterior nasal. Scales on the top of the head less carinated. Scales between super- ciliaries smaller and more numerous, five or six in number instead of four. Two lateral rows of scales smooth, first, second, and third gradually increasing in size. Scales more linear than in C. atrox.
General color yellowish brown with a series of subquadrate dark blotches, with the corners rounded and the anterior and posterior sides frequently concave, the exterior convex. These blotches are ten or eleven scales wide and four or five long, lighter in the centre, and margined for one-third of a scale with light yellowish. The inter- vals along the back light brown, darker than the margins of the
CROTALUS. 9
blotches. Anteriorly the interval between the dark spots is but a single scale; posteHorlj it is more, becoming sometimes two scales, where also the spots are more rhomboidal or lozenge-shaped; nearer the tail, however, they become transversely quadrate. The funda- mental theory of coloration might be likened to that of Crotalus adamanteus, viz. of forty or fifty light lines decussating each other from opposite sides; but the angles of decussation, instead of being acute, are obtuse, and truncated or rounded off throughout. Along the third, fourth, and fifth lateral rows of scales is a series of indis- tinct brown blotches covering a space of about four scales and falling opposite to the dorsal blotches: between these blotches, and opposite to the intervals of the dorsal blotches, are others less distinct. Along the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rows is a second series of obsolete blotches, each covering a space of about four scales, and just opposite the intervals between the dorsal spots. The dorsal and lower series are separated by an interval of three scales, this interval light brown. Beneath, the color is dull yellowish, and ten or twelve darker half rings are visible on the tail.
In point of coloration the principal features, as compared with C. atrox, lie in the dorsal blotches, being disposed in subquadrate spots instead of subrhomboids ; the intervals thus forming bands across the back perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. This tendency to assume the subquadrangular pattern has broken up the chain-work into isolated portions, as in Coluber eximius or CrotalopJioriis terge- minus. The intervals of the dorsal blotches are wide and darker in the middle, while in C. atrox they are narrow, not linear, and uni- color. The sides of the head present the usual light stripe from the posterior extremity of the superciliary ; it passes, however, to the angle of the jaw on the neck, along the second row of scales above the labials. A second stripe passes in front of the eye to the labials, widening there. A small light vertical bar is seen below the pit, and another on the outer edge of the rostral. On the supercili- aries are seen two light transverse lines enclosing a space nearly one- third of the whole surface. In C. atrox there is a single median line. Sometimes, as in G. atrox, the single blotches on the nape are replaced by two elongated ones parallel to each other. Red River. 180. 27. 29. 34. 4. Capt. Marey.
San Pedro, Texas. 181. 28. 27. Col. J. D. Graham.
Bet. San Antonio)^ ^^gS. 23. 27. 27.3. and Ll I aso. )
10 CROTALUS.
6. CrotalSSS B3:io2ossaiS, 13. & G. Muzzle broad ; rostral small. Scales between superciliaries small, uniform, except the two anteiior. Two frontal plates, four postfrontal. Two inter superciliary, all in contact. Five rows scales between the labials and suborbital row. Middle row, not ex- tending beyond the middle of the orbit. Labials 18 above, fifth and sixth largest ; 17 below. Dorsal rows of scales 29. Two external rows small. Tail uniform black. Color roll sulphur, a series of chestnut -brown transverse lozenges, with exterior corners produced to the abdomen. Centres of lozenges with one or two spots. Each scale but one color. A brown patch below and behind the eye.
One of the most strongly marked of all the species. Head very broad in front; outline nearly rectangular. Rostral small. Two anterior frontals ; behind these four plates, the exterior resting on the superciliary; behind these two other plates, between' and in oontact with the superciliaries. Anterior nasal subtriangular. Top of head with numerous smooth subtuberculous scales. Suborbitals large, extending to the anterior canthus. General aspect smoother than in Crotali generally, scales rounded at the posterior apex, carinated but slightly.
General color above that of roll sulphur, beneath pale yellowish, posteriorly very faintly clouded with brownish. Tail black. Ante- riorly the scutelljB are entirely immaculate. Along the back is a series of transverse reddish or chestnut-brown lozenges embraced in a width of 12 or 14 scales and 4 or 5 scales long, and with the exterior angles produced to the abdomen. These lozenges are frames with the outline generally one scale in width and with the centres of the ground-color ; sometimes divided by a median line of brown, so as to show two yellowish spots inside of the lozenges. The scales exterior to the lozenges are rather lighter. Sometimes the brown rings and the lozenges widen at the abdomen and indicate lateral spots of four scales; at others, and especially anteriorly, the rings are obsolete, and the brown is in a dorsal series. In fact, for the anterior fourth of the body we have a dorsal patch of brown, showing alternately at successive intervals one large yellowish spot and then a pair of smaller ones, owing to the confluence of the suc- cessive lozenges. The superciliaries and scales anterior to them, as well as a broad patch below and behind the eye, light greenish brown. Tail uniform dark brown above, paler beneath. Only one button with two necks, no rattle.
A remarkable character of this species is that each individual
CROTALOPHORUS. 11
scale is of the same uniform tint to its base, and not showing two colours as in other species.
Fort ^Yehster, St. Rita | ^g^ ^5. 29. 33f 3. Col. J. D. Graham. del Cohre, N. Mex. j
Genus CR0T AIi®FM® M US, Gray. >^ ^^r ;
Gen. Char. Upper surface of the head covered with nine large plates, as seen in Coluber and allied genera. The tail terminates in a rattle, generally smaller than in Crotalus. A deep pit between the eye and nostril, as in Crotalus. Subcaudal scutellae entire, except a few at the end of the tail, which are bifid.
Syn. Crotalophonis, Gray, Ann. Philos. 1825, 205.
1. Cr»talopIlorc5§ niiliai'iMS, Holbk.— Twenty-two or twenty- three dorsal rows of scales, all of wbicli are carinated, the lateral and first row but slightly ; a vertebral brownish red line ; seven series of blotches, one dorsal and three lateral, on each side, the uppermost of which is obsolete and the lowest subject to irregularities. Vertical plate subcordiform, occipi- tal oblong and elongated. A narrow white line commences at the lowest point of the orbit and passes obliquely backward to the angle of the mouth.
Stn. Crotalus miliarius, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 372.— Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. XIII, I, iii, 1788. 1080.— Mere. Vers. Syst. Amph. 1820, 156.— Hakl. Jour. Acad. Nat. Sc. Phila. V, ii, 1827, 370. Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 73 PI. xv.
Caudisona miliarius, Wagl. Syst. Amph. 1830, 176.
Crotalophonis miliarius, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 25. PI. iv.
Vipera Caudisona americana minor. Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 42. PI. xiii.
Ground Rattlesnake.
Ground-color dark greyish ash, minutely mottled. A series of thirty-eight to forty-five subeircular dorsal blotches extending from head to tail, dark brown, each with a narrow distinct yellowish border. Interval rather narrower than the spots themselves. A broad band of purplish red passes from head to tail, through the blotches. On each side may be distingui.shed three series of blotches, the first on the first and second lateral rows of scales and partly on the abdominal scutellfe. The second alternating with this on the second, third, fourth, and fifth rows of scales, and opposite the dorsal
12 CROTALOPHORUS.
series. The third alternating with the second and the dorsal series, on the fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth rows of scales. The latter series is dusky and obsolete; the others are uniform and distinctly black.
The shape of the blotches is subjected to some variation according to individuals. Generally subcircular or slightly oblong, they become sometimes a transversely elongated quadrangle, three times as long as wide. Their shape varies according to the region of the body on which they are found. On the anterior third they are subquadran- gular, anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated ; on the middle region they elongate, and toward the posterior third become nearly circular. Backward of the anus the five or six blotches of that region extend on the sides, without, however, meeting on the lower surface. The blotches of the first lateral row are subquadrangular and a little smaller than those of the second and third rows; the blotches of the second row being transversely oblong and largest on the middle region of the body. Side of the head purplish brown. A narrow distinct white line from the lowest part of the orbit passing obliquely backward to the angle of the mouth. Above and continuous with that white line a deep chestnut-brown vitta is observed, of the same length but broader and lined above with a narrow dull yellowish margin. Two undulated dark-brown vittae extend from the vertex to the first dorsal blotch and confluent with it. A double crescentic blotch is observed on the frontal Scutellae leaving a transversal fulvous band across the head between the orbits. The color underneath is reddish yellow, mar- morated with brownish black blotches and minute dots.
The scales are elongated, carinated, and acute posteriorly. Those of the lateral row are slightly carinated also, but narrower than in C. consors, and more acute posteriorly.
Libert)/ Co., Georgia. 135. 28+5. 23.
Charleston, S. C. 136. 22+11. 22.
" 135. 30. 23.
" 135.31+5. 22.
" 136. 27. 23.
" 132. 34. 22.
2. CrotaloplloS'US consors, B. & G. — Twenty-five rows of dor- sal scales, all carinated except the two fii'st rows on either side. Seven series of blotches, one dorsal and three on each side, all very small. A yellowish ^yMte line passing from behind the nostril below and behind the eye.
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151. 2i. |
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Dr. |
Barker. |
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14J. 11. |
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15i. U. |
(I |
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11 |
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14. li. |
(C |
CROTALOPHORUS. 13
Resembles C. miUarius in its general appearance, but without the vertebral brownish red line. The ground color is olivaceous brown, the blotches of a deeper brown, encircled with a black fillet margined with a whitish yellow line. There are about fifty blotches in the dorsal series emarginated anteriorly only, thirty of which are trans- versely elongated, very irregular ; the twenty remaining ones nearly circular, with regular outlines. The blotches of the lateral rows are comparatively small and of nearly equal size, though sometimes one of either row may appear much the largest. The blotches of the first lateral series are opposite to those of the dorsal and afiect the 1st, 2d, and 3d I'ows of scales and the extremities of the abdominal scu- tella). The blotches of the second series alternate with these, extend- ing on the 3d, 4th, and 5th rows of scales. The blotches of the third series are obsolete and alternate with those of the second series, and are generally opposite to those of the dorsal series situated in the 5th, 6th, and 7th rows. The upper surface of the head is brown ; there are two vittas extending from the vertex alonar the neck to the first dorsal blotch. A broader and deep chestnut-brown band extends from the eye to the neck. The frontal region is deeper brown than the vertex. A yellowish white line starts from the nostrils near the upper surface of the head, extending backward in passing between the eye and the pit to the angle of the mouth. A vertical whitish bar extends from each side of the pit to the labial. The belly is yellowish white marbled with black transversely oblong patches. The vertical plate is cordiform ; the anterior frontal plates proportionally small ; the occipital rather broad. The scales of the body are elongated, a little smaller than in C. miUarius, but not quite so acute posteriorly. The two lateral and smooth rows are much broader than the rest and conspicuous : most of the scales of these two rows are black, with the posterior edge straw colored, giving the appearance of a succession of distinct crescents. The tail is conical and tapering ; the rattle composed of one ring besides the terminal one. Indianola. 147.33.25. 18i. 2^. Col. J. D. Graham.
14 CROTALOPHORUS.
3. Crolaloplioraas tergeJllinilS, Holer. — Twenty-live rows of dorsal scales, strongly cariuated, with the exception of the first row, -which is perfectly smooth. Vertical plate subhexagonal, pointed posteriorly. Seven longitudinal series of blotches. A narrow band of yellowish white extends from the pit to the neck in passing close to the angle of the mouth.
Syn. Crotalus tergeminus. Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mts. I, 1823, 439. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. v. iii, 1827, 372.
Crotalophorus tergeminus, Holbb. N. Amer. Herp. III., 1842, 29. PI. v.
Crotalophoriis, Agass. Lake Sup. 1850, 381. PI. vi. fig. 6-8.
Prairie Rattlesnake, Massasauga.
The ground color above is brown ; the blotches are deep chestnut- brown blackish externally, and with a yellowish white margin. The dorsal blotches are thirty-four in number from the head to the region opposite the anus, twenty-six of which are transversely and irregu- larly oblong, anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated — less so, however, posteriorly ; eight are subcircular. Five or six exist on the tail from the anus to its tip, extending on the sides, the last two forming sometimes a complete ring. The next series on either side is com- posed of small blotches, but as intensely colored as in the other series. They alternate with the dorsal ones. They have no regu- larity either in outline or position. The second lateral row is com- posed of the largest lateral blotches. They are transversely oblong or oval on the second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth rows of scales, and opposite the blotches of the dorsal series ; consequently alternating with the third series above. The first lateral series again is com- posed of blotches intermediate in size between those of the third and second series ; they occupy the first and second rows of scales, and extend somewhat to the abdominal scutellje, and alternating with the adjoining series. Two undulated vittae extend from the supraorbital plates along the neck to the first dorsal blotch, and often confluent with the latter. A linear vitta margined with yellowish white extends from the posterior edge of the eye to the sides of the neck; the inferior yellow margin is the broadest, and passes from the pit close to the angle of the mouth, turning forward to the middle of the lower jaw, enclosing a semi-elliptical brown patch. Two elongated yellowish spots may be observed diverging from both sides of the pit to the lip. The cephalic plates are deep chestnut brown ; a transverse light brown band extends across the head from one orbit to the other.
CROTALOPHORUS. 15
The color underneatli is blackish brown intermingled with yellowish. Racine, Wise. 150. 21. + !. 25. 29^ 2f. Dr. Hoy.
Grosse Isle, Mich. 136. 31. 25. 19f. 2^^ Rev. Chas. Fox. Warren Co., Ohio. 141. 29. 25. 28|. 3f. Dr. J. P. Kirtlaud.
4. CrolalopSaoi'MS Edwaa-nlsii, B. & G. — Twenty-three rows of dorsal scales ; first and second lateral row smooth. Vertical plate subpen- tagonal, tapering posteriorly. Lateral rows of blotches proportionally very small.
The ground-color is yellowish brown with three lateral series of deep chestnut-brown blotches. Two elongated brown blotches ex- tend from the supercilliaries backward. A narrow band of chestnut brawn, fi'om the posterior frontal plates, passes over the eyes to the neck, under which a yellowish stripe extends from the nostril to the angle of the mouth. The snout and upper jaw are brown with two yellow fillets diverging from the pit. The lower jaw and chin are mottled with brown and yellow. There are about forty-two dorsal brown and irregular blotches margined with deep black and encircled ■with a yellow fillet, from the head to the tip of the tail — the 34th opposite the anus — the last three passing to the sides of the tail but do not meet below. Subcircular on the posterior half of the body, the blotches on the anterior half are longer transversely than longitudinally; emarginated anteriorly only.
The blotches of the two lateral series are proportionally small. The blotches of the upper series are more or less obsolete and alter- nate with the dorsal ones. Those of the second lateral series are the smallest and alternate also, being of as deep a color as the dorsal ones, but do not extend beyond the anus, occupying the second, third, and fourth rows of scales. The first and lower series afi'ect the first and second rows, and only one scale. The belly is of a light straw color, dotted and sprinkled irregularly with brown.
Scales elliptical, subtruncated posteriorly, constituting twenty-three rows, strongly carinated, except the two lateral rows, which are smooth.
Head, when seen from above, subelliptical ; vertical plate propor- tionally more elongated than in C. terrjeminus.
Tamaulipas. 143. 28.+3. 23. 17^.2^. Dr. Edwards.
S.Banh of Rio Grande. lb%. 14:. 23. 11. 1|. Gen. Churchill. Sonora. ' 145.26. 23. 8*. li. Col.J.D.Graham.
1Q CROTALOPHORUS.
5. CrotalopSioriis Kirtlandii, Holbr."— Twenty-five rows of dor- sal scales, sometimes only twenty-four, all strongly carinated except those of the first lateral row. Vertical plate rather short and broad. Color in the adult almost uniformly black, with a vertebral series of dusky brown blotches, sometimes very obsolete. Underneath bluish slate, with the pos- terior margin of the scutellse yellowish.
Syn. Crotalophorus Kirtlandii, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 31, PL vi.
Black Massasauga.
The scales of the lateral row are as broad or high as long. Those of the second row are but slightly carinated, and distinguished from the next rows above in being broader and regularly elliptical poste- riorly. The carinated scales are elongated, and the narrowest as they approximate the dorsal region. They are posteriorly rounded or subacute.
In the young, eight inches and a half long, the ground-color is brown, with a dorsal series of deep brown spots transversely oblong, emarginated anteriorly and posteriorly, almost quadrangular on the posterior region of the body and tail; and thirty -four in number from head to tail. There are three lateral series of blotches on each side j the upper one composed of small and obsolete blotches, alternating with the dorsal ones ; the second row is composed of vertically oblong blotches, larger than those of the upper, and a little smaller than those of the lower series. The latter extend partly on the abdominal scutellfE, as in C. tei-gemimis and other allied species. Six or seven rings to the rattle.
Warren Co., Ohio. 140.21+5.24. 23f. 2 J. Dr. J. P. Kirtland. " 144.19+5.23. 24|. 2f. "
« 142.17+3.25. 25. 2^. "
" 143.15+9.25. 8i i. "
AGKISTRODON. 17
he
Genus AGKll^^TRODOIV, Beauv.
Gen. Char. A deep pit between nostril and the eye. Nine
plates on top of head. Without rattle. Poison fangs as in Crotalus.
One pair of occipitals. A loral between the nasal and anterior orbit-
als. Labials excluded from the orbit by the presence of suborbital
plates. Scales carinated; rows 23 in number. Subcaudal scutellae
divided posteriorly. Sometimes a small plate between the vertical
and postfrontals. Habits terrestrial.
Stn. Agkistrodon, Pal. de Beauv. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc. Philad. IV, 1799, 381.
1. Ag'kisfrodon coBilorfrix, B. & G. — Loral present. Labials not entering into the orbit. Dorsal rows of scales 23. Color light chestnut, with inverted Y'Shaped darker blotches on the sides. Labials yellowish white.
Stn. Boa contortriz, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 273. — Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1082,
Agkistrodon mokason, Beauv. Txans. Amer. Philos. Soc. Philad. IV, 1799, 380.
Scy talus cupreus, Rafin. Amer. Journ. Sc. I., 85. — Harl. Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 130.
Trigonocephalus cenchris, ScHL. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, desc, 1837, 553. PI. XX, fig. 10 and 11.
Trigonocephalus contortriz, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 69 PL xiv, and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 39. PL viii.
Copperhead.
More slender than ToxicopMs pisciovorus. Plates on neck and side smaller. Two anterior orbitals, one above the other, the lower nar- rower, and forming the posterior wall of the pit. A distinct loral between these and the posterior nasal. Labial not forming part of the orbit, but separated by the four post and suborbitals. Labials not so largely developed ; 8 above, 3d and 4th largest ; 9 below.
