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ON THE

SERPENTS OF NEW-YORK:

WITH A NOTICE OF A SPECIES NOT HITHERTO INCLUDED |
IN THE FAUNA OF THE STATE. |

tee

BY SPENCER F. BAIRD,

C. VAN BENTHUYSEN, PRINTER

1854.

ON THE

—

SERPENTS OF NEW-YORK;_

WITH A NOTICE OF A SPECIES NOT HITHERTO INCLUDED
IN THE FAUNA OF THE STATE.

BY SPENCER F, BAIRD,

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
LIBRARIES

ALBANY :

©. VAN BENTHUYSEN, PRINTER.
1854.

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ON THE SERPENTS OF NEW-YORK ;

WITH A NOTICE OF A SPECIES NOT HITHERTO INCLUDED IN THE
FAUNA OF THE STATE.

BY SPENCER F. BAIRD.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

Ar the suggestion of Dr. T. Romeyn Beck, Secretary of the Board
of Regents of the University of New-York, I embrace the occasion
of adding a serpent, not hitherto included in the Fauna of New-
York, to present the principal characters of the genera of New-
York Ophidians, with a brief synopsis of the species. The entire
number described by Dr. Dexay, in the Fauna of New-York,
amounted to fifteen, distributed into seven genera : to these Mr.
GrerHarp, the able Curator of the State Cabinet, has added a six-
teenth, Crotalophorus tergeminus. The species I now propose to
notice is the Storeria occipito-maculata, one of the most abundant
of all, though, on account of its diminutive size, usually over-
looked ; thus making the seventeenth.

My attention was first called to the existence of this species in
the State by Dr. Avery J. Sxiiron, of Troy, who, in 1847, showed
me the first specimen I had ever seen. Subsequently I found it
very common on Lake Champlain, at Westport, N.Y. Usually
associated with the Tropidonotus dekayi of Hotsroox ( Storeria
dekayi, B. & G.), it has a strong resemblance to it in general
appearance as well as size, and indeed has often been confounded
with it, though easily distinguishable by well-marked characters.

1

2

The particular eatures of this serpent will be given in the synopsis
of the New-York species.

With the great increase in the number of known species of
North-American serpents, it has become impossible to place all
in the genera to which American herpetologists have hitherto
assigned them. The magnificent work of Dr. Hotzroox, completed
in 1842, gives forty-seven species as the result of his laborious
investigations, continued for many years, among our Ophidia.
Owing, however, to the immense accessions supplied by the many
government expeditions, especially by the United States and
Mexican Boundary Survey, this number has been greatly enlarged ;
so much so, indeed, that at least one hundred and thirty species
are known to exist in this country, north of Mexico. The necessity
for greater precision in defining not only the specific, but also the
generic features of this vast number, induced Mr. Grrarp and
myself to take up the subject from the beginning, and remodel the
whole. In the course of our investigations, we discovered that many
genera, supposed to be common to Europe and America, had no such
extended distribution ; a critical comparison of different species
from the two countries, considered as of the same genus, resulting
in the detection of differences in generic features.

It may be proper to premise that the difficulties in the way of
any accurate comparisons or investigations into this subject were
greatly increased by the almost entire absence of systematic trea-
tises on the Colubride, to which family most North-American
species belong. The great work on Reptiles by Messrs. Dumeri
and Brisron (Erpétologie Générale) has been delayed completion
for fourteen years, confessedly on account of the difficulty of
coming to any correct conclusion in regard to the classification of
the Ophidia. It is only within a few months that M. Dumerit has
presented his views of the arrangement of the serpents in a memoir
read before the Academy of Sciences, Paris, no copy of which has
yet reached this country. Jouy Epwarp Gray, under whose au-
spices the valuable series of British Museum Catalogues has been
prepared, has likewise omitted the Colubride. Other systematic
writers, as Firzrncer, Oppei, Wacter, &c. have, it is true, given
us something on this subject; but their arrangement has been

3

either too vague for practical use, or not adapted to the American
species. We have had, therefore, no alternative but to recast the
whole with the extensive material we had on hand.

The characters upon which the genera adopted are founded, as
published in the work containing the results of these investiga-
tions*, consist of the numbers, shape, and position of the various
plates on the head ; the smoothness or carination of the scales ;
the division or unity of the most posterior of the abdominal scu-
tell, and of those beneath the tail, and some other peculiarities.
Owing to the difficulty and expense of procuring skeletons of the
genera, we found it impossible, at the time, to derive much assis-
tance from osteological characters : subsequent examination of
some forms, however, has indicated a very decided harmony
between the internal and external characters. It is true that some-
times slight variations in the number and shape of the plates and
rows of scales were detected, even in different sides of the same
individual ; but generally the constancy in character was so re-
markable as to lead us to rely quite firmly on this mode of ar-
rangement, and to consider the deviations as abnormal conditions,
such as are met with in the most constant types. This view is
strengthened by the fact that any variation was rarely symme-
trical on both sides; one side only varying, as a general rule.
Of less rank we found to be the number of longitudinal rows of
scales on the back and sides. As, too, in nearly every instance, we
found the pattern of coloration to be, with very few exceptions,
much the same, in the various species of the same genus, as de-
termined by the preceding features, we felt warranted in giving
the pattern (not the tint) as a secondary, perhaps tertiary charac-
ter, of great convenience in grouping species into genera, or their
subdivision.

The number of genera into which the 119 species of N. American
serpents described in the catalogue are divided is 35, or an average
of nearly 3.4 to 1. The 47 species of Dr. Hotproox are divided

* Catalogue of North-American Reptiles in the Museum of the Smithsonian In-
stitution. Part I. Serpents. By S. F. Barrp and C. Girarp. 8vo. pp. 188. Smith-
sonian Institution, Washington, January 1853.

4

among 15 genera, or 3.13 to 1. The 15 species described by Dr.
Dexay in the Natural History of the State are arranged in 7 ge-
nera, a proportion of 2.14 to 1; or, adding with the sixteenth
species of Mr. Grsuarp, an additional genus, we have 2 to 1. It
will thus be seen, that instead of a multiplication of genera in our
work, their proportional number has actually been diminished.

The 17 species of New-York Ophidia, as now given, belong to
14 of the genera of the Smithsonian Catalogue, or a proportion of
1.21 to 1; thus embracing two-fifths of the genera described, al-
though the number of species is only one-seventh of those enume-
rated as North-American. It is a matter of much interest to find so
large a proportion of American genera included within the limits
of the State. The generic features will thus become of use in the
speedy discrimination of species, as but three of the genera have
more than one species to each.

To facilitate the appreciation of the generic character of the
synopsis, as well as to aid in the determination of species, I have
added to the present article two plates containing a view from
above and on the side of each one of the seventeen species. All
these outlines are entirely original, and in nearly all eases taken
from New-York specimens. No. 9, or Scotophis alleghaniensis, 1
have lettered, so as to correspond with the following explanation
of terms. All are the size of life, but the numbers 14, 15, 16, 17,
which are twice natural size.

EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED.

Tae vertical plate (v) is the central one in the middle of the head above, having
on each side of it the superciliaries (s,s), which form the upper part of the
orbit. The two plates behind the vertical are the occipitals (0,0); the pair in
front of it, the postfrontals (p,f). The prefrontals or anterior frontals (a,f)
are situated in front of the postfrontals; and anterior to these, and terminating
the snout, is the rostral (r). The plates immediately in front of the eye are the
antcorbitals (a) ; those behind it are the postorbitals (p,o). In advance of the
anteorbital is the loral (lo) ; between which and the rostral are the two nasals
(7), with the nostril between them. The upper and lower labials (1,1) margin
the upper and lower jaws : only one of eacl® series is marked. The temporal
shields (¢) are situated between the upper labials and the occipitals. The infra-
maxillary or mental scutellz or shields are just within the lower labials : these
cannot be shown in the figure.

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 some-
times either the loral or the anteorbitals may be wanting. Where the latter
condition exists, it is sometimes difficult to determine which plate has dis-
appeared. A clue is to be found in the shape of the remaining 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 considered as anteorbital. The loral belongs to
the postfrontals, and the anteorbital to the vertical, the posterior edges in the
former and the anterior in the latter generally ranging. Thus when the vertical
plate is very short, the anteorbital is also short or wanting entirely; and the
same relation holds good between the loral and postfrontals.

Of the five numbers given at the end of the descriptions, the first indicates
the number of the abdominal seutelle from chin to anus; the second is that of
the pairs of subcaudal scutellee; the third, the dorsal rows, or the number of
rows of scales around the body (excluding the abdominal series) : the fourth
number shows the entire length of the animal; and the fifth, the length of the
tail in english inches.

6

In referring to the dorsal rows, the exterior one, or that next the scutellz,
is considered to be the first, unless the contrary is stated.

When there are two numbers separated by the symbol (+) at the beginning of
the measurements, the first indicates the number of entire abdominal scutelle;
the latter, of those that are bifid or divided. The subcaudal scutellz are to be
considered as divided or in pairs, unless mentioned to the contrary.

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 included. 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.

v. Vertical ;
s. Superciliary ;

;'.».(Oecipital 5
pf. Postfrontal ;
a,f. Anterior, or Prefrontal ;

Rostral ;

. nteorbital ;
p,o. Postorbital ;
n. Nasal;
lo. Loral ;

1. Upper labial ;
VY’. Lower labial ;
t. | Temporal ;
m. Mental.

The seventeen species of Ophidia hitherto known to inhabit
New-York are as follows* :

LIST OF SPECIES.

I. CroTaLus puRIssus, Linum ...... .. Rattlesnake.
2. CROTALOPHORUS TERGEMINUS, Holbr. Massasauga.
3. ANCISTRODON CONTORTRIX, B.§-G.. Copperhead.
4, Kura@nta saurivTa, B.g G. ....... Striped-snake.
5. . SIRTALIS, B. f G........ . Gartersnake.
6. Neropia sIPepon, B. §-G......... Watersnake.
VT. (REGINA LEBERIS, Bod- Gis... 0 Yellowbellied-snake.
8. HETERODON PLATYRHINOS, Latr..... Hognose.
9. ScOTOPHIS ALLEGHANIENSIS, B. §-G. Mountain Blacksnake.
10. OpniBoLus GETuLUS, B. g-G....... Kingsnake.
i. i EXIMIUS, Bid Guus oes Housesnake.
12. Bascanion constrictor, B.¢ G... Blacksnake,
13. CHLoROSOMA VERNALIS, B. GG. ... Greensnake.
14. Drapopuis puncratus, B.g-G..... Ringsnake. “ap
Po. CELUTA AMGENA, BAG Geiss tines 6s Wormsnake.
16. SroRERIA DEKAYI, B.g-G......... Spotted-snake.
i. & OCCIPITO-MACULATA, B... Redbellied-snake.

In addition to these, some seven or more species will, im all
probability, be hereafter detected in the State : these are, Crotalo-
phorus massasauga, Kirtuanp (C. kirtlandii, Hotzroox), in the
west ; Nerodia agassizii and Scotophis vulpinus, from the north-
west ; Nerodia nigra, from the north ; Heterodon niger and Regina
rigida, from the south, and Pityophis melanoleucus from the south-
east.

* The numbers attached to the species are the same as on the corresponding figures
of the plates.

8

The following analytical table will be found to contain, in 4
condensed form, a key to the subsequent classification of genera.