Above light hazel brown, rather brighter on the top of the head, and everywhere minutely mottled with very fine dark points. On each side is a series of 15-26 darker chestnut-colored blotches resting on the abdominal scutella;, and suddenly contracting about the mid- dle of the side, so as somewhat to resemble an inverted Y- These
^OC. i>v
lYb
"18
AGKISTRODON.
blotches extend to the vertebral line, where they may be truncated or end in a rounded apex. Generally those of opposite sides alter- nate with each other, but frequently they are confluent above, form- ing continuous bands. They are so disposed, that the intervals between the successive blotches are pretty much of the same shape and size, though inverted. The centres of the blotches are lighter; in some cases so much so as greatly to increase the Y-shaped resem- blance. Color beneath dull yellowish, with a series of distinct large dark blotches, 35—45 in number, on each side. Chin and throat un- spotted. Sides of head cream color; the line of demarcation very distinct ; this passes along the upper edge of the head, in front of the eye, and involving the lower three-fourths of the orbit, intersects the middle of the 2d postorbital plate, (counting from above,) and ex- tends along the 1st row above the labials, to the posterior edge of the last labial ; the line then comes back through the middle of the lower labial range, where it is marked by a narrow black line. Rostral of the same color. A small areolated dark spot near the inner edge of each occipital plate.
Cleveland.
ic
Foxhurg, Pa.
153. 40+10. 23. 152. 42+10. 23. 152. 32+18. 23. 152.32+18.23.
271. 29. 261 321.
3|. 41. 31. 4*. 3f.
Dr. Kirtland.
S. F. Baird.
a
u
Carlisle, Pa. (I
Charleston.
221. 28^
2f 4i.
II
2-g-.
" 150.48. 23.
154. 42. 23.
154.48. 23.
150.40+8. 23.
Prairie Mer Rouge,La. 153.40+8. 23.
" *' 150.30+18.23.
Blotches larger and fewer, about 15 in number, and running more
upon the abdomen. Vertical plate larger and more acute posteriorly.
Bet. Indianola <^' 1 i r^n o
San Antonio. j Sabinal. 150.31+17.23. Hi If. "
24|. 31
20J
201.3
C. Girard, Jas. Fairie.
Col. Graham.
Toxicornis. 19
Genus TOXIC OPIIIS, Troost.
Gen. Char. No rattle. Pit and fangs as in Aghistrodon. Eleven plates on top of head. No loral plate between nasal and anterior orbital. A second and smaller pair of occipital plates contiguous to the first. Labial entering into the orbit. Scales very conspicuously carinated, forming 25 longitudinal rows. Subcaudal scutellas divided posteriorly. Habits aquatic.
Syn. ToxicopMs, Troost, Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, IH, 1833, 190.
1. ToxicopMs piSCivorus, B. & G.— No loral. Inferior wall of orbit constituted by 3d labial : 25 dorsal rows. Dark chestnut brown, with indistinct vertical dark bars. Line from superciliary along the edge of the head, through the middle of the second supra labial row. A second line from the lowest point of the orbit parallel to the first.
Syn. Trigonocephalus piscivorus, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 63. PI. xiii. and 2d ed, III, 1842, 33. PI. vii. Water moccasin.
Scales all large and well developed ; those on the sides and back of head conspicuously so. Two nasal plates with the nostril between them. Anterior orbitals two, one above the other ; the upper ex- tending from the eye to the posterior nasal, the lower linear, and forming the upper wall of the pit. Lower and posterior wall of pit constituted by a narrow plate resting along the 3d labial, and termi- nating on the 2d. Third labial very large, constituting the inferior wall of the orbit, of which three scales form the posterior. Upper labials 8, very large and broad : lower 10. Occipitals terminated each by a triangular plate. All the scales on the back of the head carinated. Dorsal scales all carinated.
General color dark chestnut-brown, with darker markings. Head above purplish black. An obsolete chestnut-brown streak passes from the posterior end of the superciliary along the upper edge of the head, through the middle of the 2d row of supralabial scales. A narrow yellowish white line passes from the 3d labial, or begins just below the lowest part of the orbit, and passing backward, paral-
20 TOXICOPHIS.
lei with the first stripe, crosses the angle of the mouth at the 7th labial, and meets the first stripe on the side of the neck, where it is confluent with the yellowish white of the throat. On the lower labial are three short, nearly vertical light bars, on the 4th, Gth^ and 7th ; the rest of the jaw itself, as well as the interval between the stripes on the sides of the head, dark purplish brown, of which color is also the space in front and below the eyes. General color above dull dark chestnut-brown. On each side a series of 20 or 30 narrow vertical purplish black bars, one or two scales wide. Of these, sometimes two contiguous to each other on the same side are united above into an arch, enclosing a space, the centre of which is rather duskier than the ground-color ; at others, corresponding bars from the opposite sides unite and form half rings, encircling the body. Sometimes there is a lighter shade bordering the dark bars. Be- neath black, blotched with yellowish white.
Prairie Mer Rouge. 140.24 + 21.25. 22|. 3j. Jas. Fairie.
2. ToxicopSsis pugnax, B. & G. — No loral plate. Second labial displaced ; 25 dorsal rows. Above olive-brown, with narrow transverse dark zigzag bars. Cheeks uniform light colored.
General structure of the plates as in T. ptscivorus. No loral. Second labial pressed out of place, and with its apex alone on the edge of the mouth. Scales of head smaller than in T. piscworus. Outline different. Lower edge of orbit bordered by parts of two labials.
General color above light olive-brown ; beneath yellowish, with a series of indistinct square brown blotches on each side; chin and throat unspotted. Tail entirely black. A series of transverse dark brown zigzag lines are seen crossing the back, involving the entire surface of single scales ; these lines are broken up more or less, so as to render the definition of pattern very difficult. Sometimes the band will be indicated merely by a few dark scales on the middle of the back ; at others it may be traced to the blotches on the abdomen. Of these blotches there are about 30 from head to anus. The inter- vals between the bands are much larger than the bands themselves, being from 3 to 6 scales in length. No indication of a dark patch behind the eye, but the cheeks appear yellowish brown, brighter on the labials.
^ 0^ Lidianoh, Tex. 145. 21 -f 21. 25. 30*. 5f . Col. J. D. Graham.
%
.^^L.
/^.
rfA/s i^v/'^
ELAPS. 21
Genus EL. A PS, Schn.
Gen. Char. Body slender and cylindrical, never exceeding three or four feet in length. Head somewhat depressed, in most cases continuous with the body ; subelliptical in shape, tapering forwards, covered above with plates, generally nine in number. No pit be- tween the eyes and the nostrils. Mouth moderately cleft, not di- latable as in the other serpents. Upper jaw furnished on each side with a small permanently erect fang, situated more posterior than in Crotalidse. The tail is continuous with the body, conical, and taper- ing towards the tip. Scales smooth; subcaudal scutellae entirely bifid.
Syn. Elaps, ScHN. Hist. Amph. Nat. & Lit. 1801, 289.
1. Elaps fulvius, Cuv. — Head oval, posteriorly broader than the neck. Body red, annulated with black rings margined with yellow. Verti- cal plate pentagonal, rounded anteriorly ; its posterior tapering part in- cluded between the occipitals.
Stn. Coluber fulvitts, Lwn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 881. — Giii. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1104.
Vipera fulvia, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 364.
Elaps fulvius, Cnv. Rf-gn. Anim. II, 1817.— Fitz. N. Class. Kept. 1826, 61. — HoLBK. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 87. PI. xviii; and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 49.
PI.X.
Harlequin Snake.
The red may be considered as the ground-color of the body, though the black rings occupy nearly as much space above as the red, so as to give the general appearance of a succession of red and black rings. The yellow is intermediate. The anterior part of the head from the posterior point of the vertical plate, embracing the orbits, is black, as is also the tip of the lower jaw. A yellow ring passes across the oc- cipital region down to the inferior surface of the head, embracing the space between the posterior rim of the eye and the angle of the mouth. Then comes a black ring, covering eight dorsal scales, margined pos- teriorly with yellow. From this region to the origin of the tail, the black and red rings from 14 to 19 in number each, alternate, being
22 ELAPS.
separated from each other by a narrow band of yellow. The black rings cover seven enth'e scales, and two halves ; the intermediate red space, five entire scales and two halves ; and the yellow either one and two half-scales or two halves only. Some red spaces may oc- casionally cover nine and ten scales. The tail is alternatively black and yellow ; the first caudal ring is black, and embraces ten scales j the second is yellow, and covers three scales. Two black and two yellow succeed and cover the same ground. The tip of the tail is black on five scales. The tip may be either black or yellow, for, according to the size, there are either three or four black rings. Underneath the colors are the same, but dull ; occasionally one or more black rings may not surround the body. The reddish spaces are irregularly blotched with deep black, as also sometimes on the upper surface.
Charleston, S. C. 207. 30. 15. 28*. 3*. C. Girard.
" 205. 39. 15. 221. 2f . Dr. S. B. Barker.
« 209. 37. 15. 17J. II. "
2. £la.ps tenerw, B. & G.— Head narrow, elongated, continuous with the neck and body. jBody fawn-colored, annulated with black and yellow. Vertical and occipital plates narrow and elongated.
The ground-color is of a light fawn, dotted with black, annulated with black rings about one-third narrower than the fawn, and with yellow rings about the half of the width of the black ones. The an- terior portion of the head is black, from the posterior rim of the eye across the middle of the vertical plate to the mouth, scarcely afi'ecting the tip of the lower jaw. A yellow ring embraces the occipital region from the eyes to the angles of the mouth. There are thirteen black rings from the head to the origin of the tail, and twice as many yellow ones, the fawn-colored rings being equal in number to the l)lack ones. The first black ring covers eight scales. The succeed- ing ones cover only sis, and occasionally the half of the next scale. The yellow rings embrace two entire scales and two halves. The fawn-color intermediate covers nine or ten scales, the last but one only seven or eight, and the last five or sis. On the tail the fawn is absent, and two black and two yellow rings alternating cover the whole space. The first of the caudal rings is black, and embraces ten and two half-scales; the yellow coming next, covers four scales; the second black one twelve and two half-scales ; the second yellow also
ELAPS. 23
four scales ; the extreme tip of tail is black. Underneath, the color- ation is the same, with less brilliancy ; the f;iwn-colored rings are maculated with black blotches.
The proportional difference in width between the colored rings con- stitutes a great difference between this species and E. fulvius. It is a much more slender snake, provided with a more slender head, which imparts to the cephalic plates a more elongated shape, especially to the vertical and occipitals. The eyes also are much smaller.
San Pedro of Rio
j 237+i
^ , . _. ,-2. 26. 15. 171. 1|. Col. J.D.Graham.
Grande.
New Braunf els, Tex. 2^0+1.2.^. lb. 26. 2. F. Lindheimer.
" 224+1. 38. 15. 22. 2i. "
3. I^liips tristis, B. & G. — Head broad behind, pointed forwards. Vertical plate subpentagonal, equilateral, with its posterior triangular part short and obtuse. Eyes proportionally small.
The afl&nities of this species are intermediate between E. fulvius and E. tencrd It has the red-colored ground, annulated with black rings, fourt^n in number, and covering five or six scales above, oc- casionally seven, and only three or four when reaching the outer or lateral rows : thus these rings diminish towards the abdomen. The yellow rings on the other hand have the same width as in E. fulvius, embracing one entire row of scales and two halves. The intermedi- ate red spaces affect six or seven scales, dotted all over with deep black, as in the two preceding species. The tail has four black and three yellow rings, the tip being yellow. The first three black ones embrace nine and eight scales, the fourth only six. The intermedi- ate yeilow cover three or four scales.
The shape and structure of the head, as given above, are the pro- minent distinguishing characters.
Kemper Co., Miss. 203. 41. 15. 17|. 2^. D. C Lloyd.
Rio Grande.W. of ^ ^a -ic iai ii r^ r^^ 1-11
„ , . \ 209. 40. 15. lOJ. li-. Gen. Churchill.
A«» Antonio. )
24 EUTAINIA.
'/< .'
jLu^ \ ) Genus EUTAIIVIA, Baird & Girar.
Gen. Char. Body moderately stout in some species, slenderer in others. Scales carinated. Skin very extensible. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior orbitals 1 ; posterior 3. Abdominal scutellae all entire; subcaudal divided. Dorsal rows of scales 19-21. Abdomi- nal scutellae, 140-170. Subcaudal, 50-120. General color, three light stripes on a darker ground, intervals with alternating or tesse- lated spots. Abdomen without square blotches. Mostly terrestrial. Many of the species ovo-viviparous.
-I
'MP
A. Body very slender, elongated. Tail very long. Lateral stripe ■^ .' jr! on the third and fourth rows of scales. Dorsal rows 19.
,4^>'M<
1. Hutainia ^aurita, B. & G. — Very slender. Color above light chocolate. Three stripes of uniform yellow. Below the lateral stripes, light brown. Abdomen greenish white. On an average the length of tail is more than one-third the total length.
Stn. Coluber saurita, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 385. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. 5.iii, I, iii, 1788, 1109. — Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 352.— Stoker, Eep. Kept. Mass. 1839, 229.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm. 1842, 115.
Leptophis sauritus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 21, PI. iv. — Dekay, New York Fauna, 1842, 47. PI. xi, fig. 24.
Riband Snake ; Swift Garter Snake.
A broad vertebral line of sulphu. -yellow, occupying one and two half-rows of scales, the line margined for half a scale on each side with black. A lateral stripe on each side along the 3d and 4th rows of lateral scales ; the scales in the exterior edges of this stripe occa- sionally speckled or margined with black. Skin between the scales black, with numerous small yellow lines, half a scale long, seen only in dilating the skin. In some specimens the black shows as a series of lateral spots. The usual double spot on the line of union of the occipitals. Orbital plates yellowish white, as are the lower part and sides of the head and throat.
EUTAINIA. 25
In one specimen from Westport, N. Y., there is a well-defined black line under the lateral stripe.
|
Carlisle. |
156. 115. |
19. |
35. 12^ |
S. |
F. Baird. |
|
a |
157. 118. |
19. |
26f . 9. |
(I |
|
|
Washington. |
157. 118. |
19. |
32i. 9. |
(( |
|
|
Westport, iV. Y. |
— — |
— |
u |
||
|
Lancaster, Mass. |
— — |
— — |
(( |
||
|
Virginia. |
— — |
c |
. Sanford. |
2. Eutainia. Faireyi, B. & G. — Body above blackish brown, with three longitudinal stripes of uniform tint. Abdomen greenish white. Stouter than U. saurita. Head large. Tail rather less than one-third total length.
Syn. Tropidonotus saurita ? Schleg. Ess. Physiogn. Serp. Part, discr, 1837, 321.
A dorsal stripe one and two half-scales wide, and one lateral on each side on the 3d and 4th row, of the same color, (greenish yellow.) Scales broader and more rounded than in E. saurita ; head stouter, color different. Differs from E. proxima, in having all the longitu- dinal stripes of the same color ; from E. saurita in a stouter body, and in having the color, below the lateral stripe the same as that above. Body slender, but stouter than in E. saurita. The tail is propor- tionally shorter than in E. saurita, but longer than in E. proxima.
Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 178. 115. 19. 30 J. 10. Jas. Fairie.
" " 174.114.19. 261:. 8.
« * « 168. — 19. 29. —
li
{(
3. £utaillia proxima, B. & G. — Body stoutest of the division. Black above ; three longitudinal stripes, the dorsal ochraceous yellow or brown, lateral greenish white or yellow. Total length about three and a half times that of the tail.
Syn. Coluber proximus, Say in Long^s Exped. to Rock. Mts. I, 1823, 187. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 353.
Deep brown almost black above and on the sides ; beneath green- ish white. Dorsal stripe on one and two half-rows of scales, ochra- ceous yellow, lateral stripe on the 3d and 4th rows of scales, greenish yellow or white, markedly different in tint from the dorsal. Sides
26
EUTAINIA.
of abdominal scutellae, and 1st and 2d dorsal series of the same color as the back. On stretching the skin, numerous short white lines are visible. Occipital plates with two small approximated spots on the line of junction. Orbitals whitish. The greenish white of the ab- domen becomes more yellow anteriorly.
In some specimens from along the Rio Grande the dorsal stripe is ochraceous brown.
Head more like that of E. saurita than of E. Fcdreiji, while the body is stouter than in either. The subcaudal scales are less nume- rous than in the other two allied species. Resembling E. Faireyi in color, it is always distinguishable by the stouter body, fewer caudal scales, and dissimilarity of color in the longitudinal stripes.
Red River.
New Braunfels, Texas. Near Indianola.
San Pedro, Texas. Sahinal, Neio Mex. 3Iedina, New Mex.
|
170. |
100. |
19. |
33. |
9. |
1 McClellan. |
|
171. |
100. |
19. |
25J. |
1\. |
F. Lindheimer. |
|
170. |
105. |
19. |
151. |
■^- |
Col. Graham. |
|
178. |
108. |
19. |
19. |
O4 . |
u |
|
169. |
105. |
19. |
14. |
4. |
a <( |
B. Body stouter. Tail shorter. Lateral stripe on tJie 2d and 3d row 0/ scales.
1. Dorsal rows 19.
4. Ulutaillia illfernalis, B. & G. — Most slender of all the species of the section. Head and eye large. Above black: a series of about 110 triangular reddish yellow spots, confluent with the indistinct lateral stripe, itself confluent with the greenish white sides and abdomen.
Syn. Coluber infernalis, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. d'Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834, 59. PI. xxvi, fig. 3 & 3a.
Aspect colubrine, as indicated by Blainville. A vertebral line of yellowish white, composed of one and two half-rows of scales, on each side of which is a blackish stripe, not encroaching upon the light colored stripe along the 2d and od lateral rows of scales. Above the latter the black is interrupted by about 110 subtriangu- lar spots of reddish yellow or reddish white. Abdomen and exterior row of dorsal scales are greenish white, tinged posteriorly with slate. A minute black spot, more or less covered by the incumbent scutellge
EUTAINIA. 27
on each side of eacli abdominal scale, near the extremity. No occipi- tal spot.
The exterior row of dorsal scales is earinated, and larger than the rest, which are about equal. The scales of the slender tail are like- wise earinated.
A specimen collected on Sacramento River by the Exploring Ex- pedition is smaller, but very similar. As usual in small specimens, the black is in the form of isolated spots, confluent above, with an olivaceous brown ground.
California. 163. 83. 19. 25 J. 6*. Dr. Wm. Gambel.
Sacramento River. 170. — 19. 13 f. 3*. (ondep.) Expl. Exped.
5. Eutalnia PicKermg-ii, B. & G.— Body slender. Black above, slate-color beneath. Lateral stripe irregular, confluent with the light-colored intervals between the dark spots.