SYNOPSIS OF FAMILIES AND GENERA.

Family I: Croranipm. Erectible poison fangs, in front; few teeth in
upper jaw ; a deep pit on side of face, between the eye and

nostril.

Family II : Cotusripa. No pit nor poison fangs ; both jaws fully pro-

vided with teeth ; no anal appendages.

FAMILY I : CROTALIDA.

Tail with a rattle with small scale-like plates... CroraLts.

‘ : " with large plates arranged as
Top of head covered: +!) “tn @ofuber.:.2<+ccécseeee CRoraLoPHoRvs. f
Ma Swat how. ta Vat hhe cs joretats:0 oic\ ota 0 <,cteleisielels alee o)tistele oie ANCISTRODON.

FAMILY II : COLUBRIDA.

3 ( entire........ Kurania.
ale Three. Postabdominal scutelle
o|% e divided....... NERODIA.
alec
<3) sik
~ Eero]
2 aos GWiOitcislelehe oieieeis HMRC NAL
ae tenia a LWOw CAMLCOLDIGAIS. « octee ms <tele'e
| < oy ONE. ip cwies cei ScororuHis.
a\3
AQ Numerous. abials not in Orbit... ..<...cc.cece HETERODON,
—
= °
tos]
ca BS (CEDETEY ee wc wie lel ble ce ores v's dja letela! vlaielole © rele erate ee. OPHIBOLUS,
a | 2a

i a)
i= 5 -) atte ° 4
= | € = | Divided. ( Long, narrow. Lower anteorbital minute.Bascanion.
a | a2 a

Mm 2

oS Q .
5 o3 | Vertical one ........ OHLOROSOMA.
z|Ez plate | Broad, short. Nasal..
ain < WOM teraieie ote Draporurs.
ANTEORBITALS absent. Scales smooth. ...cccecccscccvees CELUTA.
Lora absent. Scales carinated........¢. Riders sresvs STORERIA.

I shall now proceed ‘to give a brief description of the genera
and species of serpents inhabiting New-York, with some general
remarks upon each.

SYNOPSIS OF GENERA ANP SPECIES

OF

NEW-YORK SERPENTS.

Genus CROTALUS, Linn.

Gen. Cuar. Upper surface of head covered with small plates, scale-like,
with a few larger ones in front. The tail is terminated by a well deve-
loped rattle. A deep pit between the eyes and the nostrils. Subcaudal

scutellze entire. Temporal and labial shields small and convex.

1. CrorTatus purissus*, L.— Rattlesnake.

Spec. Cuan. 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, fifth largest; 13 - 15 below. Rows of scales on the back 28 — 25,
all carinated : carination on outer row obsolete. Tail black. Above sulphur-
brown, with 2 rows of confluent brown lozenges. Light line from superciliary to
angie of the mouth; behind this a dark patch, 166, 25, 23, 42, 5 (Pennsylvania).

SYNONYMS.

Crotalus durissus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1766, 872.— Gu. Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii,
I. iii. 1788, 1081.— Hotsr. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 9. Pl. ii— Dexay,
N.Y. Fauna, Pt. IIT. 1842, 55. Pl. ix. fig. 19.— Srorer, Rep. Rept. of Mass.
1839, 233.— Barrp & Girarp, Catal. N. Am. Serpents, 1853, 1.

Vipera caudisona americana, Catnuss. Nat Hist. Carol. II. 1748, 41. Pl. Ixi.

Northern Rattlesnake.

The Crotalus durissus, or northern rattlesnake, is more extensively dis
tributed throughout the United States than any other of the genus. It is

* The numbers preceding the specific name are the same with the corresponding figures on the plates.

10

common in the hilly or rocky districts of the Northern Atlantic States:
extending to Florida, Alabama and Louisiana in the south; the Red river of
Arkansas, and Towa (possibly further) in the west. On the seacoast, it ap-
pears to be replaced by Crotalus adamanteus. It has, however, not yet been
detected in Texas, New-Mexico or California, where its place is supplied by
other species. In New-York, it seems to be most abundant on the shores
of Lake George and Lake Champlain; especially in Rattlesnake mountain
of the former, and Rattlesnake den of the latter, a rocky bluff between
Westport and Essex. It is a little remarkable that the rattlesnake does not
occur in the Adirondack regions of New-York; at least, an instance has
never come to my knowledge. Such a region in Pennsylvania would be in-
fested by them.

The bite of the rattlesnake, when received in a large bloodvessel, is most
generally fatal ; although, fortunately, the chances are against this point of
attack. Various remedies have been proposed : among them, the application
of tight ligatures between the wound and the centres of the body ; scarifica-
tion and suction; application of ammonia, olive oil, and the use of large
doses of brandy or other spirituous liquor. All of these may be properly
used, and it is a singular fact that a very large dose of spirits generally fails
to produce intoxication. Many plants are supposed to possess remedial vir-
tues; thus, a plaster of bruised leaves and stems of Impatzens pallida or
fulva has a wide-spread reputation both among indians and whites. Species
of plantain, Scrophularia, Scutellaria, Hieractum, etc., are also recom-
mended. Little or no danger is to be apprehended to the operator in sucking
a wound of this kind, if the mouth be sound ; repeated experiment going to
show that the poison is inert in the stomach. I have myself (rather foolishly,
I must confess) swallowed nearly the entire contents of one gland of a large
rattlesnake. Many persons put great faith in the application of powdered

indigo to the wound, as also of iodine.

Genus CROTALOPHORUS, Gray.

Grn. Cuan. 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 seutellee entire, except a few at the

end of the tail, which are bifid,

11

Syn. Crotalophorus, GRAY, Ann. Philos. 1825, 205.—B. & G. Catal.
of North-American Serpents, 1853, 1.