This species exhibits great variations in color, principally in re- gard to the amount of black on the abdomen and the extent of the stripes. The most strongly marked specimen is of an intense black, tinged with bluish below. There is a very narrow greenish white vertebral line, beginning at the nape, where it occupies one and two half- scales, and gradually narrows to the carina of the middle dorsal row, becoming obsolete at the anus. The carinfe of the 2d and 3d rows of exterior dorsal scales show the faint line of greenish white, only perceptible on close observation. The lores, labials, cheeks, and head beneath, greenish white, gradually shading into the blue- black of the abdomen at or about the anterior fifth. Puget Sound, Or. 158. 73. 19. 26:}. 6 J. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
In another specimen, with the general color very dark, the verte- bral line occupies one and two half-scales throughout. The black on each side appears formed by the confluence above of about 76 spots from head to anus, each spot from IJ to2 scales lotig. In other words, there is a stripe of black 3 J scales wide on each side of the vertebral line, confluent with which is a series of black spots on each side, as indicated. The lateral stripe is on the 2d lateral row of scales, of a greenish white color, and confluent with the intervals of the spots also of the same color. The stripe is not well defined, but swells and narrows like a knotted cord. Exterior row of dorsal
23 EUTAINIA.
scales and sides of abdomen deep blue-black, becoming greenish to- ward the middle of the abdomen ; anteriorly the color shows more white. Puget Sound, Or. 170. 86. 19. 18. 4i. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
In other specimens the lateral lines are better defined, though al- ways more irregular than usual. Sometimes the color above is more brown than described ; inferiorly, however, there is always a slate- blue tint, especially behind. Puget Sound, Or. 166. 87. 19. 21}. 5|. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
« « . 161.75.19. 26. 5
In this species the inequality between the exterior dorsal row of scales and the rest is inconspicuous. The former is rather the larger, and little or not at all carinated. The second row is about the same size as the rest. The eyes are larger, and the head shorter than iu E. leptocepliala, from the same locality.
Collected by the United States Exploring Expedition, and dedi- cated to the discoverer, Dr. Charles Pickering.
6. Eutainia parietalis, B. k G.— Above olive-brown: beneath slate-color. Longitudinal stripes greenish. Spaces about and between the dark spots on the sides, brick red, these colors belonging to the skin, not to the scales.
Syn. Coluber parietalis, Sat, in Long^is Exped. to Eock. Mts. I, 1823, 186. — Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 349.
Body apparently more slender than E. sirtalis. In many respects resembling E. Fk-keringii. The only specimen being a stretched skin preserved in alcohol, the colors are somewhat difficult of definition. Above dark olive, beneath light slate-color, except the inferior sur- face of the head, which is yellowish white. A broad longitudinal dorsal line of one and two half-rows of scales, and an equally dis- tinct one on each side on the second and third dorsal rows, of a greenish slate. The sides of the abdomen and the exterior dorsal row are dark slate-brown. When the skin is stretched, there are seen on each side, between the dorsal and lateral rows, two rows of quadrate black blotches, the first quite distinct, between the third and fiixth rows ; the second between the sixth and vertebral line, the spots
EUTAINIA. 29
more or less confluent above with each other, and with those on the opposite side; the blotches about one scale apart. The intervals between the blotches of a vivid brick-red, which color, as well as the black, is sometimes seen on the bases of the adjoining scales. None of the short white lines of E. sirtalis are visible. More or less of white on the inferior surface of the tail.
The color when living, as described by Say, is black-brown above, beneath bluish green, head beneath white. A vertebral greenish yellow line, and a lateral pale yellow one : about eighty concealed red spots or semifascise on the skin and lateral margin of the scales. Betic. San Antonio 8r El Paso. Ibl. IS. Id. 36. 8 J. Col. Graham.
T. Eutainia leptocephala, B. & G.— Scales on the greater portion of tail scarcely carinated. Tlie two exterior dorsal rows on each side unequal, but conspicuously larger than the rest ; outer one not cari- nated. Head slender, plane above. Orbitals 3 posterior; 2 anterior. Above light olive-brown, with distinct small brown spots, 130 in a series from head to anus.
Exterior row of dorsal scales broader than usual, not carinated; second smaller, but also broader than usual, and faintly carinated. Top of head nearly plane from occiput to anterior frontals. Head narrow and depressed. Eyes small. Labials narrow. Scales on sides of anus not conspicuously smaller.
Color dull light olive-brown or light chocolate, beneath pale green- ish slate : when the epidermis is removed, the subjacent skin of the abdomen is seen minutely punctured and clouded with black, so as to impart this latter color to the whole, except near the edge. A ver- tebral dull yellowish line on a single row of scales which appears more prominent than the rest. On each side of this vertebral line are two series of subquadrate black spots, about 130 from head to anus, on about every other scale, or even closer, and showing very conspicuously on the clear ground-color. Bases of all the scales on the sides of the body are more or less black, occasionally showing beyond the incumbent edges. Little or no indication of a lateral stripe. The lower series of black spots is continued in a faint line along the side of the head to the orbit. In one specimen the color- ation is less defined, showing a greenish white color above, with tessel- lated small spots of black. >
|
30 |
EUTAINIA. |
||||||
|
Puget Sound, |
Or. |
146. |
59. |
19. |
16. |
3tV |
|
|
(( |
11 |
149. |
66. |
19. |
23*. |
5. |
|
|
a |
11 |
144. |
63. |
17. |
17J. |
4|. |
|
|
a |
ii |
148. |
19. |
20. |
4. |
(on dep.) Expl. Esped.
u «
8. Eutainia Sirtalis, B. & G. — Body among the stoutest of their form. Olivaceous brown above the lateral stripes, sometimes nearly black, beneath them greenish white ; dorsal stripe narrow, encroached upon by the spot; lateral stripes not conspicuous ; two or three rows of small indistinct spots, often not perceptible, especially the lower: about 70 from head to anus.
Stn. Coluber sirtalis, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 383.— Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1107.— Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 352.— Stoeer Rep. Kept. Mass. 1839, 221.
Tropidonotus bipunctatus, Schl. Ess. Physiogn. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 320.
Tropidonotus sirtalis, Holbe. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 41. PI. xi.
Tropidonotus tasnia, Dekay, New Y. Fauna, Kept. 1842, 43. PI. xiii, fig. 27.
Striped Snake. Garter Snake.
Color above the lateral stripes dark olive, in old specimens dark brown, beneath greenish white. A narrow, rather indistinct verte- bral greenish yellow line. Three series of small indistinct spots on each side, of about 70 from head to anus. The first series is along the exterior dorsal row, the spots about two scales apart. This is sometimes entirely wanting. The second series is on the 3d, 4th, and 5th rows from the abdomen ; the third upon the 8th and 9th. In many cases the last-mentioned rows have the spots on opposite sides more or less confluent, giving the appearance of a single median series. These rows of spots are sometimes of a dark chestnut-brown, at others nearly black, and often so blended with the olivaceous of the back as to be scarcely discernible. Numerous short white lines visible on stretching the skin.
Although the 1st, 2d, and 3d exterior dorsal rows of scales are colored like the abdomen, yet a lighter shade on the 2d and 3d gives indication of a lateral stripe.
The bases of the abdominal scales on each side near the outer ex- tremities have a black blotch. There is also the usual double spot on the occiput, not areolated. The dark spotting on the sides be- longs more or less to the skin between the scales, in some cases merely tinging the edges of the latter.
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form. 01i-\ beneath the spot; later spots, often anus.
Stn. C( ed. xiii, I, 352.— Stob TropidoTK Tropidom Tropidom Striped S
Color a brown, be bral green each side, the exteri sometimei and 5th r( In many < sides more series. I at others the back ; visible on
Althou; colored lil indication
The ba: treniities ; on the oc longs moi merely tii
EUTAINIA. 31
St.LawrenceCo.,N.Y. Ibl.— 19. 15. 3i Dr. Hough.
Westport, K T. 151. 80. 19. 21. 5i. S. F. Baird.
AdirondachMts.,N.Y.UQ.— 19. 24 i. — "
« 151. — 19. 20i — "
« 148. — 19. 14^ — «
Summerville, N^. Y. — — — — — "
Iladrid, iV. Z _ _ _ «
Grosse He, Mich. — — — Kev. Chas. Fox.
a (( u
U (C (I
Androscoggin, Me. 155. 66. 19. 21 J. 4i. C Girard.
Portland, Me. — — — Prof. Caldwell.
Clarke Co., Va. 151. — 19. 26. — Dr. Kennerly.
« 160. 56. 19. 18i. 3|. "
« 145. — 19. lOf. 2J. "
Centreville, Md. 151. 75. 19. lOi. 2 J. S. F. Baird.
Foxhurg, Pa. 150. 70. 19. 24. 5|. "
" 147. — 19. 18. 4. "
Carlisle, Pa. _ _ _ «
Abheville, S. C. 155.— 19. 11 J. 3. Dr. Barratt.
Anderson, S. C. — — — — — Miss Paine.
Eemper Co., Miss. ' 139. 60. 19. 29i. 6. D. C Lloyd.
" '138. — 19. 11 J. — "
Washington, D. C. — — — Col. P. Force.
A very old specimen from Westport, N. Y., (?) has the dorsal line more conspicuous, but still encroached upon by the black spots, (on the exterior half-row.) Bases of all the scales in the exterior row black. Lateral stripe and exterior row bright yellow, and very
conspicuous, brighter than the dorsal stripe. Ground-color dark brown.
Westjyort, N. Y. ? 145. 64. 19. 34. 7. S. F. Baird.
9. Elutainia <Ior§ali!^, B. & G. — Dimensions of E. sirtalis. Outer rows of dorsal scales emarginate. Color olivaceous. Dorsal stripe broad, yellow, margined with black. A row of spots above the lateral stripe.
A broad dorsal stripe of greenish white very well defined, and covering one and two half-rows of scales, margined on each side for one scale continuously with black. On each side, on the 2d and 3d exterior rows, likewise a broad stripe of the same color. Space be-
32 EUTAINIA.
tween the stripes bright olivaceous, in which on each side is indis- tinctly seen a series of rather large spots, about 74 in number from head to anus, and ranged just above the lateral stripe. Abdomen, and below the lateral stripes greenish white, not materially differing from the stripes in color, only rather darker. Sides of abdominal scutellae, and the upper basal edge of the scales in the exterior dorsal row margined with black. A series of black dots on each side of the abdominal scutella3 at the base. The scales in the exterior dorsal row acutely emarginated, as are some of those in the 2d row.
A specimen collected between Monclova, Mexico, and the Rio Grande, by General Churchill.
Rio Grande, Texas. 166. 81. 19. 25^ 61. Gen. S. Churchill.
10. Eutainia ordinata, B. & G.— Olive, with three distinct rows of square dark spots on each side : about 85 from head to anus. Lateral stripe wanting ; dorsal, very indistinct.
Syn. Coluber ordinatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 879. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1097.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 349.
Tropidonotus ordinatus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 45. PI. xii.
Vipera gracilis maculatus, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 51. LI.
Vipera viridis maculatus, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 53. LIII.
Garter Snake, or Grass Snake.
General color greenish brown or olive. Vertebral yellowish line more or less inconspicuous. Lateral stripe on the 2d and 3d rows of scales very little evident. In fact it might be almost said to be wanting, but for a faint trace. Three series of small square dark blotches on each side, about 85 in number from head to anus. The first is on the outer row of dorsal scales, involving the edges of the contiguous scales. The second on the 4th row ; the third on each side of the dorsal stripe, both like the first, involving the edges of, and intervals between the contiguous scales ; indeed, on stretching apart the skin, the black spots are seen to be converted into a net- work of black along the skin. Beneath greenish white, with spots of black near each end of the abdominal scutellae. Upper labial plates all prominently edged vertically with black.
This species strongly resembles E. sirtalis, especially the spotted varieties. It may, however, be readily distinguished by the three regular series of tessellated black spots on each side, their promi-
EUTAINIA. 33
nence, and their number, about 85, not 70. The lateral stripe is nearly absent, and the dorsal quite indistinct. The lower row of blotches is below and along the place of the lateral stripes. The oc- cipital black patch is much larger than in E. sirtalis, and the labials more margined.
From E. 3Iarciana, which it resembles, the want of the light patch behind the mouth, and the different number of dorsal rows will always distinguish it.
Ricehoro, Ga. 139. 68. 19. 28. 7. Dr. Jones.
" 141. 55. 19. 21. b\. «
Georgia. 152.79.19. 14. 3^ Prof C. B. Adams.
11, £utaillia ordinoi,d£g, B. & G. — A dorsal and two lateral stripes. Ou each side two series of black spots, about 80 in number ; be- tween the lower series reddish brown ; between the upper olivaceous. Dor- sal rows 19-21. Body stouter than most species. Exterior row of dorsal scales the larger, carinated. Remaining scales nearly equal. Caudal scales strongly carinated.
Stx. Tropidonotus ordinoides, B. & G. — Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 17G.
A very strongly defined dorsal stripe of a yellowish color, occupy- ing one and two half^cales. A second line less distinct along the 2d and 8d rows from the abdomen. On each side, between the dorsal and lateral stripes, are two series of subquadrate black spots, 80 to 84 in number, arranged alternately, and occupying portions of seve- ral scales ; the spots in the lower series larger. Intervals between the lower scries of spots occupied by reddish brown scales, in shape and color somewhat resembling the dead leaves of the hemlock, (Abies canadensis). Intervals between the upper series olivaceous brown, more or less blended with the black. Beneath uniform green- ish white, with bases of the scales black, as they are also on the more exterior dorsal rows ; this color, however, rarely shows beyond the margin of the incumbent scales.
In one specimen, which is much larger than the others, the dorsal
spots form a rather narrow margin to the broad dorsal stripe, and are
more or less confluent with the ground-color. Space between the
lower row of spots pale reddish. Dorsal scales 19. Ninety spots
from head to anus.
The characters are very strongly marked, and easily recognised.
3
^
34 EUTAINIA.
California. 161. 67. 19. 35i 7*. (84 spots) | ^^"^ ^^\^
SanFrancisco, Cat 165. 85. 21. 21|. 8|. "
" 167.84.19. 28J. 7i. (80 spots.) Dr. Leconte.
12. 'Euf ainia. radix, B. & G. — General color black, -witli three nar- row gamboge-yellow lines. Lateral rows of scales broader than usual.
The head is shorter than usual with the genus. The exterior row of dorsal scales is very broad, nearly as high as long. The second nearly similar in proportion, (a little longer than high,) but smaller, and yet markedly larger than the third and succeeding rows. Pos- terior angle of the exterior dorsal scales truncated, with the corners rounded off, a character seen to less extent on the second row. The carination of all the scales is greater than usual, and the whole animal has a rougher appearance.
Color above deep brownish black, on the sides verging to lustrous anthracite black, especially on the exterior dorsal and sides of ab- dominal scutellae. Beneath bluish black, with minute mottlings of dull gamboge yellowish, which increasing anteriorly becomes uni- form greenish gamboge yellow on the anterior third. A narrow line of black near the posterior edge across each abdominal scutella. A dorsal line of gamboge yellow along the middle of the vertebral row of scales, and one on each side along the 3d lateral row, occasionally involving the lower edge of the 4th row.
There are faint indications of the usual black spots where the epidermis has been lost. Racine, Wisconsin. 153. 51. 19. 22f. 4|. Dr. Hoy.
3. Dorsal rows 21.
13. E^tltainia elegans, B. & G. — Eesembles E. proxima, but be- longs to a different section. Black above, light beneath. A broad ochra- ceous dorsal stripe, with two lateral, greenish white. Dorsal scales 21.
Head very short, broad. Upper labial plates highly developed. Eyes small. Exterior dorsal row of scales largest, delicately cari- nated, remainder of equal size. Above deep blackish brown. An ochraceous or dark gamboge-yellow dorsal stripe begins at the occiput, and suddenly widening to the width of 3 or 4 scales, contracts gradu-
EUTAINIA. 35
ally to one and two half-rows, at which it continues to the tail. On each side is a well-defined stripe of greenish yellow along the second and part of the third outer row, and contrasting decidedly in color with the vertebral line. The blackish brown color is strongly defined between the stripes, below them the greenish white sides and abdo- men are tinged with brown, (on the exterior dorsal and ends of ab- dominal scutelltC.) The bases of the scales on the exterior dorsal row are black, which sometimes shows when the scales are separated, though usually covered by the incumbent edges.
The species is readily distinguished from its nearest analogue, E. in/ernalis, by the darker color of the sides, the ochraceous dorsal stripe, smaller head, number of dorsal scales, &c. It has a strong resemblance to U. proxima in distribution of color, but is stouter and shorter, and has the lateral stripe on the 2d and 3d rows, not on the 3d and 4th. El Dorado Co., Col. 167. 57. 21. 23 1. 4|. Dr. C. C Boyle.
A second specimen, belonging to the Boston Natural History So- ciety, has precisely the same markings, although with but 19 dorsal rows. As usual in young individuals, it has black spots along the sides upon an olivaceous ground, with which they are confluent. Above the lateral stripe are seen from 80 to 90 black spots from head to anus, as well as a series of small ones below the line.
California. 155. 80. 19. 13 1. 3 J. Bost. Soc. Nat. Hist.
14. E^utainia vagrailS, B. & G.— Above light brown, beneath slate-color. Vertebral light line on a single row of scales. Two series of small black spots, about 100 in number, on each side.
Above light brown ; beneath slate-color, (sometimes black,) with the margins of the scutellaj black. A dorsal line occupying a single row of scales, of a dull yellowish color, the tint occasionally running into the marginal row. On each side of this, two series of small black spots occupying generally a single scale, and varying from 95 to 105, from occiput to anus. The upper series is in the 2d row from the vertebral, the lower in the 7th.
Compared with its nearest neighbor, E. leptocephala, it differs in having the exterior row of dorsal scales large and carinated, the next
t
36 EUTAINIA.
row scarcely if at all larger than the rest. Scales of tail decidedly carinated. Labial plates much developed. It has also 21 rows of dorsal scales, and 106, not 130 spots, in series from head to anus. The head is larger and much arched.
The specimen from Puget Sound, may possibly belong to a closely allied species, though it is much like that from California.
California. 169. 80. 21. 27. 6J. (98 spots) Dr. Gambel.
^^'"^^';'f" 1 179. 70-80. 21. 12.3. (100 - ) J. S.Eowman.
South of Rio ~\
Grande, N. 1 173. 90. 21. 15|. 4. (106 " ) Gen.Churchill.
Mexico. J
Pufjet Sound. 161.53. 21. 12|. 2^. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
15. Eutamla Marciana, B. & G. — Prominent color light brown; a vertebral jaaler line and one lateral on each side, more or less indistinct. Three series of square black spots on each side, of about 56-60 in each series, from occiput to anus. Sides of head black, with a crescentic patch of yel- lowish posterior to the labial plates. Three and sometimes four black vittse radiating from the eye across the jaws. A double white spot with a black mai'gin on the suture of occipital plates.
The markings about the head are generally very constant and dis- tinct. Viewed laterally, we see first the large dark brown patch at the back part of the head, extending as far back as the posterior ex- tremity of the jawbones. In the anterior part of this patch is seen the crescentic patch (concave before) of yellowish white, with a more or less narrow dark-brown margin anteriorly. The next black band starts from the posterior edge of the superciliaries, and passes ob- liquely downwards and backwards along the posterior edge of the 6th upper labial. Similar black margins are seen on the posterior edges of the 5th and 4th labials, the intervening spaces being yel- lowish white, particularly on the 5th upper labial. Occasionally the posterior margins of the 7th and od labials have the black line as well as those mentioned, which frequently extend across to the pos- terior margins of the corresponding lower labials. The white spot on the anterior portion of the occipital suture is always margined with black.
The sis series of black spots are arranged so as to alternate with each other. The lower or third series on each side is below the iiidis-
EUTAINIA.