2. CROTALOPHORUS TERGEMINUS, Holbr.— Massasauga.

Spec. CHar. Twenty-five rows of dorsal scales, strongly carinated,with the excep-
tion 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. 150, 21+1, 25, 293, 2% ( Wisconsin).

SYNONYMSe
Crotalus tergeminus, Say, Long’s Exp. Rocky Mts. I. 1823, 499.— Haru. Journ.
Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. iii. 1827, 372.
Crotalophorus tergeminus, Horse. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 29. Pl. v.— B. &.G.
Catal. N. Am. Serp. (1853), 1—Grsu. 6th Rep. State Cab. Nat. Hist. 1853, 22.
Crotalophorus, Acass. Lake Sup. 1850, 381. Pl. vi. fig. 6-8.
Prairie Rattlesnake, Massasauga.

As this species is not included in Dekay’s Fauna of New-York, I give a
detailed description, taken from a specimen caught in Wisconsin ; referring
to the Report of the State Cabinet as above quoted, for the description of
the New-York specimen.

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 transyersely and irregularly oblong, anteriorly and
posteriorly emarginated ; less so, however, posteriorly : eight are subcircu-
lar. 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 composed of small blotches, but as intensely colored as in the
other series : they alternate with the dorsal ones : they have no regularity
either in outline or position. The second lateral row is composed 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 composed 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 scutellee, and alternating with the ad-
joining 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 yitta, 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. we

Beneath blackish brown, mixed with yéllow.

This species of rattlesnake has recently been added to the fauna of New-
York, in a communication by Mr. Joun GreBuarp, the able Curator of the
State Cabinet, in the Sixth Report of. the State Cabinet, as follows :

“The specimen in the State Cabinet was presented by the Hon. Levi
Fisk of the town of Byron, Genesee county, N.Y. Their habitat is a white-
cedar swamp in said town, containing an area of about one thousand acres.
During the summer season they leave the swamp, and go into the adjoining
fields of grain, where they remain till autumn, when they return to the swamp
and hibernate. They have not been observed at any other locality in this
State. The entire length of the specimen is two feet : it has 189 abdominal
plates, and 23 entire and 3 bifid under the tail, upon which there are only
three rattles remaining. Mr. Fisk states that one was killed last summer,
that had fourteen rattles, and was a little over two feet in length; which
may be considered as the maximum size of the species” (p. 22).

Crotalophorus tergeminus appears to be quite a northern species ; oc-
curring also in Northern Ohio, Hlinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and
on the plains probably to the base of the Rocky Mountains. In the south it
is replaced by C. mliarius ; and in Texas and Mexico, by the closely allied
C. consors and edwardsii. On the plains it is a frequent associate of the
burrowing owl (Athene hypogea) in the holes of the prairie dog, although
other species of rattlesnakes have the same habit.

Its powers of injury are considerably less than those of the Crotalus
durissus, being rarely sufficient to produce death in large animals. It is
generally found in dry ridges of the prairies; being distinguished in this
from the black massassauga, or Crotalophorus massasauga, KirtTLAND
(C. kirtlandii, Hous.), which usually inhabits the swampy grounds of
Northern Ohio. This latter species may be looked for, at some time or other,

in the western part of the State.

13

Genus ANCISTRODON, Beavv.

*
Grn. Cuar. <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 orbitals. Labials
excluded from the orbit \pethe presence of suborbital plates. Scales
carinated : rows 23 in nunftr. Subcaudal scutellze divided posteriorly.
Sometimes a small plate between the vertical and postfrontals. Habits

terrestrial.

Syn. Agkistrodon, Pau. DE Beauv. Trans. Amer. Phil. Soc. Philad.
1799, 381.

3. ANCISTRODON CONTORTRIX, B. & G.— Copperhead.

Spec. Coar. 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. 150, 40-+10, 28, 273, 33 (Ohio).

SYNONYMS.

Boa contortriz, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 273.— Gu. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. I. iii. 1788,
1082.

Agkistrodon mokason, Beauy. Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. Philad. IV. 1799, 380.

Scytalus cupreus, Rarin. Amer. Journ. Sci. I. 85.— Haru. Med. and Phys. Res.
1835, 130.

Trigonocephalus cenchris, Scut. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part descr. 1837, 558. Pl. xx.
fig. 10 and 11.

Trigonocephalus contortriz, Houser. N. Amer. Herp. II. 1888, 69, pl. xiv.; and
2d ed. IIT. 1842, 39, pl. viii — Dexay, N.Y. Fauna, III. 1842, 53, pl. ix. f. 18.

Agkistrodon cont rtrix, B.& G. Catal. N. Am. Serpents (1853), 17.

The copperhead snake is a vicious species, and its bite is equally to be
dreaded with that of the large rattlesnakes. The remedies for its bite are the
same. It rarely, however, attains the dimensions of the Crotalus durissus,
the largest specimen we have ever seen not exceeding three feet. Fortunately
it is at the present day comparatively rare throughout the United States ;
being, indeed, almost entirely exterminated in many localities where once
abundant. Its range is much the same as that of the northern rattlesnake,
and it is even found in Central Texas, where I have never known the Cro-
talus durissus to occur. It is abundant in Missouri and Louisiana. Like the

ra‘tlesnakes, and some other genera, the copperhead is ovo-viviparous.

14

Genus EUTASNIA, Barrp & Girarp.

GEN. Cuar. Body moderately stout in some species, slenderer in others.

Scales carinated. Skin very extensible. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior

9

orbitals 1; posterior, 3. Abdominalgycutellee all entire ; subcaudal,
divided. Dorsal rows of scales 19 — Ae Abdominal scutellee 140 —170;
subcaudal, 50 — 120. General color, three light stripes on a darker
ground : intervals with alternating or tessellated spots. Abdomen with-
out square blotches. Mostly terrestrial. Many of the species are ovo-

viviparous.