37
tinct lateral stripe. The posterior edges of each abdominal scutella shows a black margined spot on each side. The dorsal line is gene- rally a single scale in width, occasionally including portions of the lateral, and itself sometimes encroached upon by the black spots. Each spot is about a scale or a scale and a half long, and about three scales broad. The number in the dorsal series from the head to the anus varies from 56 to 60. Posterior edges of scales very slightly emarginate, if at all. All are decidedly keeled.
Red River, Arh. 152. 75. 21.
New Braun- fels, Tex.
((
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153. 73 149. 61 152
21.
21.
71. 21.
Near San \ Antonio. )
163. 53. 21.
((
San Pedro. Indianola.
160. 156.
85. 21.
78. 21. 153. 70. 21. 145. 66. 21.
o< o cr. L f Capts. Marcy& 34. 8. 56 spots. \ {^ ... .. ^ ^ ( McClellan.
153. 75. 21. 16.
21^. 16f. lOf.
20T^e
5i. 3i 21.
3*.
60
60 56 54
ei
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F. Lindheimer.
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Uh 3f. 111. 2i.
56 56 56 57
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38 NERODIA.
Genus l^Eff&ODIA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Body generally stout, and almost all the species at- taining a large size. Tail one-fourth or one-fifth of the total length. Scales carinated. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior orbitals gene- rally 1, occasionally 2 ; posterior 3, occasionally 2. Last and some- times penultimate abdominal scutellas bifid; subcaudal, all bifid or divided. Dorsal rows of scales 23-29. Abdominal scutellse 133-154. Subcaudal 66-80. General color, three series of dark blotches on a lighter ground, sometimes almost uniform, brown or blackish. Abdomen unicolor or maculated. Habits aquatic.
I. IVerodia, Sipedon, B. & G. — Head rather narrow, elongated. One anteorbital ; three postorbitals. Vertical plate smaller, and occipitals larger than in JV. fasciata. Length of vertical equal to commissural line of occipitals. Inframaxillary plates extending near to posterior extremity of seventh lower labials. DwW brown, with narrow transverse light bands margined with black. Dorsal rows 23.
Syn. Coluber sipedon, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 379. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1098.— Hakl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 351.— Thomps. Hist, of Verm. 1842, 118. /- Coluber poecilogaster, Max. Wied. Eeise Inn. Nord. Amer. I, 1839, 106.
Tropidonotus sipedon Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. fll, 1842, 29. PI. vi.
Water Snake.
General color dull brown, exhibiting narrow transverse bands of lighter, margined with dark brown or black ; these bands generally about half a scale in width, and their margins more or less parallel immediately on the back. This is especially the case posteriorly, where they are usually at right angles to the axis of the body ; an- teriorly they are more or less oblique, and widen rapidly towards the abdominal scutellae. Sometimes the general brown hue is so predomi- nant as to render the transverse marks more or less obsolete, and the general tint then appears uniform above. The abdomen is always dull yellowish, each scutella with large blotches of light brown, margined with black.
NERODIA.
39
111 young individuals, and those generally in which the epidermis has been removed, the normal type of coloration is seen to consist of three series of nearly quadrate dark-brown spots, with still darker border, one dorsal, and one on each side. These are so disposed that the two corresponding lateral sjjots are opposite the interval between the two dorsal, and thus appear to be connected by a light line. The longitudinal diameter of the dorsal spots, amounting to 3 or 4 scales, is the greater, just the reverse of what is tbe case with the lateral. Of these lateral spots there are generally about 32 on each side from the head to the anus, the spaces between them being equal to or less than the spots, (not greater, as in jV. fasciata).
While this pattern is generally quite distinguishable on the pos- terior half of the body, anteriorly it becomes confused, the lateral blotches standing opposite to the dorsal, and becoming confluent, so that the back appears crossed by lozenge-shaped blotches extending to the abdominal scutellse, and thus separated on the sides by triangu- lar intervals of a lighter color.
Occasionally the color appears to be a dull and rather light brown, with the back crossed by narrow transverse lines, with dark (nearly black, but still not distinct) margins.
Small specimens from Framingham and Westport show a larger amount of black oil the sides and abdomen.
|
Carlisle, Pa. |
142+1. 68. 23. |
35. |
8^. |
S. |
F. Baird. |
|
li |
142+1. 23. |
||||
|
(( |
143+1. 66. 23. |
||||
|
a |
136+1. 75. 23. |
12. |
3J. |
||
|
(( |
143+1. 67. 23. |
9. |
2i. |
||
|
a |
137+1. 75. 23. |
27^ |
7i. |
||
|
ii |
140+1. 71. 23. |
14^. |
3J. |
||
|
ti |
141_^1. 80. 23. |
26. |
7J. |
||
|
Westport, JSf. Y. |
140+1. 70. 23. |
16. |
4. |
||
|
CentreviUe, Md. |
136+1. 62. 25. |
||||
|
Washington, D. C. |
138+1. 62. 23. |
35. |
8. |
||
|
FraminffJiam, 3Iass. |
— |
||||
|
Grosse Isle, Mich. |
143+1. 23. |
27. |
51. |
Rev. Chas. Fox. |
|
|
li |
142+1. 59. 23. |
24. |
5i. |
li |
2. Wcrodia fcl!^ciat<l, B. & G. — Head broader behind, and deeper than in N. sipedon ; hence a greater development of labials, temporals, lorals, and nasals. Three and sometimes only two postorbitals. Vertical plate
40 NERODIA.
pentagonal, broad. Transversal lozenge-shaped or oblong black patches on the back, tapering on the sides. About thirty oblong or triangular marks of red on the flanks. Dorsal rows of scales 23, sometimes 25.
Syn. Coluber fasciatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 378. — Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1838, 93. PI. xx.
Coluber porcatus, Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 356. Tropidonotus fasciatus, Holbk. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 25. PI. v.
Head elliptical, tapering on the snout. Dorsal rows of scales 23-25, all cariuated ; carince on the dorsal region very conspicuous. Scales on the outer row broad and rounded posteriorly. Tail one-fourth of total length, very much tapering. Vertical plate elongated, pentago- nal, posterior triangular portion obtuse. Superciliaries very narrow. Two postorbitals and sometimes three. Superior labials 8 in num- ber; 6th and 7th very large. Inferior labials 9 ; 4th and 5th largest. Last abdominal scutella divided. A large temporal shield anteriorly contiguous to the postorbitals.
Ground-color above in the adult uniform blackish brown, lighter in the young, which exhibit transverse lozenge-shaped black patches irregularly tapering on the sides. There are fi'om 30 to 38 subtri- angular or vertically oblong red spots extending to the abdominal scutellae. The 26th of these red markings is opposite to the anus, and twelve smaller ones may be observed along the tail, gradually diminishing posteriorly. A black vitta extends from the posterior rim of the eye to behind the angle of the mouth, above and below which a light elongated patch tinged with red may be seen. Under- neath reddish white. Labials dusky, margined with reddish brown.
Charleston, S. C. 132+1. 70. 25. 28. 7. Dr. Barker.
« 130+1. 41. 23. 40. Qh Acad. Nat. Sc.
Summerville, S. C. 128+1. 75. 23. 21. bh C Girard.
3. IVerodia eryt Jirogaster, B. & G.— Head elongated, narrowing forwards ; occipital region flattened ; convex on the snout. Vertical plate pentagonal, very large, as are also the occipitals. Three postorbitals. An elevated loral. Dorsal rows of scales 23 in number, all very strongly cari- nated. Uniform dark bluish black above, lighter on the sides ; a lateral or external band of dull blue extending on the abdominal scutellss. Body be- neath uniform dull yellow, tail bluish.
Syn. Coluber erythrogaster, Shaw, Gen. Zool. Ill, 1804, 458.— Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 91. PI. xix.
NERODIA. 41
Tropidonotus erythrogaster, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2cl ed. Ill, 1842, 33. PI. viii.
Vipera ventre cuprei colons, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1742, 46. Tab. slvi.
The head is proportionally narrow and elongated, flattened above, and convex on the snout. The vertical plate is elongated and sub- pentagonal, broader anteriorly than posteriorly, witli the sides slightly concave. The postorbital plates, proportionally small, are three in number. Loral large and polygonal, higher than long. There are three or four temporal shields very much developed. Dorsal rows of scales 23 or 24 in number, strongly carinated, with the keels on the posterior third of the body, constituting very conspicuous and continuous ridges, the intermediate depressions or furrows giving to the body and tail a canaliculated appearance. The lateral or outer row, however, is but slightly carinated. The tail itself is subconical, very much tapering, forming one-fourth of the entire length.
The color, as taken from life, is said to be brick-red above, tinged with green on the sides, and uniform copper-color beneath. Frairie3IerEoiige,La.loA^l. 80.24:. 44. 11 J. Jas. Fairie.
Carolina. 149+1. — 23. 50^. — j , ^^^^^'l
(. Acad. Nat. Sc.
4. IVerodia Ag-assizii, B. & G.— Dorsal rows of scales 23, carinated except the outer row, wliich is entirely smooth. A second very small ante- orbital ; postorbitals three. Color uniform reddish brown above, with obso- lete transverse narrow light bands under the epidermis ; yellowish beneath.
The vertical plate is proportionally more contracted on the sides than in any of the species of this genus, and also more tapering. The occipital plates are broad and proportionally large. The eyes are rather small, resembling in that respect those of iV. taxispilota, the latter diflfering however greatly from it in being provided with five more rows of dorsal scales ; the scales of the outer dorsal row are proportionally large and perfectly smooth, while these are keeled in the other species. The number of subcaudal scutellae could not be ascertained, as the only specimen at our command is destitute of a tail. The two last abdominal scutellaj are bifid.
The color, though uniform in the adult, in the immature state is blotched, as in other species of this genus; judging from the trans-
42 NERODIA.
verse narrow light bands that may be seen on the back when the epidermis is removed.
Lake Huron. 147-|-2. — 23. 24. — (on dep.) Prof. Agassiz.
5. IVerodia TVoodliousii, B. & G. — Dorsal rows of scales 25, carinated. Three series of subquadrate black blotches, a dorsal and two lateral, the latter vertically elongated. A double yellow occipital spot. A yellow spot between the superciliaries and vertical plates. A black vitta from posterior rim of eyes to angle of mouth.
The head is broad behind, and tapers forwards, very much flattened above. The mouth is very deeply cleft. The labials are nine above and eleven below; the 5th, 6th, and 7th the largest on both jaws.
Ground-color dusky, with a dorsal series of subquadrangular black blotches, 37 to 40 in number, separated by a narrow whitish trans- verse line. A lateral series of vertically elongated black blotches, alternating with the dorsal series, with anterior and posterior margins nearly parallel, sometimes tapering downwards and reaching the ab- dominal scutellffi. The fuscous space between the lateral blotches is wider than that occupied by the blotches themselves. Along the tail, both the dorsal and lateral blotches are small and subcircular. Underneath the color is yellowish, and the scutellte in the young, margined posteriorly with black, while in the adult the middle region of the scutellas is unicolor. The head is brownish black, with a double yellow spot near the commissure of the occipital plates, and two spots of the same color on the commissural line between the vertical and superciliaries. A black vitta extends from the posterior rim of the eye to the angle of the mouth.
Indianola. 144+1. — 25. 27f . — Col. J. D. Graham.
Beho.Lid.&San^ 144^1 q^ 25. lOi 2|. Antonio. )
142+1. 79. 25. 11. 21.
Sahinal, Tex. 144+1. 68. 25. 13. 3. "
Neio Braunfels, Tex. 148+1.68.25. 34. 7|:. F. Lindheimer.
" 147+1. 72. 25. 25. 6|. "
« 145+1. 70. 25. 17. 4i. "
NERODIA. 43
6. Xerodia faxispilota, B. & G.— Head proportionally small, subtriangulai", pointed on the snout. Vertical plate broad, subquadrangu- lar ; occipitals small. Two postorbital plates ; anteorbital narrow. Dorsal rows of scales 29, all carinated. Brown, with three series of subquadrangu- lar blackish blotches.
Syn. Coluber taxispilotus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 113. PI. xxv. Tropidonotus taxispilotus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 35. PI. yiii.
The head is proportionally small, conical forwards. The eyes also are small. The vertical plate has the shape of an elongated quad- rangle. The occipital plates are rather small and posteriorly attenu- ated. The anterior frontal plates are small and triangular, the apex of the triangle being directed forwards. There are two large post- orbital plates. The superciliaries are narrow and elongated. Dor- sal rows 29 ; their scales all carinated.
Ground-color reddish brown, with three series of subquadrangular blackish blotches, forty-six in number, the twenty-sixth opposite the anus. They embrace transversely from 7 to 10 rows of scales, and longitudinally three scales on the two anterior thirds of the body, and two scales on the posterior third. The space between the blotches is equal to the blotches themselves. The lateral series are isolated, that is to say, not contiguous to the dorsal series except sometimes towards the origin of the tail and along the latter region. The blotches extend over nine or ten lateral rows of scales, and affect from three to five scales. Equilateral on the anterior part of the body, they become narrower on the posterior part, and taper upwards. The space between is narrower by one scale. On the tail the dorsal series of blotches has almost entirely disappeared ; now and then an irregular patch may be seen confluent with the lateral series, which remain conspicuous to the very tip of that organ. The lower surface of the body is yellowish white, with irregular deep chestnut-brown patches, the lateral ones contiguous to the lateral series.
Eicehoro, LiherUj Co., Ga. 141-j-l. 80. 29. 36. 9. Dr. W. L. Jones.
7. IVerodia Ilolbroollii, B. & G. — Head ovoid or elliptical, nar- rowest on the snout. Vertical plate much longer than in N. taxispilota. Oc- cipitals much larger also. Three postorbitals. Loral higher than long. Dorsal scales in 27 rows, all strongly carinated. Brown, with three series of quadrangular black blotches, the blotches of the lateral series alternat- ing with those of the dorsal.
44 NERODIA.
Head and eyes propoi /lonally larger than in iV". iaxispilota. Verti- cal plate subpentagonal, and more elongated than in N'. taxisjnlota. Occipital plates also much more developed and broader. Inframaxil- lary longer. Proportion between the length of the tail and that of the body about the same as in jY. taxispilota. The rows of scales 27 in number, and carinated ; the scales themselves proportionally much larger than in N. taxispilota. The lateral row especially diiFers much in that respect.
Ground-color reddish brown, with three series of black subquad- rangular blotches, forty-one in number, the twenty-fifth opposite the anus. They embrace transversely six or seven rows of scales, instead of seven or ten as in N. taxispilota. Longitudinally they cover three scales on the anterior portion of the body, and two posteriorly as in iV". taxispilota. The intermediate space, however, is greater than the blotches themselves, embracing one scale more. The lateral series are contiguous to the dorsal one, and alternate regularly with it. The blotches extend on seven lateral rows, embracing three scales, while the intermediate space embraces four of them. Beneath yel- lowish white, with small and irregular brown blotches scattered along the sides.
Prairie Mer Rouge, La. 144+1.70.27. 35.8. Jas. Fairie.
" 141+1.63.27. 33.7. "
EEGINA. 45
Genus REGIIVA, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Body slender; tail subconical, very much tapering, forming one-third or one-fourth of the total length. Head conical, continuous with the body, and proportionally small. Eyes large. Mouth deeply cleft. Labials small. Loral and nasals large. Scales carinated. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior orbitals 2, occasion- ally one ; posterior 2, occasionally 3. Last and sometimes last but one abdominal scutellae bifid or divided. Subcaudal scutellae all divided. Dorsal rows of scales 19-21. Abdominal scutellae 132-162. Sub- caudal 52-86. General color five or more longitudinal dark bands on a lighter ground. Abdomen unicolor, or likewise provided with similar bands. Aquatic.
1. Regina leberis, B. & G. — Chestnut-brown, with a lateral yellow band, and three narrow black dorsal vitta3. Abdomen yellowish, with four brown bands, two of which are lateral and two medial. Dorsal rows of scales 19, all carinated.
Stn. Coluher leberis, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. x, I, 1766, 216. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1086.— Shaw Gen. Zool. Ill, iii, 1804, 433.
Coluber septemvittatus. Sat, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. IV, 1825, 240. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 355 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 18.35, 118.
Tropidonotus leberis, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 49. PI. xiii. — Dekat, New York Fauna, Kept. 1842, 45. PI. xi, fig. 23.
Head small, very much depressed, flattened on the region behind the orbit, sloping anteriorly. Vertical plate pentagonal, proportion- ally broad. There are two anteorbitals, the upper one the larger ; and two postorbitals, the upper one the smaller. The loral is large and higher than long. One temporal shield only. Upper labials, 8 ; 6th and 7th largest. Lower labials 10 ; 5th and 6th largest. Scales regularly elliptical, slightly notched posteriorly, and all of them carinated, gradually diminishing iu width from the sides to- wards the middle line of the back. Those of the outer row one-third broader than the rest, and posteriorly subtruncated.
46 " REGINA.
Ground-color dark chestnut or chocolate-brown above, marked with three narrow black vittae or bands, one covering the medial row of dorsal scales, and two (one on each side) following the fifth row. A lateral yellow band occupies the upper half of the outer row and the whole of the second row, thus broader than the black bands above. Immediately below, and contiguous to it, a somewhat larger brown band covers the lower half of the outer row of scales and the ex- tremity of the abdominal scutellse. The abdomen is yellowish, pro- vided along its middle region with two approximate brown bands, similar though a little narrower, and interrupted by the yellowish edge of the scutellte. The tail beneath is almost rendered uniformly brown by the confluence of the bands.
|
Carlisle, Pa. |
144+2. 81. 19. |
231. 6i. |
S. F. Baird. |
|
a |
142+1. 86. 19. |
211. 6|. |
IC |
|
a |
142+1. 71. 19. |
14i 3f. |
l( |
|
a |
145+1. 78. 19. |
91. 2|. |
u |
|
a |
140+1. 75. 19. |
8f. 2i. |
It |
|
Foxhurg, Pa. |
151+1. 19. |
23. |
(C |
|
Grosse Isle, Mich. |
147+1. 64. 19. |
181. 41 . |
Rev. Chas. Fox, |
|
Eighland Co., Ohio. |
149+1. 76. 19. |
Ill . 21 : |
Jos. M.D.Mathews |
|
Washington, D. C. |
141+1. 81. 19. |
Hi 2i |
(ondep.) Nat. Inst, |
2. Regilia rigida., B. & G. — Greenish brown above ; two deep brown vittse along the dorsal region. Contiguous edges of the outer row of scales and abdominal scutellse finely margined with brown. The middle region of the outer row like the abdomen, as is that of the second row, but less dis- tinctly. Abdomen reddish yellow, with two series of black spots on the middle region, approaching each other towards the anterior region of the body. Dorsal rows of scales 19, carinated except the outer row, which is smooth.
Stn. Coluber rigidus, Sat, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. IV, 1825, 39. — Hael. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 355 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 118.
Tropidonotus rigidus, Holer. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 39. PI. x.