Syn. LEutainia, B. & G. Catal. N. Am. Serpents (1853), 24.

4, EUTANIA SAURITA, B. & G.— Ribbonsnake.

Spec. Cuar. Body very slender, elongated, Tail very long. Lateral stripe on the
third and fourth rows of scales : dorsal rows 19. Color above, light chocolate :;
three stripes of uniform yellow; below the lateral stripes, light brown. Abdomen
greenish white. On an average, the length of the tail is more than one-third the
total length. 156, 115, 19, 35, 124 ( Pennsylvania).

SYNONYMS.
Coluber saurita, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1766, 385— Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. I. iii.
1788, 1109.— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. 1825, 352.— Srorer,
Rep. Rept. Mass. 1889, 229.— Tuomps. Hist. of Verm. 1842, 115.
Leptophis sauritus, Horse. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 21, pl. iv— Drexay, N.Y.
Fauna, 1842, 47, pl. xi. fig..24.
Eutainia saurita, B.& G. Catal. N. Am. Serpents (1853), 24.

This slender and graceful serpent, as far as I know, is confined pretty
much to that portion of the United States east of the Mississippi, being in-
deed most abundant in the region of the Allegheny mountains. In the far west
it is replaced by E. proxima, and other allied species. It is generally found
near the edge of woods, and not unfrequently in or about the water, in which
it seems perfectly at home. It is unnecessary, perhaps, to say of this species,
what is perfectly true of all the New-York species except the rattlesnakes
and copperhead, that it is entirely harmless ; its bite, if it should inflict one,
being similar in its effects to the scratch or puncture of a pin.

15

5, Eurmnta strtauis, B. §- G.— Striped-snake. Gartersnake.

Spec. Coar. Body stout. Lateral stripe on the second and third lateral rows of
scales. Olivaceous brown above the lateral stripes, sometimes nearly black : be-
neath these, greenish white, Dorsal stripe narrow, encroached upon by the spots.
Lateral stripes not conspicnous. Two or three rows of small indistinct spots, often
not perceptible, especially the lower : about 70 from head to anus. 151, 80,
19, 21, 54 (New-York).

SYNONYMS.

Coluber sirtalis, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1766, 383.— Ga. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. I. iii.
1788, 1107.— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. 1827, 852.— Srorer,
Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 221.

Tropidonotus bipunctatus, Scun. Ess. Physiogn. Serp. Part. descr. 1827, 820.

Tropidonotus sirtalis, Houpr. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 41, pl. xi.

Tropidonotus tenia, Dexay, N. York Fauna, Rept. 1842, 48, pl. xiii. fig. 27.

ELulainia sirtalis, B.& G. Catal. N. Am. Serpents (1853), 30.

The well known gartersnake is perhaps more abundant in New-York than
any other species. Its distribution is very extensive, embracing the whole of
the United States east of the Mississippi. It is especially common in the
Adirondack region, where other species, except those of Storeria, seldom
occur. It is generally found near the water.

The gartersnake is ovo-viviparous, and gives birth to an almost incredible
number of young. Some years ago I killed a gravid female, on the Allegheny
river, at Foxburg ( Pa.), from which I took eighty-three young ones, six
inches in length each.

16

Genus NERODIA, Barry & GrirarpD.

Gen. Cuar. Body generally stout, and almost all the species attaming a
large size. Tail one-fifth or one-fourth of the total length. Scales cari-
nated. Cephalic plates normal. Anterior orbitals generally 1, occasional-
ly 2; posterior 3, occasionally 2. Last and sometimes penultimate
abdominal scutellee bifid ; subcaudal, all bifid oe divided. Dorsal rows
of scales 23 — 29. Abdominal scutellee 133 — 154 ; subcaudal, 66 — 80.
General color, three series of dark blotches on a lighter ground, some-
timest almost uniform brown or blackish. Abdomen unicolor or macu-

lated. Habits aquatic.

Syn. Nerodia, B. & G. 1. ¢. (1853), 38.

6. Neropia stpepon, B. §- G.— Watersnake.

Spec, Cuar. Head rather narrow, elongated. One anteorbital; three postorbitals.
Vertical plate smaller, and occipitals larger than in N. fasciata. Length of ver-
tical equal to commissural line of occipitals. Inframaxillary plates extending near
to posterior extremity of seventh lower labials. Dull brown, with narrow trans-
verse light bands margined with black. Dorsal rows 23. 142+1, 68, 28, 85, 83
( Penn.).

SYNONYMS.

Coluber sipedon, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1. 1766, 879.— Gu. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. I. iii.
1788, 1098.— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. V. 1827, 351.— Tuompes.
Hist. of Verm. 1842, 118.

Coluber pecilogaster, Max. Wirp. Reise Inn. Nord. Amer. I. 1839, 106.

Tropidonotus sipedon, House. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 29, pl.vi.— Dexay, N.
York Fauna, III. 1842, 42, pl. xiv. f. 31.

Nerodia sipedon, B. & G. 1. c. (1853), 38.

The watersnake is an abundant species, although, from living along the
edge of the water, and plunging in on the slightest alarm, it is net often
captured. It may sometimes be seen in large numbers, coiled together in some
bush overhanging a stream or pond.

This species has not a very extended range, being replaced in the Southern
States by the NV. fasciata, and in the far west by other species. It is, how-
ever, abundant from Massachusetts to Wisconsin, and as far south as Virginia

and Ohio.

17

Genus REGINA, Batrp & GIRARD.