Head proportionally larger than in R. leberis, much less depressed and shorter on the snout. Its upper surface is flat, the snout convex, "the high and large rostral making it less sloping. Vertical plate subhexagonal and elongated. Occipitals truncated posteriorly. Su- perciliaries narrow and tapering forwards. Anterior pair of frontals very small. Two postorbitals of nearly equal size, and two ante-
REGINA. 47
orbitals, the upper one much larger than the lower. Loral subcircu- lar or oblong. An elongated and narrow temporal shield, followed by two or three sm-aller. Upper labials 7, 5th and 6th very large. Lower labials 11, 6th and 7th largest. Scales elliptical, narrower along the middle line of the back, carinated, except the outer row, which is perfectly smooth, and furthermore distinguished by the scales having their height greater than their length. The second row is noticeable for its size, and sometimes for its want of carina- tion, which in all cases is obsolete.
The ground-color is uniform greenish brown, but each scale on the flanks is provided with a small blotch of deeper brown at its base. The brown vittje of the back cover each one entire row, and the half of the two adjoining rows, separated on the dorsal line by one row and two half-scales of the ground-color. Beneath dull yellowish. Along the middle region of the abdomen there are two seiies of elongated deep brown blotches approaching each other towards the anterior region and under the tail, sometimes however not extending beyond the anus.
Southern States. ISS-fl. 71. 19. 12f. SJ. Rev. Dr. J. G. Morris. Ricehoro,Ga. 135+1.56.19. 1\. li Dr. W. L. Jones.
Pennsylvania. 132+1.52.19. 21. 4. (ondep.) Acad.Nat. Sc.
3. Regina. Gralianiii, B. & G. — Brown, with a dorsal light band margined on either side with a black line or vitta. A broad band of yellow on the flanks, margined likewise with a black vitta. Abdome*. unicolor, yellowish. Dorsal rows of scales 20, all carinated.
Head elongated, slender, depressed, and flattened above, slightly sloping on the snout. Occipitals elongated and posteriorly pointed. Vertical plate subpentagonal, narrower anteriorly. Superciliaries proportionally well developed, as also the anterior pair of frontals. Two anteorbitals, lower one a little the larger. Three postorbitals, the lower one very small and almost suborbital in its position. Loral elevated. Rostral well developed. Upper labials 7, 5th and 6th largest. Lower labials 10, 5th and 6th largest. Dorsal rows of scales 20, all carinated. The three outer rows sensibly the largest, and truncated posteriorly, while the remaining ones are tapering.
A light-brown band along the dorsal line, covering one and two half-rows of scales. On each side of this a narrow black vitta cover- ing one and a half scales. Next succeed three rows of scales, uni-
48 REGINA.
formly brown. Then again, a black vitta covering an entire row of scales, and the edge of the row immediately under it, (the third.) The first, second, and most of the third outer rows of scales are straw-color. This yellowish band extends forwards, passing under the head to the extremity of the snout. A black line is seen run- ning from behind the neck to the anus, affecting the extremity of the scutellse, and occasionally the lower edge of the outer row of scales. The abdomen is uniform light straw-color ; a medial nebu- lous blackish band under the tail is observable. Rio Salado, Tex. 161+1. 57. 20. lOf. 2. Col. J. D. Graham.
4. Regina Clarkil, B. & G. — Yellowisli brown, -with four longitu- dinal bands of deeper brown. Abdomen dull yellow, with two clouded brown bands dotted with black. One anteorbital. Dorsal rows of scales 19, all carinated.
This is the largest species of the genus. Head elongated, conical from occiput to the extremity of the snout, depressed above, subcon- cave on the occipital region, slightly sloping on the snout. Cephalic plates very much developed. Vertical subpentagonal, broader anteri- orly, though slightly tapering. Anterior pair of frontals quite large. Three and sometimes only two postorbitals, variable in comparative size ; when there are three, the lowermost is suborbital. One ante- orbital, large. Loral well developed, longer than high. Upper labials 8, 5th and 6th largest, the latter very large. Scales of the body elliptical, rounded posteriorly. Outer row somewhat larger than the rest, and very slightly carinated.
Color of head dirty brown, occipital and temporal region blackish. Each of the four longitudinal bands of deep brown covers two rows of scales. The intermediate yellowish brown spaces embrace each two rows of scales also, except the dorsal one, which has three rows. Each of the abdominal clouded bands embraces one-fourth of ab- dominal space, inside of which is left a yellow space one-fourth of the width, and exteriorly another yellow space one-eighth of the width of abdominal space. The tail beneath is blackish, owing to the confluence of the abdominal bands, interspersed with yellowish maculae. Lidianola. 132+1.57.19. 31f. 6^. Col. J. D. Graham.
mm A. 49
Genus M I ]\ I A, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Head elongated, ovoid, distinct from the body. Cephalic plates normal. Two nasals. A large loral produced into the orbit between the anteorbitals, which are two in number. Two postorbitals. Scales all carinated. Subcaudal scutellae bifid.
Winia dladcniata, B. & G. — Body above deep chestnut; on the middle of each scale an elongated yellowish spot. A yellow occipital blotch. Abdomen yellowish, with a medial brown band. Dorsal scales in 19 rows.
The vertical plate is hexagonal, as broad anteriorly as long; an- terior angle very obtuse ; posterior angle acute. The occipitals are very much developed, rounded exteriorly and posteriorly, angular anteriorly. The postfrontals are likewise remarkable for their great development • they are obtusely quadrilateral, being somewhat longer than broad. The prefrontals are proportionally reduced, angular, broader outside. The rostral is broad and well developed. The nostril opens through the middle of the posterior margin of the pre- nasal, and is seen from above ; the postnasal is subquadrilateral, higher than long. The loral occupies a large portion of the face ; it is angular in shape, and behind extends to the orbit between the anteorbitals. The lower anteorbital is subtriangular, resting on the 4th upper labial, contiguous to the commissure of the 3d ; the upper anteorbital is regularly quadrangular, and visible from above. There are two postorbitals, subquadrangular in shape. The superciliaries are rather small, narrow, and elongated. Anterior temporal shield very large, the rest resembling scales. The eyes are proportionally large and circular. The mouth deeply cleft. Upper labials 6 ; 5th largest. Lower labials 6 ; 4th largest.
Body subcylindrical, deeper than broad; tail very slender and tapering, about one-third of the total length. The scales are all cari- nated, and constitute 19 rows, the outer row considerably larger, the rest diminishing towards the back. Postabdominal scutella appa-
4
50 NINIA.
rently entire; the shrunken state of the specimen did not allow a satisfactory examination to be made.
The ground-color of the head and body above is a deep chestnut. On the posterior part of the head is a yellow ring, sending a narrow stripe along the upper labials to the orbit. Each scale is provided on its middle with a narrow and elongated yellow dot, very conspicu- ous on the outer row of scales, giving at first the impression of a narrow vitta along the sides. The exterior edge of the abdomen is of the same color as the back. The abdomen is yellowish ; a medial chestnut band extends from the head to the tip of the tail, interrupted only by the narrow yellowish margin of the scutellge themselves.
Orizaba, Mex. 136. — 19. Sf. 2f. Jas. Fairie.
HETERODON. 51
Genus flETElKODOIV, Pal. de Beauv.
Gen. Char. Body short, stout, tail short. Head, neck, and body capable of excessive dilatation. Posterior palatine teeth longer. Head broad, short; outline of mouth very convex, on a single curve. Orbit enclosed by a continuous chain of small plates, the circle com- pleted above by the superciliaries. Rostral prominent, its anterior face very broad, and turned up ; its ridge above sharp. Behind it a >": .- H^ median plate, either in contact with the frontals or separated by small plates. Frontals in two pairs. Nasals two/ Loral one or two/ Dor- /h^Jj^ sal rows of scales 23-27, carinated. Abdominal scutellae 125-150, J ^ l> ttf ^ posterior bifid. Subcaudal scutellse all bifid.
Colors light, with dorsal and lateral darker blotches, or else brown, with dorsal transverse light bars. Sometimes entirely black.
The species exhibit a very threatening appearance when alive, in flattening the head, hissing violently, &c. but are perfectly harmless.
Syn. Heterodon, Pal. de Beauv. in Latr. Hist. Nat. des Kept. IV, 1799. ,
A. Azygos behind the rostral, in direct contact with the frontals.
1. Ileterodon platyrllillOS, Latr. — Occipitals and vertical longer than broad, about equal in length. Centre of eye anterior. Dorsal rows 25, all carinated, the outer sometimes smooth. Keels of the scales extending to their tips. Scales on the back quite linear anteriorly, posteriorly they are much broader. Color yellowish gray, or brown, with about 28 dark dor- sal blotches from head to anus, and 15 half-rings on the tail. One or two lateral rows. Beneath yellowish. A dark baud across the forehead in front of the vertical, continued through the eye to the angle of the mouth.
Syn. Coluber heterodon, Davd. Hist. Nat. Kept. VII, 1799, 153. PI. Ix. fig. 28.— Say, Amer. Journ. of Sc. I, 1818, 261.— Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 357; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1885, 120.
Heterodon platyrhinos, Latr. Hist. Nat. Rept. IV, 1799, 32, fig. 1-3.
— HoLBR. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1828, 97. PI. xxi ; and 2d ed. IV, 1842, 67. PI. xvii.
Hog-nose Snake ; Blowing Viper.
52 HETERODON.
Vertical plate hexagonal, narrower behind; longer than broad; angles all distinct, lateral outlines straight. Postfrontal large, the lateral angle extending down to the loral; the two postfrontals separated anteriorly by the azygos or postrostral. Prefrontals smaller, entirely separated by the azygos. Ptostral with the out- line spherical angled, subacute at the apex, its upper surface com- pressed into a sharp ridge, which, prolonged backwards between the nasals and the prefrontals, connects with the azygos. This is linear, subpentagonal, acute-angled behind, where it wedges between the postfrontals. Superciliaries large. Scales behind the head distinctly cariuated. Eye large. Line connecting tip of rostral with the postinferior corner of the last labial passes over the lower part of the eye. A triangular nasal, with the corners rounded, joined by its apex to the exterior angle of the postfrontals. Nostrils valvular, situated entirely in the posterior nasal, the anterior edge formed by the anterior nasal. Labials 8 above, 6th largest, the 3d to the 6th in contact with the suborbitals : two large temporal shields above the three posterior labials. Centre of the eye anterior to the middle of the chord connecting the apex of rostral and posterior end of labials and over the middle of the 5th labial. Outline of upper jaw convex. Lower labials eleven.
Body stout and short. Tail very short, and rapidly tapering, rather thicker than the thinnest part of the body. Dorsal rows 25. Scales all distinctly carinated, (including those on the back of the head,) except the outer row, which is either perfectly smooth, or pre- sents very obsolete carination. The ridges on the 2d row much less distinct than the rest.
Color reddish brown above, with dark blotches. A series of 28 quadrate, dorsal, uniform black blotches from head to anus, each from 2 to 3 scales long, and 7 to 9 wide, separated by regular brown- ish yellow intervals of 1 J to 2 scales. The blotches anteriorly are nearly square, posteriorly they are transversely elongated. Opposite the intervals, and, indeed, bounding them on either side, is a second series of small circular blotches on the 4th to the 8th lateral rows, and separated only by a narrow interval from the corner of the dor- sal blotches. Sometimes there are faint traces of small blotches be- tween the upper lateral series. Intervals between the lateral rows of blotches yellowish or reddish brown, darker than those on the back; outer dorsal rows greenish or yellowish white. On the tail there are 15 black half-rings, interrupted on the subcaudal scutellai,
HETERODON.
53
the scales on the tall larger than on the greater part of the body. In young specimens is distinctly visible a second series of still smaller blotches, below the one just mentioned, there being two of these op- posite each one of the former, and placed on the 2d, 3d, and 4th exterior rows. Beneath greenish yellow, with obsolete greenish brown blotches, indistinctly visible through the epidermis, some- times more conspicuous in young specimens.
There is a transverse black or dark bar on the forehead, crossing the posterior half of the postfrontals, involving only the anterior edge of the vertical, and the anterior corners of the superciliaries. Behind this a dark patch, with its anterior margin a little back of the middle of the vertical, and involving the adjoining margin of the superciliaries and occipitals, together with the greater portion of the occipitals ; sometimes with a light spot in the middle : the light space included between the two patches appears to extend continu- ously backwards to the neck; above a dark vitta from the back part of the orbit to the posterior labial, itself a continuation of the frontal vitta. An elongated narrow vertebral spot behind the junc- tion of the occipitals, and generally isolated from them, on each side of which is a similar patch widening behind.
This species is subject to great variations of color. Sometimes the sides of the dorsal blotches pass insensibly into the ground-color, so as to become transverse bands. At others they are light internally, with a narrow margin of black. Occasionally there is much black on the abdomen (in young specimens). The ground-color varies from gray to bright yellow, and sometimes even red. It may also happen that, by the confluence and extension of the darker margins, we have light bars on a dark ground, as on a specimen from the Scioto valley, Ohio, where, with the other characters similar, the color is of a dark brown above and on the sides, with transversely quadrate brownish ash-colored spots along the back, some one and a half or two scales lone, 9 or 10 wide, and at intervals of about three scales. Of these spots there are 28 from head to anus, and about 9 on the tail, where they form half rings, with intervals a little larger than them- selves.
Carlisle, Pa. 129+1. 53. 25.
" 123+1. 49. 25.
Clarke Co., Va. 143 + 1. 46. 25.
'< 127+1. — 25.
Anderson, S. C. — — —
|
28. 6. |
S. F. Baird |
|
24J. 5. |
^i |
|
19. 2i-. |
Dr.C. B. Kennerly |
|
11. 2 |
li |
|
Miss C. Paine |
54 HETERODON.
Misdssippi.1 135+1.51.25. 10. IJ. Dr.B.F.Shumard.
" ? D.C. Lloyd.
SciotoYallcy,01uo.U^+\.^b.1b. 26. 4. | ^ x°^*^5-\ ^
(. Dr. J. P. Kirtland.
2. Il-eterodon COg'na.tus, B. & G. — Vertical longer than occipi- tals. Dorsal rows of scales 23-25 ; outer smooth; next scarcely carinated. Scales of the rest vrith keels extending to their tips. Scales broader than in preceding. Disproportion between scales of the back, before and behind, not conspicuous. Light chestnut, with 20 yellow blotches from head to anus, and 9 on the tail. Beneath yellow.
Vertical plate pentagonal, elongated. Frontals moderate, of nearly the same length. Azygos rather broad, similar in its relations to that of H. jilati/rhinos. Rostral quite fully developed. Occipitals small, less than in IT. platyrhinos. Scales back of head distinctly carinated. Centre of eye above the middle of the 5th labial. Orbital chain of 10-11 plates. Loral rather large, triangular. Nasals moderate. Labials 8. Penultimate rather longer than high.
Scales diminishing in width towards the back, although not be- coming as linear as in H. platyj-hinos. Scales on the hinder part of back scarcely wider than those in front.
Color above light chestnut, with transverse, sometimes more or less oblique, dorsal bars between the 7th exterior rows. These bars are bright yellow, tinged with brown in the centre, and with a darker marginal shade of the ground-color. Of these bars there are 28, from head to tail, the 20th opposite to the anus, each about ten scales long, about nine broad, and separated by intervals of from four to six scales. The proportional difference between the two colors in the tail is much as in JI. platyrhinos. Color beneath clear dull yellow. Exterior dorsal scales mottled brownish yellow, more or less spotted and margined with brighter yellow. On separating the skin a dark spot is seen at each end of the dorsal patches, between and around which the color is yellow. Head olivaceous yellow, with the usual markings of the genus obsolete. An elongated black patch behind the angle of the jaws on each side.
Somewhat similar to H. platyrhinos, but the scales anteriorly are wider, nor is there that disproportion between the scales on-the back before and behind. The occipitals are shorter. From H. atmodes, the narrower intervals between the caudal light band, the scales cari-
HETEKODON. 55
nated on the back of head as well as elsewhere to the tip, the more prominent rostral, (the line from the tip to the lower posterior angle of the last labial passes over the eyeball,) &c. will at once distin- guish it.
A much mutilated, but much lai-ger specimen from New Braunfels agrees with this, although the rostral is proportionally less ; in other characters it is very similar. The intervals between the light bars, and the sides at their extremities are, however, much darker.
A small specimen from Indianola has much the same distribution of color as described in the young H. plati/rhinos. The principal dif- ferences are seen in the larger head, stouter body, shorter occipitals, narrower dark line across the superciliaries and vertical, broader scales anteriorly, &c. The ground-color is mottled chestnut, with subquad- rate brown blotches, indistinct at the outer edges, a circular dark spot opposite each light dorsal interval, like the dorsal series surrounded by a lighter areola ; beneath each dark spot a pair still smaller. Below greenish white, blackish posteriorly, with narrow blotches of black in front. Distinct patch from eye to the last upper labial.
Indianola. 130+1. 58. 23. 26. 6. Col. J. D. Graham.
" 129+1.51.25. 11.2. "
New Braunfels, Tex. 124+1.56.25. 27.6. F. Lindheimer.
3. Meterodosi lllarer, Troost. — Vertical plate as long as the oc- cipitals. Rostral prominent. Dorsal rows of scales 25, the exterior smooth, the 2d row obsoletely carinated, the rest with the scales distinctly carinated, the carina extending quite to the tip. Uniform black above, slate-color beneath.
Stn. Vipera nigra, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 44. PI. xliv.
Scytah niger, Daud. Hist. Nat. Kept. V, 1799, 342. — Haul. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 367 ; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 130.
Coluber cacodemon, Shaw, Gen. Zool. Ill, 1802, 377. PI. cii.
Coluber thraso, Harl. Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 120.
Heterodon niger, Tkoost. Ann. Lye. Nat. Hist. N. York, III, 1836, 186. — ? HoLBE. N. Amer. Herp. 1st ed. II, 1838, 105. PL xxiii ; and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 63. PI. xvi.
Black Viper ; Spreading Adder.
Postfrontals large, extending to the loral. Prefrontals smaller. Azygos rather large, separating the prefrontals entirely, and the postfrontals anteriorly: in a line with the rostral. Ptostral
56 HETERODON.
broad. Keel acutely distinct. Scales on the back of bead keeled, though obsoletely in those next to the occipital plates. The line from tip of snout to lower angle of posterior labial, crosses the lower part of the eye, whose centre is a little in advance of the middle of this line. Orbital chain of 9 plates. Loral triangular, truncated above. Nasals rather large, less developed than in H. jjlait/i-Jmios. Upper labials 8 ; 3d-6th in contact with suborbitals. Centre of eye above the juncture of the 4th and 5th.
Scales distinctly carinated, except the outer row, which is smooth, •and the second, on which the carination is very obsolete, sometimes quite smooth. All the scales diminish gradually to the back, where they are quite linear ; posteriorly, however, they are broader.
Color above and on the sides entirely dull black, beneath rather light slate-color, shading into milk-white on the chin and on the edge of the upper labials. The exterior rows of scales shade gently from the color of the back to that of the belly.