Grn. CHar. Body slender. Tail subconical, very much tapering, formmg
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, occasionally 1 ; posterior 2, occasionally 3.
Last, and sometimes last but one abdominal scutellee bifid or divided.
Subcaudal scutelle all divided. Dorsal rows of scales 19 —- 21. Abdo-
minal scutella 132 — 162; subcaudal, 52 — 86. General color, five or
more longitudinal dark bands on a lighter ground. Abdomen unicolor,

or likewise provided with similar bands. Aquatic.

Syn. Regina, B. & G. 1. ¢. (18538), 45.

7. ReGina LEBERIS, B. §- G.— Yellowbellied-snake.

Srrec. Cuan. Chestnut-brown, with a lateral yellow band, and three narrow black
dorsal vittze. Abdomen yellowish, with four brown bands, two of which are la-
teral and two medial. Dorsal rows of scales 19, all carinated. 14442, 81, 19,
234, 6% ( Penn.).

SYNONYMS.

Coluber leberis, Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. x. I, 1766, 216.— Gu. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii.
I. iii. 1788, 1086.— Suaaw, Gen. Zool. IIT. iii. 1802, 438.

Coluber septemvittatus, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. TV. 1825, 240.—Hart.
Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. V. 1827, 355; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 118.

Tropidonotus leberis, Horse. N. Amer. Herp. IV. 1842, 49, pl. xiii— Drxay, N.
York Fauna, Rept. 1842, 45, pl. xi. f. 23.

Regina leberis, B. & G. 1. c. (1858), 45.

This species is quite as aquatic in its habits as the Nerodza szpedon. It is
generally found along the banks of shallow brooks, especially where the sides
and bed are covered by loose stones. It frequently occurs coiled up under
broad flat stones in shallow streams. Its range extends from New-York to
Wisconsin, and it is abundant in many parts of Pennsylvania and Ohio,
particularly in the mountains, although it has not yet been detected further
south.

18

Genus HETERODON, Pat. pe Bravy.

Gren. 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 completed above by
the superciliaries. Rostral prominent : its anterior face very broad, and
turned up ; its ridge above sharp. Behind it a median plate, either in
contact with the frontals or separated by small plates. Frontals in two
pairs : nasals two; loral one or two. Dorsal rows of scales 23 — 27,
carinated. Abdominal scutelle 125 — 150; posterior bifid. Subcaudal
scutellze all bifid.

Colors light, with dorsal and lateral darker blotches ; or else brown, with

dorsal transverse light bars : sometimes entirely black.

Syn. Heterodon, Pau. pe Bravy. in Latr. Hist. Nat. des Rept. IV.
1799.

8. HETERODON PLATYRHINOS, Lat7r.— Blowing Viper.

Spec. Cuar. Occipitals and verticals 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 dorsal blotches from head to anus, and 15 half-rings
on the tail. One or two lateral rows. Beneath yellowish. A dark band across the
forehead in front of the vertical, continued through the eye to the angle of the
mouth. 12941, 58, 25, 28, 6 ( Penn.).

SYNONYMS.

Coluber heterodon, Davp. Hist. Nat. Rept. VII. 1799, 153, pl. 1x. f. 28.— Say,
Amer. Journ. of Sc. I. 1818, 261— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. V.
1827, 357; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 120.

Heterodon platyrhinos, Larr. Hist. Nat. Rept. IV. 1799, 32, f. 1-3.— Horse.
N. Amer. Herp. IT. 1828, 97, pl. xxi.; and 2d ed. IV. 1842, 67, pl. xvii—
Dexay, N.Y. Fauna, III. 1842, 51, pl. xiii. f. 28.—B. & G. 1. c. (1853), 51.

This curiously formed snake, known as Hognose, Blowing Viper, Spreading
and Checkered Adder, etc., although supposed to be venomous, is perfectly

19

harmless and exceedingly inoffensive, notwithstanding its threatening ap-
pearance when flattening the head and body, and emitting a succession of
hisses, similar, on a very small scale, to an engine letting off steam. To those
familiar with the habits of this species in making these sibilant sounds, the
question mooted in the papers, some years since, appeared supremely ridicu-
lous, in view of the grave assertions to the contrary by some of the disputants.

It is found throughout the United States, though scarcely extending far
beyond the Missouri river.

Genus SCOTOPHIS, Batrp & Grrarp.

Gen. Cuar. Form colubrine. Body cylindrical, very long ; many indivi-
duals 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. Post-
orbitals 2 : anteorbitals 1, generally very large; the longitudinal ex-
tension of this, and of the postfrontals, preducing 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 scutella: 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 become enraged even when provoked.

Syn. Scotophis, B. & G. Le. (1853), 73.

9. Scoropnis aLLEGHANIENSIS, B. g G— Mountain Blacksnake.

Spec. Cuan. Vertical plate longer than broad. Posterior upper labial largest. Outer
7 rows of scales smooth : dorsal rows 27. Abdominal scutellz 235. Color black ;
below, mottled anteriorly with white. White edges to some scales, imparting an
appearance of dorsal and lateral blotches, especially in the young. 234+1, 86,
27, 594, 103 ( Penn.).

20

SYNONYMS-
Coluber alleghaniensis, Houser. N. Amer. Herp. I. 1836, 111, pl. xx.; and 2d ed~

III. 1842, 85, pl. xix.— Drexay, N.Y. Fauna, Rept. 1842, 36, pl. xii. f. 26.
Scotophis alleghaniensis, B. & G. 1. c- (1853), 73.

This species, usually confounded with the common blacksnake, may be
readily distinguished by the carination of the central dorsal rows of scales,
as well as by the exhibition of the white edges of the scales when these are
separated. It attains a very large size ; greater, perhaps, than any others in
this country, except Georgia cowperi, and the species of Pityophis. It is
much more sluggish than the true blacksnake, and not at all belligerent whem
provoked. It probably ascends trees in pursuit of food, as I have killed one
with a brood of five young jaybirds in its stomach.