The Heterodon niger bears quite a close relationship in the cha- racter of the plates and scales to H. 2}^at>/rhinos, from which the principal difference lies in the color. Although this species greatly resembles in color the black variety of H. atmodes, they may be readily distinguished. The rostral of H. niger is well developed, high, broad, and with the dorsal carina acute and well marked. The carination on the scales back of the head is delicately distinct, as also upon the other scales, the keel extending to the very tip. The scales on the back are linear and narrow, but become much broader in pro- portion towards the tail. The occipitals are longer, and the head in front of the eye longer in proportion to the part behind it. No bands evident, even obsoletely. The other differs in all these respects: rostral low, and the keel more rounded; scales on back shorter, and anteriorly rather broad, and the disproportion with those posteri- orly much less conspicuous; carinre not extending to the tip; faint bars seen indistinctly across the black of the back, &c. Carlisle, Pa. ? 140+1. 49. 25. 36. 6. S. F. Baird.
Specimens from the South differ simply in being rather darker on the sides and beneath.
Abbeville, S. a 145+1. — 25. 26. — Dr. J. B. Barratt.
Kemper Co., Miss. 126+1. 53. 25. 28. 5f . D. C. Lloyd.
HETERODON. 57
4. Ilelerodon afuiotles, B. & G. — Vertical plate longer than oc- cipitals, -which are small, and as broad as long. Azjgos in contact with the frontals. Rostral low, obtuse, and very little prominent. Eye more an- terior. Dorsal rows 23 or 25. Outer row smooth, 2d and Sd very obso- letely carinated. Scales broader, smoother, and more rounded than in n. platyrliinos. Keel not extending to the tip. Black, with 18 transverse yel- lowish bands on the body, and 7 on the tail ; the dark intervals much broader than the light bands, sometimes entirely black.
Vertical plate hexagonal, narrower behind, and more elongated than in H. platyrliinos ; lower than the occipitals. Postfrontals large, extending down to the loral. The anterior frontals rather larger than in H. i-)latyrhi7ws, separated by the azygos and rostral. Rostral small, moderately recurved, much smaller and less conspicuous than in H. platijrhinos. Superciliaries long, narrower than in H. plcity- rhinos. Scales on back of the head broad, flat, carination very obso- lete. Imaginary line connecting tip of rostral, and posterior angle of last upper labial passes entirely below the eye, whose centre is an- terior to the middle of this line. Eye large, its centre above the middle of the 4th labial. Loral nearly square, rather narrower above. Nasals small, which with the less development of the rostral brings the eye more forwards. Labials 7 above. Owing to a greater development of the suborbital series, (of 9 plates,) the labials are lower than in M. platyrJunos. The posterior upper angle of the 2d labial, as well as the 3d, 4th, and anterior upper angles of the 5th, are in contact with the suborbitals. The difference from H. platy- rliinos in this respect is caused by the much greater size of the 2d or 3d labials, the first being much smaller than all the rest.
Dorsal rows of scales 23; exterior smooth, 2d and 8d very obso- letely carinated, rest of scales more so, but in all cases less distinctly than in II. j^laty rhinos. The keel on each scale does not extend to the tip, but becomes obsolete at a point from the tip of one-half to one-fifth of the length ; while in S. jolatyrhinos it extends very nearly, if not entirely to the extreme tip, especially on the back. The scales also are broader and more oval. The tail is slenderer and more tapering than in H. platyrliinos, and is not as thick as the posterior part of the body.
Color above lustrous pitch-black, crossed by 18 transverse light yellow bands, from head to anus, and 7 on the tail ; sides mottled with black and yellowish. Beneath yellowish, blotched with black.
58 HETERODON.
The pattern of coloration is probably similar to that of H. platy- rhinos, except that the outer edges of the dorsal blotches are canfluent with the irregular markings of the sides, instead of being quite dis- tinctly defined. Occasionally black blotches opposite the transverse light marks are evident. The light bands are sometimes interrupted and sometimes oblique ; their extent is about the same as in H. platp-Mnos. The black intervals between these light bars are much longer than in H. platyrTiinos, occupying from 5 to 6 scales anteri- orly, and on the tail from 6 to 7. The light bands may have been orange in life. On the side of the head is a broad distinct black stripe from the posterior part of the eye to the posterior end of the truncated last labial, and continuous with an obscured black band across the forehead, on the posterior half of the postfrontals. Lower jaw and sides of head blotched with black. Georgia. 131+1. 56. 23. 25. 5J. Prof. C. B. Adams.
A young specimen, apparently of this species, has the head much more depressed than in individuals of H. platp'liinos of the same size. The general color above is lead-gray, with transverse bands of lighter gray on the back, margined by dark chestnut, which shades gradually into the gray. The other features are well preserved, except that the rostral, as usual in young specimens, is higher. Charleston, S. C. 137+1. 54. 25. 12 J. If. Dr. S. B. Barker.
Another larger specimen has the lateral spots rather more distinct. The dorsal bands are pale rose-color, (in alcohol). It agrees in the shorter occipitals, smaller number of bands, less carinated scales, lower rostral, &c. Charleston. 141+1. 49. 25. 17. 2f . C. Girard.
A large specimen from Charleston agrees in its external anatomy, but at first sight appears entirely black above, and of an irregular slate-color beneath. On a closer examination, however, the trans- verse bands are obsoletely visible, especially towards the tail. Traces of the markings on the head may likewise be distinguished. Per- haps often confounded with the true //. niger. Charleston, S. G. 137+1. 53. 23. 26. 4}. Dr. S. B. Barker.
HETERODON. 59
B. Azygos plate hehi.nd the rostral separated from the frontah hy small jilatcs.
5. Heterodoii siuius, Holbr. — Vertical plate as broad as long, much longer tlian the occipitals. Rostral broad and high. Azygos encir- cled by five or eight small plates. Mouth very short. Dorsal rows 25, the three or four externals smooth. Dorsal series of 35 blotches, with one to three other series on each side. Abdomen yellowish, scarcely maculated. A narrow black band across the forehead in front of the vertical, and pass- ing through the eye across one labial to the angle of the mouth.
Stn. Coluber simus, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xii, I, 1766, 216. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1086.
JTeterocIon simus, Holbr. N. Amer Herp. IV, 1842, 57. PI. xv.
Heterodon plalyrhinos, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 97. PI. iii, figs. 20-22.
? Vipera capite viperrens, Catesb. Nat. Hist. Carol. II, 1743, 56. Tab. IvL
Hog-nose Snake.
Vertical plate sublieptagonal, sometimes nearly triangular ; with three sides anteriorly, the lateral against the postfrontals, the middle against the azygos plates, the sides very obtusely angled. Superci- liaries rather short, broad. Occipitals very short, almost as long as broad. Postfrontals moderate, the exterior angle scarcely reaching the angle of the loral; the two separated by three small plates pos- terior to the azygos. Anterior frontals not much smaller. Azygos plate resting anteriorly against the rostral, and touched by the inner angle of the prefrontal : there is a small plate on each side, between it and the notch at the junction of the anterior and postfrontals, while behind, the space between it, the postfrontals, and the vertical is occupied by the three small plates already mentioned. This azygos is thus surrounded on the sides and posteriorly by five small plates, (this number is sometimes greater). Rostral broad and high, much recurved. Eyes moderate, situated posterior to the centre of im- aginary line connecting the last labial and rostral, which would pass nearly through its centre. Loral subtriangular, acute above, scarcely reaching to the exterior angle of the postfrontal, a small plate some- times intervening. Nasal plates rather short and high ; nostril oc- cupying most of the posterior one, its infero-anterior wall constituted by the first labial, its lower by a small plate. Labials 7 above ; in- creasing very rapidly from the diminutive first; 5th and Cth largest;
60 HETERODON.
all much higher than broad. Lower labials 9. Curve of upper jaw very convex and short.
Scales back of the head short, curved, obsoletely carinated. Dorsal rows of scales 25, outer rows smooth, sometimes only three, the cari- nation slight, increasing to the medial row. Scales shorter and broader than in the other type, becoming narrower on the back; those behind rather narrower than before. Body contracted at the anus, then expanding or swelling on the tail, which is thick through- out, tapering suddenly at the tip. Scales on the tail longer and broader than those of the upper part of the body in front ; carination not very distinct, inferior three rows truncated behind, especially the highest.
A dorsal series of transverse black blotches, 35 from head to tip of tail, the 27th opposite the anus. These are sometimes oblique, but ge- nerally transverse, and with the anterior and posterior margins paral- lel : they are about 9 scales wide, and three to four long, with light brownish yellow intervals one or one and a half scales wide. On each side, and opposite the intervals, is a distinct series of subquad- rate or circular black spots on the 6th-9th rows, not touching those on the back, and between them a dusky shade opposite the dorsal spots. Below these again are usually two smaller blotches to each spot. Intervals between the spots mottled yellowish brown. Beneath yel- lowish, with obsolete small brown blotches. On the tail there are 9 half-rings, rather wider than the light intervals, and somewhat con- tracted above.
A narrow black line crosses the forehead, on the posterior half of the postfrontals, and just margining the vertical; this passes through the centre of the eye, and is continued to the postlabial. A medial patch of black expanding behind, starts from the commissure of the occipitals, from which plates others, one on each side, pass across the angle of the jaws, the three confluent with the dark color in the occi- pitals. In H. plati/rMnos this medial patch is isolated, and not in contact with the occipital one.
Charleston, S. C. 117 + 1.35+9.25. 18. 3 J. C. Girard.
Some specimens from Abbeville, S. C, vary in having the rostral separated from the prefrontals by two or three small plates, and the azygos entirely cut off from the frontals by intervening plates. The lower wall of the rostral is constituted by two small plates : there is a second small plate above the loral ; in fact a general tendency to
HETERODON. 61
break up into small plates. The markings on the back are restricted to a dorsal series, with a dusky shade opposite, and a lateral series opposite the light yellowish intervals ; the ground-color of the sides a quite uniform yellowish brown. Specimens from Mississippi have the dorsal spot smaller and nearly circular.
|
Abbeville, S. a |
130+1. 55. 27. |
Ibh |
If. |
Dr. J. B. Barratt |
|
(I |
119+1. 46. 25. |
19. |
Sh |
(( |
|
(( |
130+1. 32. 25. |
14^. |
If. |
ee |
|
« |
132+1. 30. 25. |
12. |
u. |
<( |
|
Mississippi. |
132+1. 34. 25. |
16. |
2. |
Dr. B. F. Shumard |
|
a |
132+1. 39. 27. |
14. |
2. |
(( |
6. Ileterotlon nasicus, B. & G. — Vertical broader than long. Rostral excessively broad and high. Azygos plate surrounded behind and on the sides by many small plates (12-15). A second loral. Labials short and excessively high. Dorsal rows of scales 23, exterior alone smooth. A dorsal series of about 50 blotches, with four or five others on each side. Body beneath black. A narrow white line across the middle of the superciliaries ; a second behind the rostral. A broad dark patch from the eye to the angle of the mouth, crossing the last two labials.
Stn. Heterodon nasieus, B. & G., Reptiles in Stanshiiry's'Ex^l.YaXiej of Great Salt Lake, 1852, 352.
Vertical plate very broad, subhesagonal. Occipitals short. Rostral very broad, high, more than in the other species, outline rounded. The interval between the opposite frontals, the rostral, and the ver- tical occupied by a number of small plates, from 10 to 12, or more, arranged without any symmetry, on each side and behind the small azygos. The base of the rostrals between the opposite anterior nasals, is generally margined by these small plates, which some- times, too, are seen between the vertical and the anterior portion of the superciliaries. This crowding of plates causes the anterior part of the forehead to be broader than in H. simus. Eye small, its centre rather posterior to the middle of the imaginary line connecting the tip of rostral with the lower angle of the postlabial, which line scarcely crosses the eyeball. Orbital plates, 10-13 in number. Loral triangular, rather longer than high, separated from the frontal by a small plate. Nasals rather short, occasionally with the lower part of the nostril bounded by a small plate. Labials 8 or 9 above, all of them higher than long; indeed, their vertical extension is
62 HETERODON.
much greater than in any other species : the 6th highest, centre of eye over the junction of the 5th and 6th.
Dorsal rows of scales 23, outer row smooth, rest all distinctly cari- nated, the keels extending to the ends of the scales; those just be- hind the occipital plates truncated, with obsolete carinte. Scales on the hind part of the body rather broader and shorter than anteriorly; the inequality scarcely evident in large specimens.
Ground-color light brown, or yellowish gray, with about 50 dorsal blotches from head to tip of tail; the 39th opposite the anus. These blotches are quite small, rather longer transversely, subquadrate, or rounded, indistinctly margined with black, (obsoletely on the out- side); they cover 7 to 9 scales across, are 2 to 2 J long, and sepa- rated by interspaces of IJ scales, which are pretty constant through- out, though rather narrower on the tail. On each side of the dorsal row may be made out, under favorable circumstances, four alternat- ing rows of blotches ; the first on the contiguous edges of the scales of the first and second exterior dorsal rows ; the second on the scales of the 3d row, and the adjacent edges of those in the 2d and 4th ; the third on the scales of the 4th, 5th, and 6th, and the adjacent edges of the 3d and 7th ; and the fourth on the scales of the 6th, 7th, and 8th rows, and the adjacent edges of those of the 5th. This last is opposite the intervals of the dorsal series ; the rest alternate with it. The central inferior surface of the abdominal scutellre is black, sharply variegated with quadrate spots of yellowish white ; the portion of the scutellaj entering into the side of the body is yel- lowish white, with that part opposite the dorsal intervals dark brown, thus, in fact, constituting a fifth lateral series of blotches, alternating with the lowest already mentioned. The throat and chin are un- spotted. The head is light brown, with a narrow whitish line finely margined before and behind with black, which crosses in front of the centre of the vertical, and through the middle of the superciliaries : a second similar but more indistinct line runs parallel to this, just behind the rostral, and extending down in front of the eye. A third equally indistinct and similar line crosses the posterior angle of the vertical, and runs back on the side of the neck, behind the labials and temporal shields. There is a broad brown patch from the back part of the eye to the angle of the mouth, across the penultimate and last labial. The coloration is thus very diff"erent from that of 11. simus, where there is a distinct narrow black band across the foi'e- lisad scarcely involving the vertical, and passing through the eye to
HETERODON. 63
the angle of tlie mouth across the last labial. Behind this a much broader yellowish band, continued without interruption into the neck behind the angle of the mouth. In 11. nasicus the most conspicuous feature is a narrow white band, much narrower than the darker patch before and behind it. The dark patch, to the angle of the mouth, is much broader, continuous as it were, with the broad bar between the middle and anterior light lines, which corresponds with the nar- row black line of H. simus. The other distinguishing features are evident. The three dark patches behind the head are much as in H. simus.
In the larger specimens from Sonora and the Copper Mines, the ground-color is yellowish gray, each scale minutely punctate with brown. The blotches are all obsolete, only one dorsal and two lateral on each side being defined by darker shades. The blotches on the sides of the abdomen are wanting, but the black in the middle is strongly marked. The other characters, however, are preserved, except that the exterior row of dorsal scales is more or less carinated. Rio Grande. 138+1. 45. 23. 7f. U. Gen. S. Churchill.
RedRiver,Ark. 148+1.40.23. 12. U. { ^'^^'cLtlZ*^
Ft.Webster Santa | ^ ^^ ^S. 21. 2h Col. J. D. Graham.
Rita del Gohre. ) Sonora, Mex. !l50+1. 39. 23. 24. 3. «
A specimen from California has the rostral rather less developed, and four irregular plates on top of head. The coloration differs in having the light transverse intervals between the dorsal blotches narrower, especially posteriorly. California. 137+2. 48. 23. 22}. 4. Dr. Wm. Gambel
64 PITUOPHIS.
Genus FITIJOPHIS, Holbr.
Gen. Char. Body subcylindrical, deeper than wide, attaining often a considerable size. Head elongated, ovoid, in some instances narrow anteriorly. Vertical plate elongated, sometimes as broad anteriorly as long. Superciliaries large, subtriangular. Posterior frontals two pairs, an internal and external, both elongated. Pre- frontals subquadrate. A small loral. Postorbitals three or fourj anteorbitals generally two, occasionally only one. Temporal shields very small, resembling the scales. Cleft of mouth curved. Dorsal rows of scales 29-35, variable in some species; those on the back carinated, on the sides smooth. Abdominal scutellce 209-243 ; posterior large and entire. Subcaudal scutellge all bifid.
Ground-color whitish or reddish yellow ; a triple series of dorsal black blotches, those of the medial series the largest; several series of smaller blotches on the flanks. Abdomen unicolor or ma- culated, with an outer row of blotches. Head of the same color as the body, maculated with black spots. A narrow band of black across the upper surface between the eyes, and a postocular vitta on each side, extending obliquely from the eye down to the angle of the mouth. A black vertical patch is often seen beneath the eye.
Syn. PituopMs, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 7. PityopMs, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 181. ChurcMUia,* Baird & Girard, Reptiles in Stansburt/'s Expl. of the valley of the Great Salt Lake, 1852, 350.
* The species upon which the genus ChurcMUia was established, exhibits in the structure of the cephalic plates the remarkable character of having a small median plate in advance of the vertical, limited on each side by the external, and in front by the internal postfrontals. This character, together with the presence of two anteorbitals and four postorbitals, one more on either side than in Pituopliis me- lanoleucvs, the only species then known, appeared a sufficient generic character. Since the discovery of several other species, in which there are two anteorbitals and four postorbitals, with the structure of the cephalic plates similar to what they
PITUOPHIS. 65
1. PituopIliS lsielailoleMCHS,HoLBR.— Head ovoi^, broad behind. Aiiteorbital 1 ; postorbitals 3. Dorsal rows of scales 29, the four outer rows smooth, 5th, 6th, and 7th with an obsolete keel. Tail about i of total length. Head maculated with black ; an oblique vitta from the orbit to the 7th labial. Color of the body whitish, with a dorsal series of very large blotches, the 24th opposite the anus ; anteriorly and posteriorly emarginated on the anterior third of the body, oblong posteriorly. Elongated smaller blotches on the flanks, forming three indistinct series, often confluent. Ab- domen unicolor. A series of 20-29 distinct blotches along the extremities of the scutellis.
Syn. Coluber melanohiicus, Daud. Hist. Nat. Rept. VI, 1799, 409. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 359; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 122.
PituopMs melanoleucus, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. IV, 1842, 7. PI. i.
Pine Snake, or Bull Snake, Bartram, Trav. in Carol., Geo., and Florida, 1791, 276.
Head robust, conical. Vertical plate subpentagonal, broad an- teriorly. Occipitals a little larger than the vertical, and as broad anteriorly as long. Internal postfrontals elongated and subtriangu- lar; external postfrontals polygonal. Prefrontals quadrilateral, se- parated by the rostral. Eostral narrow, very convex, raised above the surface of the snout, and reaching the internal postfrontals. Nasals very large, anterior one the larger. Nostrils vertically ob- long, situated in the middle and between both plates. Loral ovoid, small, horizontal. One large anteorbital, with its anterior margin convex, of the same width above as below. Three postorbitals, proportionally large. Temporal shields small, six or nine, or more. Upper labials 8, 7th largest, 4th coming into the orbit. Lower labials 14, 5th and 6th largest, the five posterior ones quite small. Posterior pair of mental shields one-third of the size of the anterior pair, and reaching backwards to opposite the middle of the lower 6th labial. Tail conical and tapering, forming about the seventh of the total length.
The ground-color, when living, is said to be white ; as preserved ia alcohol it is yellowish brown. The head is maculated with small black spots; frontal bar rather wide; postocular vitta broad. A dor- are in P. melanoleucus, we deem it expedient to place Chnrchillia hellona in the genus PituopJiis. One might well have been familiar with the reptiles of North America described before 1851, and not be prepared to identify species presenting the characters just alluded to.
66 PITUOPHIS.
sal series of very large blotches, of a deep chestnut-brown, broadly margined with black anteriorly and posteriorly. These blotches are 24 in number from the head to opposite the anus, and 6 on the tail, where they extend laterally down to the subcaudal scutelljB. More or less confluent, and consequently irregular in shape on the anterior third of the body, they are posteriorly subround or sub- quadrate, emarginated in front and behind, and separated from each other by a light space embracing four scales, whilst the blotches them- selves cover six scales. The flanks are blotched but very irregularly; on the anterior region of the body the blotches elongate in the shape of longitudinal bands or vitta^; on the middle region three indistinct series may be traced, alternating and often confluent by their corners ; posteriorly there is only one series opposite to the dorsal, and often confluent with it, so that the corresponding blotches form single patches, extending from the back to the abdomen, and tapering on the sides. The abdomen is dull yellow, with a series of distant blackish brown patches along the extremity of the scutellje, often extending to the outer row of scales.
Carolina. 216. 60. 29. 55|. 8. (on dep.) Acad. Nat. Sc.
2. PituopIliS IjellOBia, B. & G. — Head elliptical, rather pointed. Vertical plate very broad anteriorly. A second anterior vertical, small, and subcordiform. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 4. Dorsal rows of scales 31-35; the seven outer rows smooth. Tail about y'j of total length. Head macu- lated with black ; transverse frontal bar extending from one orbit to the other, well marked ; the oblique postocular vitta rather narrow, and reach- ing the angle of the mouth. Color of the body whitish yellow, sometimes reddish yellow, with a dorsal series of deep black blotches, or of deep brown, margined with black, 51 in number, from the head to the origin of the tail, and a series of smaller spots on each sides. Ten transverse jet-black bars on the tail. Flanks crowded with small and irregular blotches. Abdomen dull yellow, maculated with black blotches more or less crowded.
Stn. Churchillia bellona, B. & G. Reptiles in Stansbury's Expl. Valley of Great Salt Lake, 1852, 350.
Pituophis aftnis, Hallow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. VI, 1852, 181.
Head broad behind, and well separated from the body by a con- tracted neck, very much tapering to the end of the snout, subquad- rangular from the eyes forwards. Upper surface flattened, snout elevated and rounded. Occipital plates triangular, as broad anteri-
PITUOPHIS. 67
orly as loug. Superciliarics longer than either the vertical or oc- cipitals. Vertical subpentagonal very broad anteriorly, as broad as long, and very much tapering posteriorly ; its sides concave. The second small subcordiform anterior vertical is situated between the external postfrontals, which are comparatively the larger. Internal postfrontals irregularly triangular, and smaller than the prefrontals, which are irregularly quadrangular. The rostral is proportionally narrow, and raised above the surface of the snout, not reaching, how- ever, the internal postfrontals. Nasals subquadrangular, anterior one a little larger; nostrils situated between the two plates, but more in the posterior one. Loral very small, narrow, and elongated, hori- zontal in position. Two anteorbitals, inferior one very small ; upper one very regular, slightly convex on its anterior margin. Postorbitals four in number, occasionally only three, the two upper ones a little the larger. Numerous small temporal shields. Upper labials 8, 6th and 7th somewhat larger. Lower labials 13, 7th largest; the six posterior ones the smallest. Dorsal scales elliptically elongated, con- stituting 31-35 rows, the seven outer of which are smooth, the others carinated, the five outermost very sensibly the larger.
The ground-color is whitish yellow : on the anterior third and upper part of the body, the bases, and sometimes the two anterior thirds of the scales $re jet black, so as to make the ground-color appear black. There are 61 large chocolate-brown dorsal blotches, margined with jet black from the head to opposite the anus, and 10 on the tail. On the anterior portion of the body these blotches are subcircular, or rather elliptical, covering in width seven or eight rows of scales, and four and two half-scales in length ; the spaces between embrace about two scales. Posteriorly the blotches be- come quadrate, and the intermediate spaces increase so as to be at first equal to the blotches, and towards the origin of the tail they are actually wider by one scale than the blotches themselves. On the tail the blotches assume the shape of narrow transverse bars, taper- ing downwards. On each side of the dorsal blotches is a series of much smaller and somewhat irregular blotches, margined with black, the blotches being opposite to the light spaces, alternating, but not con- fiuent with the medial blotches. On the anterior third of the body a series of small blotches is observed on the flanks, and beneath it, a series of elongated black patches, all of which exhibit a tendency to become obsolete vertical bars, more apparent posteriorly in very large individuals, giving to the flanks a nebulous appearance. The head
68
PITUOPHIS.
above is yellowisli brown, with small black spots on the vertex and occiput. Frontal black bar distinct in small individuals, obsolete in large ones ; postorbital vitta narrow ; suborbital spot small. In- ferior surface of the head and abdomen light straw-color, with an ex- ternal series of distant black spots on each side, confluent under the tail, and constituting a medial band.
Betw. San Antonio ) & El Paso. j Rio Grande. 231. 53. 33
F't Webster, Santa Rita del Cohre
" 225. 63. 31. 39. 5i
Sonora, Mex. 222. 60. 29-31. 23|. 4^
California. 226. 58. 31
228. 44. 33. 61|. 5f . 611. 5f. ^^""I 225. 63. 31-33. 44i. 6J.
3. )
45f,
5|.
Col. J. D. Graham.
Gen. S. Churchill.
Col. J. D. Graham.
a Dr. W. Gambel.
3. Pitssopliis McClellanii, B. & G. — Head subelliptical. Rostral plate very narrow. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 4. Dorsal 33-35 rows ; the 7 outer rows smooth. Tail forming ^ or J^ of total length. Postocular vitta brown, and rather broad. Suborbital black patch conspicuous ; com- missure of labials black. Color of body reddish yellow, with a series of 53 blotches from head to origin of tail. Blotches of adjoining series, on either side, confluent across the light spaces between medial blotches. Flanks covered with small blotches, forming 3 or 4 indistinct series. Twelve trans- verse jet black bars across the tail. Abdomen yellowish, thickly maculated with black patches.
Head proportionally large, ovoid, detached from the body. Snout pointed. Occipital plates small. Vertical broad, subpentagonal, slightly concave on the sides. Superciliaries large. Internal postfront- als rather narrow, elongated, external postfrontals quadrilateral, a lit- tle broader forwards. Prefrontals irregularly quadrangular. Rostral very narrow, extending halfway between the prefrontals, convex and raised above the surface of the snout. Nostrils in the middle line between the nasals, the posterior of which is a little the smaller. Loral trapezoidal, proportionally large. Inferior anteorbital very small, resting upon the fourth upper labial. Postorbitals varying in comparative size. Temporal shields small, resembling scales. Upper labials 8, 6th and 7th the larger. Lower labials 12, 6th and 7th largest. Posterior mental shields very small, extending to op- posiie the junction of the 7th and 8th lower labials. Scales propor-
PITUOPHIS. 69
tionally small, in 33-35 rows, the 7 outer ones perfectly smooth and somewhat larger than the remaining rows.
Ground-color yellowish brown, with three series of dorsal black blotches, 53 in number, from the head to opposite the anus, with 12 on the tail, in the shape of transverse bars. Those of the medial series the larger, and covering 8 or 9 rows of scales. On the anterior part of the body they are subcircular, embracing longi- tudinally four scales ; posteriorly they become shorter by one scale. The light spaces between are a little narrower than the blotches themselves for the twelve anterior blotches, and wider than the blotches for the remaining length of the body. The blotches of the adjoining series alternate with those of the medial series, being oppo- site to the light intermediate spaces, across which the blotches of either sides are generally united by a transversal narrow band. The flanks are densely covered with small and irregular blotches, forming three indistict series, confluent in vertical bars towards the orifin of the tail. Inferior surface of the head yellowish, unicolor. Abdo- men dull yellow, with crowded brownish black blotches in series on the extremity of the scutella3.
Red River, Arh. 231. 52. 35. 38^-. 4i. Capts. Marcy&McClellan. " 231. 52. 33. 24J. 2|-. «
4* Pituoplsis catewifer, B. & G.— Head subelliptical, flattened above. Vertical plate elongated, nearly equilateral, posterior triangular portion excepted. Rostral broad. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Loral trapezoidal, proportionally larger tlian in other species. Dorsal rows of scales 31 ; the 4 external rows smooth. Tail forming about j of the total length. Frontal black bar conspicuous. Postocular vitta of a jet black, reaching the angle of the mouth between the penultimate and last upper labials. Color of body grayish yellow, the triple series of dorsal black blotches, 61 in number, from the head to the origin of the tail, forming a continuous chain all along the back, owing to the confluence of the lateral series of small blotches with the large medial series, with which they alter- nate. A series of proportionally large subcircular blotches along the mid- dle of the flanks. Middle of the abdomen unicolor, with an external series of black spots on each side.
Syn. Coluber catenifer, Blainv. Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. Ill, 1834. PI. xxvi. figs. 2, 2 a, 2 b.
Head siabelliptical. Vertical plate maintaining its width posteri- orly. Superciliaries proportionally large. Occipitals very much
70 PITUOPHIS.
dilated anteriorly, tapering posteriorly. Prefrontals proportionally small, subcircular. The nasals are nearly equal in size, and the nostrils open between their commissure near the edge of the pre- frontals. Rostral proportionally broad, even with the surface of the snout. Loral small, subelliptical and oblique. Two anteorbitals, the upper one very large, the lower one small, resting on the fourth upper labial. Three postorbitals of nearly the same size. The temporal shields, ten to twelve in number, are slightly larger than the contiguous scales. Upper labials 8, 7th the larger. Lower labials 12, 5th and 6th largest. Posterior mental shields very nar- row, extending beyond the 6th lower labial. Dorsal scales narrow and rather acute, constituting 31 rows, the outer one of which is con- siderably the larger. Tail very tapering.
Ground-color above fuscous, with a triple series of black blotches along the back, 78 in number, the 61st opposite to the anus; 17 on the tail. The blotches of the medial series are proportionally very large, quadrangular, longer than broad, covering six rows of scales, and the half of the adjoining rows, embracing longitudinally five or six scales. A narrow light space of one scale exists between each blotch. The adjoining series is composed of much smaller blotches, alternat- ing and covering three rows of scales confluent with the middle ones, thus forming a continuous chain on the back, and enclosing entirely the light spaces between the blotches. A series of subcircular or oblong blotches runs conspicuously along the middle of the flanks, on the 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th rows of scales. These are 88 in num- ber, the 71st opposite to the anus, and 10 along the anterior half of the tail. The five first blotches are elongated, and exhibit a tend- ency towards forming a vitta or band. From the middle region of the body to the tail, two obsolete series of very small blotches are seen alternating with the series of the flanks, one above and one below. The abdomen is yellowish, unicolor, except a series of blotches on the extremities of the scutellae, extending sometimes to the outer row of scales. >S'a?i Francisco, Cal. 230. 71. 31. 35. 5|. (on dep.) Expl. Exped.
PITUOPHIS. 71
5. Pitliophis Williesii, B. & G.— Head elongated, conical for- wards. Vertical plate pentagonal, much broader anteriorly than posteri- orly. Eostral broad. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Loral trapezoidal. Dorsal rows of scales 29-31 ; three outer rows smooth. Tail ^ or -]- of total length. Frontal black bar well marked. Postocular vitta extending over the last upper labial to the angle of the mouth. Color of body whitish yel- low on the sides, reddish yellow above, with a dorsal series of subquadrate blotches, 70 in number, from the head to origin of the tail, and proportion- ally smaller than in any other species. The blotches of the two adjoining series not confluent with those of the medial one.
Head elongated, subelliptical, subpyramidal, or subconical anteri- orly. Occipital plates much longer than broad, longer than either the vertical or superciliaries. Vertical pentagonal, concave laterally, tapering ; length greater than the width of its anterior margin. Ex- ternal postfrontals sometimes divided into two plates, one of which has been called upper loral. Internal postfrontals elongated, very narrow posteriorly, sometimes also subdivided. Rostral broad, not separating the prefrontals. Nasals equal in size ; nostrils intermediate and nearer to the frontals than labials. Loral not very large. In- ferior anteorbitals small, and situated between the 4th and 5th upper labials. Postorbitals nearly equal in size, and generally contiguous to the anterior ones, »thus excluding the labials from the orbit, into which, however, the fifth occasionally enters. Temporal shields scarcely to be distinguished from the scales. Upper labials 8 or 9, 4th or 5th occasionally coming into the orbit, penultimate the largest. Lower labials 12 or 13, 5th or 6th the largest, the six posterior ones very much reduced. Dorsal scales elliptical, forming 29-31 rows, the three outer rows perfectly smooth, slight carinai on the 4th, 5th, and 6th rows, and not very conspicuous on the remaining ones. Tail conical and tapering.
Ground-color yellowish, with a dorsal series of subquadrate blotches, about 90 in number, 20 of which on the tail. These are deep brown, margined with black anteriorly, entirely black posteriorly ; these blotches cover transversely 8 or 9 rows of scales, embracing longitudinally five to seven scales on the antei-ior region of the body, and two or three posteriorly. The spaces between the blotches are of the uniform width of one scale for the whole length of the body, decidedly narrower than in other species. A lateral series of blotches on each side of the medial, covering three rows of scales, and alter-
72 PITUOPHIS.
nating •witli the medial series. A series of blotclies along the middle of the flanks opposite to the blotches of the medial series of the back. On the anterior part of the body the lateral blotches are elongated, and occasionally combine into a band or vitta behind the neck. On the anterior third of the body, an indistinct series of black spots may be seen between the scutellas and the outer series of lateral blotches. Inferior surface of head and abdomen dull yellowish white, with two series of distant blotches, the outer series more conspicuous than the inner one, and extending to the end of the tail.
In the young the middle region of the abdomen is unicolor, and the external series of spots only exists, which, together with the series on the middle of the flanks, are most conspicuous. Puget Sound, Or. 215. 56. 29-31. 39^. 5|. (ondep.) Expl. Exped.
" 209. 72. 29-31. 41|. 7|. "
Oregon. 209. 66. 29. 14i 1\. «
" 213. — 29. 13i. II. «
6. PituopSiis ailllCCtens, B. & G. — Head elongated, elliptical. Vertical plate subpentagonal, elongated, posteriorly obtuse, with sides con- cave. Anteorbitals 2 ; postorbitals 3. Dorsal rows of scales 33, 5 outer rows smooth. Triple series of dorsal blotches confluent for nearly the whole length of the body.
Difi"ers from P. catenifer in having much smaller dorsal blotches, and more interspaced. The fifteen anterior blotches of the three dorsal series almost united in a transverse or oblique band, ante- riorly and posteriorly irregular. The blotches on the flanks are also proportionally smaller than in P. catenifer. From P. Wilkesii, which it resembles in the small size of the blotches, it differs by a more coni- cal head, a narrower and longer vertical plate, and a rostral reaching higher up on the snout. The loral and superior anteorbital are quite large, and the lower anteorbital very small. In one specimen we have noticed 5 postorbitals, the 5th contiguous to the lower ante- orbital, thus constituting a continuous chain beneath the eye. Dor- sal scales in 33 rows, the 5 outermost perfectly smooth.
San Diego, Cal. 243. 71. 33. 28|. 4i|. Dr. J. L. Leconte.
SCOTOPHIS. 73
Genus SCOTOPHIS, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Foi-m colubrine. Body cylindrical, yery long — many individuals attaining a very large size, perhaps the largest of all North American serpents. Head elongated, rather narrow. Vertical plate very broad, sometimes wider than long. Posterior frontals very large. Postorbitals 2 ; anteorbitals one, generally very large ; the longitudinal extension of this and of the postfrontals pro- ducing a much elongated muzzle. Mouth deeply cleft, outline nearly straight. Dorsal rows of scales 23-29 ; those along the back slightly carinated (9-15 rows), on the sides smooth. Abdominal scutellae from 200 to 235; posterior bifid. Subcaudals all bifid.
Color brown or black, in quadrate blotches on the back and on the sides, separated by lighter intervals. Abdomen usually coarsely blotched with darker. In one species dark stripes on a light ground. Although very large and powerful, many of the species of the genus are characterized by their extreme gentleness, rarely becoming en- raged, even when prJvoked.
1. vScofopllis alleg'liailiesisis, B. & G. — Vertical plate longer than broad. Posterior upper labial largest. Outer 7 rows of scales smooth. Dorsal rows 27. Abdominal scutellse 235. Color black below, mottled anteriorly with white. White edges to some scales, imparting an appear- ance of dorsal and lateral blotches, especially in the young.
Syn. Coluber alleghaniensis, Holbr. N. Amer. Herp. I, 1836, 111. PI. xx; and 2d. ed. Ill, 1842, 85. PI. xix.— Dekat, New York Fauna. Kept. 1842, 36. PL xii, fig. 26.
Anterior frontals larger in proportion than in ^S'. Lindheimerii. Superciliaries subtriangular. Upper labials 8, increasing behind ; posterior the largest. Lower labials 11, 5th and 6th largest, de- creasing posteriorly. Nostrils more in the anterior nasal. Outer seven rows of dorsal scales smooth, then an obsolete carination, in- creasing to the vertebral series. Each scale minutely bipunctate.
General color lustrous pitch-black ; beneath, the color posteriorly is uniform slate-black ; on the chin and throat dull yellowish : these
74 • SCOTOPHIS.
two colors, as they extend towards each other, are of less and less extent, mingling in the form of blotches : the anterior fourth shows most of yellowish, the next fourth most of the black, the posterior half uniform black. On separating the scales, those at certain suc- cessive intervals on both back and sides will be found to have their bases narrowly margined with white, as if the fundamental color con- sisted of dark blotches on a white ground, as in *S'. Lindheimerii.
A second specimen, smaller, shows the same characters, but with more of white beneath.
Carlisle, Fa. 234+1.86.27. 59j. lOf. S. F. Baird.
Unknown. 233+1. 83. 27. 39i. 7i. Unknown.
2. ScotoplliS I^indlaeimeril, B. & G.— Head broader than in S. alleyhaniensis. Vertical plate as broad anteriorly as long. Posterior upper labials smaller than in S. alleghaniensis. Dorsal series 29 ; abdominal scutellte 228-235. Black dorsal and lateral blotches ; intermediate space rather lighter, with scales edged with white. Scale on sides of neck white, each with bluish spot.
Occipitals moderate, their commissure equal in length to the verti- cal. Orbits moderate, above the 4th and 5th labials, centre about midway between the snout and angle of the mouth. Anterior orbital large, single, extending nearly to the outer angle of the vertical. Loral trapezoidal, highest anteriorly. Nasals moderate, including nostrils between them. Labials 8 above, moderate, posterior small; 12 below; posterior very small, 6th and 7th largest. Nine rows of scales between labials and abdominal scutella? at the angle of the mouth. Outer ten rows smooth, then carinated very obsoletely^ rather more decidedly and in increasing degree towards the back.