It is by no means. a common species, although its range is quite extensive.

Genus OPHIBOLUS, Batrp & Grrarp.

Gen. Cuar. 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 perfectly smooth and
lustrous. Abdominal scutellze 180 — 220 ; posterior entire : subcaudal
all bifid. Head, short, depressed, but little wider than the body. Eyes
very small. Vertical plate very broad. Postorbitals 2; the lower in
notch between the fourth and fifth Iabials. One anteorbital, like the
loral, small. Nasals 2, with the nostril between them. Upper labials 7.

Ground-color black, brown or red, crossed by lighter intervals generally

bordered with black.

Syy. Ophibolus, B. & G. 1. e. (1853), 82.

10. OpxHIBoLUs GETuLUs, B. §- G.— Chainsnake.

Spec. Cuar. Black, crossed by about thirty narrow continuous yellow lines, which
bifurcate on the flanks; the very obtuse angles embracing on each side a series
of very much elongated patches, and, in fact, by the union of the branches with
each other, dividing the back into a succession of large black hexagons. 224,
48, 21, 303, 43 (S. Car.).

Qh

SYNONYMS.

Coluber getulus, Linn. Syst. Nat. 1.1766, 882.— Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. I. iii,
1788, 1106.— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. 1827, 858; and Med. &
Phys. Res. 1835, 122.— Pratr, Cont. Macl. Lyc. I. 1829, pi. v.— Dexay, N.
York Fauna, III. 1842, pl. x. f. 21.

Pseudoelaps getulus, Firz. N. Class. Rept. 1826, 56.

Coronella getula, Houser. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 95, pl. xxi.

Anguis annulatus, Catess. Nat. Hist. Carol. Il. 1748, 52, tab. lii.

Ophibolus getulus, B. & G. 1. c. 1853, 85.

The chainsnake is quite maritime in its northern distribution, being rarely
found in the Northern States except near the coast. It is occasionally seen in
Long Island, according to Dr. Dek ay, and mere frequently in Eastern New-
Jersey. It is quite abundant in the Southern States. I have no evidence of
its occurrence west of the Mississippi on the southern coast.

This species is sometimes called Kingsnake ; and is said to wage a deadly
warfare against the different species of rattlesnakes, killmg and devouring
them en every occasion.

11. QpurzoLus exrmivus, B. §- G.— Housesnake.

Spec. Coar. Grayish ash, with one dorsal series of upwards of fifty transversely
elliptical chocolate blotches, with two other alternating latera] series on each
side. 214, 54, 21, 403, 53 ( New-York).

SYNONYMS.
Coluber eximius, Dexay, ( MSS.) and N.Y. Fauna, Rept. 1842, 38, pl. xii. f. 25.

— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. 1827, 360; and Med. & Phys. Res.
1835, 123.— Storer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1889, 227.
Pseudoelaps Y, Bertu. Abhk. K. Ges. Wiss. Gott. I. 1848, 67, pl. i. f. 11 & 12.
Ophibolus eximius, B. & G. 1. e. 1853, 87.
Housesnake, Milksrake, Chickensnake, Thunder-and-lightning-snake.

The harmless milk- or housesnake, so well known from its habit of coming
into the vicinity of houses, is quite common in the Northern States. It only
occurs as far west as the Mississippi river. Its southern limit is uncertain,
from its having been confounded with the closely allied O. clerécus. B. & G.

22

Genus BASCANION, Batrp & Grirarp.

Gren. Cuar. Body slender, elongated : tail very long. Head narrow, deep,
long. Eyes very large. Postorbitals 2 : anterior 2; upper very large,
lower very small, in a notch between the second and third labials.
Fourth labial produced up behind the eye, to meet the lower postorbital.
Loral 1; nasals 2. Vertical much elongated and narrow, concave ex-
ternally. Dorsal rows of scales 17, all perfectly smooth and subhexago-
nal. Abdominal scutelle 170 — 200; posterior one divided : subcaudal
90 — 110, all bifid. Colors black or olive ; uniform above, lighter be-
low. Skin between the scales black. Young blotched.

Syn. Bascanion, B. & G. 1. ¢. 1853, 93.

12. Bascanron constrictor, B. §- G.— Blacksnake.

Spec. Cuar. Vertical diminishing for half its length, then parallel. Centre of eye
over the fourth labial. In the adult, color lustrous pitch-black; above and be-
neath greenish black, sometimes tinged with greenish white ; chin and throat
white. The young are olive, with rhomboidal dorsal blotches ; beneath greenish
white. 178+1, 93, 17, 404, 103 ( Penn.).

SYNONYMS.
Coluber constrictor, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1766, 385.— Gu. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii.

I. iii. 1788, 1109.— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. 1827, 348; and
Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 112.— Scut. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part. descr. 1837, 188,
pl. v. f. 83 and 4.— Srorer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 225.— Horpr. N. Amer.
Herp. IIT. 1842, 55, pl. xii— Tuomes. Hist. of Verm. 1842, 117.— DexKay, N.
York Fauna, Rept. 1842, 35, pl. x. f. 20.

Hierophis constrictor, Bonar. Fn. Ital. II. 1841, Art. Col. leopard.

Vipera niger, Carras. Nat. Hist. Carol. IT. 1743. 48, tab. xlviii.

Blacksnake, Kaum, Reise N. Amer. II. 1764, 202.— Penn. Arct. Zool. Suppl. I.
L792, 92:

Bascanion constrictor, B. & G. 1. c. 1858, 93.

The blacksnake, or blue racer, is well known to every one, from its abun-
dance and marked traits of character. It ranges over the whole United States

east of the Missouri river : how much further west it extends, is not yet
ascertained,

23

Genus CHLOROSOMA, Wasat.