Color above dark lead color, constituted by a dorsal series of quadrangular blotches, about 34 from head to anus, rather acutely emarginate before and behind, occupying a width equal to about 15 scales. The lozenge-shaped intervals between these blotches are from two to three scales long centrally, diminishing and becoming more linear posteriorly. On each side, and alternating with the dorsal series, is a second alternating one, composed of subrectangu- lar elongated blotches, and alternating again with these is a second indistinct series along the edge of the abdomen. The entire system of coloration is very difficult to define, the general appearance being that of a black snake with irregular obsolete mottlings of white.
SCOTOPHIS. • 75
The intervals between the blotches may be indicated as being white, with the centre and apex of each scale lead color, the proportion of the latter being very small on the sides, and increasing to the dorsal line. The scales in the centres of the blotches have the basal half narrowly margined with white, as is the case, to some extent, with the lateral spots. Beneath greenish white, with the centres of the scutellae mottled with dark slate-blue, increasing backwards. Chin and throat immaculate yellowish white, scales on the sides with a bluish spot on the apex.
The colors described are those as preserved in alcohol. Probably the color of the animal when alive is much like that of Bascanion constrictor or ScotopJiis alleghanienzis.
In the general obsoleteness of the markings, the blotches may sometimes be detected as more or less confluent between the difl'erent series. NewBraunfds, Tex. 227+1. 81. 29. 36. 7. Dr. F. Lindheimer.
A second specimen much larger, of what appears to be the same species, diifers in having the belly nearly uniform yellowish : the black of the upper parts is replaced by umber-brown. The blotches are visible, but very obsoletely. Indianola. - 234+1. 85. 29. 60. 9. Col. J. D. Graham.
3* Scotopllis VMlpinus, B. & G. — Head rather short, vertical broader than long. Postfrontals very large, as long as the verticals, pe- nultimate upper labial largest. Dorsal series 25 ; outer 4 rows smooth. Abdominal scutellse 203. Subquadrate dorsal blotches transverse,. 3 or 4 scales long. Tail tumid.
Anterior frontals much smaller than the posterior. Rostral broad. Occipitals broad, rather short, longer than the vertical. Eyes smaller than in S. aUcglianiends, centre over the junction of the 4th and 5th labials. Upper labials 8, penultimate one the largest, last somewhat smaller : lower 10, 6th the largest. Anteriorly the first three or four rows are smooth, there they are very obsoletely carinated, increasing towards the back, although everywhere moderately so. Tail thick.
General aspect that of Ophiholus eximius, from which it is however distinguishable by the carinated scales and other generic features. Ground-color above light brown. A series of broad transverse quad- rate chocolate blotches extending from head to tail, about 00 in num- ber, 44 to anus. The first spot anteriorly is divided into two on the
76 * SCOTOPHIS.
nape, and occasionally the blotches anteriorly are irregular, oblique, and varying in size. This occurs, however, only on the anterior fifth of the body, behind which the intervals between the blotches are rectilinear, nearly equal, and about one and a half scales in length. The blotches are generally embraced between the 5th or 6th rows on each side, and are 3 to 4 scales long. The sides of the blotches are not linear but obtuse angled. On each side is a series of smaller rounded blotches on the 3-7th rows, similar in color to those on the back, and like them with a black border, sometimes more or less in- terrupted. Another series of subquadrate black blotches, about the same size as the last, is visible on the edge of the abdomen, some- times involving the 1st and 2d rows of scales, these are opposite to the dorsal blotches. Rest of the abdomen yellowish white, with al- ternating quadrate blotches of black. The brown color becomes lighter on the sides. Racine, Wise. 202+1. 68. 25. 32. 7. Dr. P. R. Hoy.
A second much larger specimen from Michigan has the ground- color a yellowish brown, and there is a black streak from the eye to the angle of the mouth; a second vertical stripe under the eye. The spots on the back are only about 45, of which 13 belong to the tail.
This species is probably allied to C calUgaster of Say, but no men- tion is made of the abdominal blotches, and Drs. Holbrook and Hal- lowell assure us particularly that the scales are smooth.
Grosse lie, Mich. 202+1.69.25. 57.9. Eev. Chas. Fox.
4. Scotopllis COIifinls^ B. & G. — Vertical plate longer tlian broad. Nostrils more anterior than in S. vulpinus. Dorsal rows 2-5, outer rather larger ; exterior 6 rows smooth ; abdominal scales 240. Quadrate dorsal blotches elongated throughout, 5-6 scales long.
Head large, broad. Posterior frontals large ; anterior consider- ably smaller ; occipitals broad, large. Eye rather large ; centre over the line joining the 4th and 5th labials : orbits above the whole of the 4th and 5th labials. Upper labials 8, penultimate the largest, last one large; inferior 12 or 11, posterior small. Nostrils nearly terminal. Rostral narrow, high.
Seales rather short. Outer six rows smooth, remainder very obso- letely carinated. Exterior row rather larger, rest nearly uniform.
SCOTOPHIS. 77
General aspect that of Ophiholus eximius, from which its larger eyes and head, carinated scales, &c. at once distinguish it. Ground- color ash-gray. A series of 44 dorsal blotches, of which 12 are on the tail. These blotches are dark chocolate-brown, with obsolete black margins. They are included between the 6th and 7th row on each side, and about six scales long. They are very regular in shape, longitudinally quadrate, rather wider transversely in the middle, and with the corners slightly produced longitudinally. The gray inter- vals are thus not quite rectilinear, rather elliptical, but of the same width throughout. On the 2d, 3d, 4th, and 6th lateral rows is a second series of similar blotches, more or less elongated, especially anteriorly. On the side of the neck, indeed, the 'blotches are con- fluent into very narrow distinct stripes. A third series of square blotches on the side of the abdomen, involving the 1st and 2d lateral rows. Rest of belly yellowish white, with black blotches; anterior eighth immaculate. A black stripe from the posterior part of the orbit to the angle of the mouth, which it reaches on the anterior extremity of the last labial. A vertical line beneath the eye, and the edges of the labials in front also black. Some blotching on the top of the head, which is too indistinct to define.
Compared with S. vulpinus the eyes are larger, the vertical plate longer, the nostrils more anterior, the carination more obsolete. Body more elongatecf. Abdominal scutellai more numerous. Spots longitudinal, not transverse. Scales shorter, broader, more obtusely angular.
This species is closely allied to S. f/uttafus, but is quite distinct. Its full characters can only be seen in larger specimens, which may have been confounded with S. (juttatus. Very probably some of the numerous synonyms assigned to the latter species may belong here, but in the want of accurate descriptions, the only course left is to give a new name.
Anderson, S. C. 239+1. 81. 25. 16J. 4f. Miss C. Paine.
5. Scotopllis laetus, B. & G. — Similar to S. confinis, but posterior frontals larger. Vertical plate longer than broad. Dorsal rows 29. Ab- dominal scutellse 227. Blotches fewer.
This species bears a close resemblance to *S'. confinu, and its cha- racters may be best given by comparison with the latter. It difi"ers therefore in the greater number of dorsal rows, 29 instead of 25.
78 SCOTOPHIS.
The whole body and head are much stouter. Exterior eight rows smooth, rest slightly carinated. The vertical is broad before, rather acute behind. A probably monstrous feature is seen in the union of the two postfrontals, except for a short distance before, and in the loral and postnasal coalescing into one trapezoidal plate. Blotches less numerous. A broad vitta across the back part of the postfrontals, passing backwards and downwards through the eye, and terminating acutely on the posterior upper labial. A blotch across the back part of the vertical, and extending through the occipitals on each side to the nape. The spots are larger, longitudinal through- out, with occasional exceptions.
Its affinities to S. vulpinus are close. The vertical, however, is narrow, the eyes much larger, dorsal rows 29 instead of 25. The blotches on the back are longitudinal, and fewer in number. For the full description of this species also, it will be necessary to pro- cure larger specimens.
Red River, Ark. 227. 77. 29. 18. 3^. Capts. Marcy & M'Clellan.
6. Scotopllis §^uttatus, B. & G.— Head narrow. Dorsal rows 27, outer one scarcely larger ; abdominal scutellaj 215-235. A series of quadrate brick-red blotches, intervals lighter. Two light frontlets on the head, mar- gined with black, enclosing a dark red stripe which passes through the eye, across the mouth to the neck.
Syn. Coluber guitatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I, 1766, 385. — Gm. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, I, iii, 1788, 1110. — Harl. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V, 1827, 363; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1885, 126.-Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. 1837, 168.— Holer. N. Amer. Herp. II, 1838, 109. PI. xxiv; and 2d ed. Ill, 1842, 65. PI. xiv.
Head elongated, outline nearly straight, and transversely tapering from the sides of the occiput to the subtruncate snout. Vertical large, longer than wide, pentagonal, with the lateral margins at a very slight angle with each other. Occipitals rather narrow. Eye moderate; centre rather in advance of junction of 4th and 5th labials ; orbit above the whole of these labials. Labials 8 above, penultimate the largest; 11 below.
Body elongated, decidedly compressed to the tip of the tail. Dor- sal rows 27. Carination very obsolete, visible only on the 13 central rows, and there very indistinctly ; not evident on the tail. Scales
SCOTOPHIS. 79
rather large, triangular, pointed. The exterior row little if any larger than the rest.
General color of body above light red, paler on the sides. Along the back a series of dorsal blotches, about 45 in number, 32 from head to anus. These blotches anteriorly are longitudinally quad- rate, gradually becoming transverse; in front they are concave be- fore and behind, and with the corners produced longitudinally, exteriorly they are zigzag convex. The color of each blotch is a dark brick-red, with a deep black margin half a scale wide. Ex- terior to the black is a lighter shade of the ground-color. On each side of the dorsal series is a second alternating one of smaller elon- gated blotches, similarly constituted as to color. A third opposite to the dorsal, occurs on the edge of the abdomen, and on the 1st to the 4th row of scales : in this the red is lighter, and the black is con- fined to a few scattered scales. The lateral blotches are more or less indistinct in places, and frequently confluent with each other and the dorsal series. Posteriorly too they are reduced more or less to the black marks in single scales. Color beneath yellowish white, with subquadrangular blotches of black, generally occupying half of the inferior surface of the abdominal scutellae.
The ground-color of the sides extends up on the forehead in the form of a frontlet, which crosses the vertical at its anterior extremity, passes backwards along the top of the head, including the supercili- aries and outside of occipitals, crosses above the angle of the mouth, and runs into the sides of the neck. This is narrowly margined on both edges with black. A second frontlet across the front of the postfrontals, narrower but similar, and bending down on each side to the anteorbital. A similarly colored blotch on the commissure of the occipitals, widening behind and constituting a centre to the dark red space enclosed by the large frontlet on the back of the neck : behind the one just mentioned is another rather larger, and the two are sometimes confluent. A dark red stripe is included between the two frontlets just described, crossing the posterior part of the post- frontals, the upper end of the anterior frontals, and through the eye, across the angle of the mouth down the sides of the neck. Vertical edges of the upper and lower labials black.
Charleston, S. C. 214+1. 79. 27. 29 1. 4^. Dr. Barker.
Specimens from Kemper Co., Miss., much larger in size, agree exactly in the pattern of coloration. The red is, however, more or
80 SCOTOPHIS.
less effaced, probably by tbe alcohol. The blotches are light hazel, and the interspaces light chocolate.
Smaller specimens from Georgia differ only in having the blotches dark hazel, lighter centrally. The intervals are ash-gray.
The young sustain a close resemblance to the species described from Anderson, S. C. The scales are scarcely if at all carinated however ; the dorsal rows two more : the blotches less regularly quad- rate and not elongate posteriorly. The shape of the head and its plates are different. The markings on the head in the latter are reduced to a uniform black band across the postfrontals, passing back through the eye, and ending acutely on the angle of the mouth. The scales also are more carinated.
3 Kemper Co., Miss. 226+1.69.27. 43. 7. D.C.Lloyd.
-^ . " 223+1. 66. 27. 47. 7. "
'-^^ ^ ^ Mississippi. — — 27 — — Dr. B. F. Shumard.
1*-^-"^ \ Savannah, Ga. 226+1. 65. 27. 21. 3i E. R. Cuyler.
Georgia. 236+1. — 27. 12. 1^ (on dep.) Prof. Adams.
X " 228+1. — 27. 13|. 2. «
1. Scot05>liis qtiatlrivittafiis, B. & G. — Shape of head resem- bling most that of S. lastus. Vertical broader anteriorly and more tapering posteriorly. Dorsal rows of scales 27, the five or eight medial rows alone , carinated; the carination obsolete. Greenish yellow, with four longitudinal
brown bands.
Syn. Coluber quadrivittatus, Holbb. N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 89. PI. xx. Chicken Snake, Baktr. Trav. in Carol., Geo. & Florida, 1791, 275.
Body slender, tail very slender, about the fifth of the total length. Head elliptical, quite detached from the body by a slender neck. Eyes large. Vertical plate pentagonal, slightly concave on the sides, equalling in length the commissure of the occipitals. The lower por- tion of the anterior orbital is narrower than in S. Isetus. Loral tra- pezoidal. Two elongated and small temporal shields. Upper labials 8, 7th largest; lower labials 10, 5th largest. Rostral hexagonal. Scales very thin, lozenge-shaped, constituting 27 dorsal rows. Slight traces of carination may be observed on the five or eight medial rows. The outer row is composed of scales as high as long; in the second row they are perceptibly larger than the remaining ones.
Ground-color above greenish yellow, with four longitudinal brown bands, covering each one entire row of scales and the half of the ad-
SCOTOPHIS. 81
joining rows. The lateral bauds thus extend along the 3d, 4th, and 5th rows, the 4th being the one entirely covered. The dorsal bands extend along the 10th, 11th, and 12th rows, the 11th being entirely covered. The space between the dorsal and lateral band embraces four entire rows of scales, and the half of the adjoining ones. The dorsal space between the dorsal bands comprises three entire rows of scales and the half of the adjoining rows. The abdomen, head and tail beneath ai-e uniformly light straw-color. On the removal of the epidermis the dark bands disappear to a considerable extent, and then indistinct and obsolete quadrate spots become visible on the sides, and probably on the back. The edges of many of the scales are lighter.
Florida. 236+1. 93. 27. 23i 5f. (ondep.) Prof Agassiz.
g2 OPHIBOLUS.
Genus OPHIBOILIJS, Baird & Girard.
Gen. Char. Body rather thick, tail short. Dorsal rows 21, (in one group 23,) the scales hexagonal, arranged in longitudinal series, broad, short, scarcely overlapping, nearly as high as long, all per- fectly smooth and lustrous. Abdominal scutellae 180-220 ; posterior entire. Subcaudal all bifid. Head short, depressed, but little wider than the body. Eyes very small. Vertical plate very broad. Post- orbitals two, the lower in notch between the 4th and 5th labials. One anteorbital, like the loral, small. Nasals two, with the nostril between them. Upper labials 7.
Ground-color black, brown, or red, crossed by lighter intervals generally bordered by black.
The type of the genus is to be found in 0. Sayi, to which we would refer for more full generic characters. The red species belong to the genus Erythrolamprus of Boie, as understood by Dumeril & Bibron.
B. Dorsal roivs 23.
1. OpllibolUS Boylii, B. & G.— Black, with upwards of 30 broad ivory white transverse bands widening on the sides. Dorsal rows of scales 23.
Vertical plate distinctly pentagonal, longer than broad: more elongated than in 0. Sayi. Sides nearly parallel, a little shorter than the occipital plates. The sides of the head as in 0. Sayi. Dorsal rows 23, the scales rather more elongated than in 0. Sayi. Outer row a little larger, all the rest nearly equal. Back and sides black, crossed by about 37 ivory-white bands, the 30th opposite the anus. On the vertebral region these bands are about one and a half scales wide, with the margins parallel to about the 7th outer row of scales, where they begin to widen, so as to embrace from five to seven scales on the outer row. They continue of this width to the middle of the abdomen, where they are either confluent with the white of the oppo- site side, or are opposite to the black interval on the other side. The black interval between the cross bands is some eight to ten scales
OPHIBOLUS. 83
long, narrowing on the sides as the white spaces enlarge, until on the outer dorsal rows it occupies them to four scales, and is continued to the middle of the abdomen ; owing to a slight obliquity of the dark patches on the back, their abdominal extensions ai-e very apt to alternate with each other on the middle of the abdomen, instead of being directly opposite and confluent. Every transition from the one condition to the other is observable. The general pattern is thus : a black body, encircled by white rings, which are wider on the sides and beneath. The end of the tail is distinctly annulated. Occa- sionally some of the black scales on the sides have indistinct white spots in the centres. Labials, plates on the sides of the head, and above in front of the vertical, yellow, with black margins. El Dorado Co., Cal. 240.52.23. 28.31. Dr. C. C. Boyle.
2. Opllil>OlU!« spleildidus, B. & G.— Black above ; the sides black, ■with a white spot in each scale. The body crossed by broad bands, consist- ing of white spots, one in each scale. Dorsal rows 23.
Similar in general features to 0. Boylii. Vertical plate similar to that of 0. Boylii but broader, and the sides more nearly parallel.
This species forras a connecting link, as to color, between the blotched varieties of* 0. Sayi and 0. getulus. There is a series of dorsal black blotches from head to tail; in one specimen 63, the 49th opposite the anusj in the other 52, the 41st opposite the anus. These are four or five scales long, and six or seven wide. The lighter intervals between are constituted by one or two trans- verse rows of spots, each one on a separate scale. The scales on the sides (from the 1st to the 7th or 8th rows) are black, each one with an elongated white blotch in the centre. These blotches occupy nearly the whole scale on the exterior row, but diminish in amount towards the back. A series of rhomboidal darker spots is seen on each side opposite the light intervals, produced by the less amount of white on the scales at that place, and sometimes extend to the abdomen. The abdomen is white, blotched not very deeply with black two or three scales wide, and a continuation of the dark shade in the pro- longation of the lateral rhomboids. The blotches of the opposite sides are sometimes confluent and sometimes alternate. In one spe- cimen the black patches are rather wider, extending nearly to the abdomen. Head less blotched with yellow than 0. Boylii. DiiFers
84 OPHIBOLUS.
from 0. Boylii in having the light intervals in the form of spots in the centres of dark scales, instead of covering the whole space. The lateral blotches are alternate with those of the back, not continuous and opposite. The blotches are more numerous.
^onova.Mcx. 219.65.23. 36. 5|. Col. J. D. Graham.
" 215. 55. 23. 26. 4. "
B. Dorsal rows 21.
3. OpSlibolMS Sayi, B. & G. — Black, each scale above with a large circular or yellow spot in the centre. Sometimes only transverse lines of these spots across the back.
Syn. Herpetodryas getulus, Schl. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part, descr. II, 1837, 198. Coronella Sayi, Holbe. (non Schl.) N. Amer. Herp. Ill, 1842, 99. PL xxii. Coluber Sayi, Dekay, New York Fauna, Kept. 1842, 41. King Snake.
As already remarked, we consider this as the true type of the genus, and shall accordingly reproduce some of the generic features in more