Gen. Cuar. Head elongated, ovoidal, separated from the body by a slen-
der neck : snout protruding. Cephalic plates normal. One nasal plate,
with the nostril in the centre : one loral : one anteorbital ; two post-
orbitals. Kyes very large. Mouth deeply cleft. Tail slender, between }
and 4 of total length. Scales all perfectly smooth. Postabdominal scu-
tella bifid : subcaudal all bifid. Color uniform.

Syn. Chlorosoma, WaGu. Nat. Syst. der Amph. 1830, 185.

13. CHLOROSOMA VERNALIS, B. §- G.— Greensnake.

Spec. Cuar. Uniform green; darker above, lighter beneath. Dorsal scales in fifteen

rows. 138+1, 70, 15, 18, 54 ( New-York).
SYNONYMS.

Coluber vernalis, Dexay, MSS.— Haru. Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V. 1827,
861; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 124.— Srorrr, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 224.
— Horse. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 79, pl. xvii— Dexay, N. York Fauna,
Rept. 1842, 40, pl. xi. f. 22.— THomps. Hist. of Verm. 1842, 117.

Chlorosoma vernalis, B. & G. 1. c. 18538, 108.

This gentle and harmless species, which Dr. DeKay was the first to in-
troduce to the notice of the scientific world, is generally known as the green
or grass-snake. It is quite northern in its distribution, extending from Maine
to Wisconsin, and not hitherto found south of Virginia on the Atlantic coast.

24

Genus DIADOPHIS, Bairp & Grrarp.

Gen. Cuar. Head subelliptical, elongated, depressed, distinct from the
body. Cephalic plates normal. Two postorbitals, and two anteorbitals.
A well-developed loral. Two nasals ; nostril between. Eyes large. Mouth
deeply cleft. Body slender, subcylindrical : tail tapering. Scales smooth,
disposed in 15 or 17 rows. Postabdominal scutellze bifid : subcaudal
all divided. Unicolor above, and generally with a light ring on the

occipital region : abdomen lighter, unicolor or punctate.

Syn. Diadophis, B. & G. 1. c. 1853, 112.
|

14. Drapopuis punctatus, B. § G.— Ringnecked-snake.

Spec. Caar. A yellowish white occip‘tal ring. Body bluish black above; yellowish
orange beneath, with a medial series of spots, sometimes absent. Tail beneath
unicolor. Dorsal scales in 15 rows. Eye above the fourth and fifth upper labials.
148+-1, 53, 15, 133, 3 ( Penn.).

SYNONYMS.

Coluber punctatus, Linn. Syst. Nat. I. 1776, 376.— Gm. L. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii. I.
iii. 1788, 1089.— Hart. Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. V. 1827, 854; and Med.
& Phys. Res. 1835, 117.— Storer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 225.— Houser. N.
Amer. Herp. 2d ed. III. 1842, 81, pl. xviii Dexay, N.Y. Fauna, III. 1842,
39, pl. xiv. f. 29.

Spiletes punctatus, Swarns. Nat. Hist. of Fish. Amph. & Rept. II. 1839, 364. =;

Calamaria punctata, Scuu. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part. descr. 1837, 39.

Diadophis punctatus, B. & G. 1. c. 1853, 112.

This beautiful species is common in the mountainous districts of Penn-
sylvania and Virginia, and extends from Maine to Wisconsin, being also
widely distributed in the south. It is frequently found coiled up beneath flat
stones, and the fallen bark of logs, in which situations I have sometimes
found as many as twenty in a single day. In Texas, and the far west, it is

replaced by other allied species.

Genus CELUTA, Bartrp & Grirarp.

Gen. Cuar. Head elongated, subelliptical, continuous with the body.
Cephalic plates normal : vertical broad. Superciliaries very small. One
nasal : nostril in the middle. No anteorbital. Orbit formed chiefly by
the loral, which is large, and slightly by the postfrontals. Scales smooth.
Postabdominal scutellze bifid : subcaudals divided. Unicolor.

Differs from Brachyorrhos in having two pairs of frontals, and smooth scales.

Syn. Celuta, B. & G. 1. ¢. 1853, 129

15. CrLura ama@na, B. g- G.— Wormsnake.

Spec. CHar. Above uniform chestnut -brown, opalescent; light yellow (bright
salmon-color in life) beneath. Dorsal scales in 13 rows. 128+1, 80, 18, 113,
13 ( Penn.).

SYNONYMS.

Coluber amenus, Say, Journ. Acad. Nat. Se. Philad. IV. 1825, 287.— Harn.
Journ. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. V.1827, 355; and Med. & Phys. Res. 1835, 118.
— Srorer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 226.

Calamaria amena, Scuu. Ess. Phys. Serp. Part. descr. 1837, 31, pl. i. f. 19 & 20.
— Drexay, N.Y, Fauna, III. 1842, 49.

Brachyorrhos amenus, House. N. Amer. Herp. III. 1842, 115, pl. xxvii.

Celuta amena, B. & G. 1. c. 1858, 129.

This curious species resembles in general shape and exterior a large earth-
worm, more than any other of our serpents. The glistening exterior, the blunt
tail, the head smaller than the body, and the reddish color, all tend to heigh-
ten the similarity. It is found under dry logs and stones, particularly in
mountainous regions, rarely being seen abroad. It is sparingly distributed
throughout the United States east of the Missouri.

26

Genus STORERIA, Barrp & Grrarp.

GEN. Coan. Head subelliptical, distinct from the body. Cephalic plates
normal. Loral plate absent. Orbitals, two posterior, one or two ante-
rior. Nasals two, rather large. Body small, scarcely exceeding a foot in
length, subcylindrical : tail comparatively short, tapering. Dorsal scales
15 — 17 rows, all carinated. Abdominal scutella 120 — 140 ; posterior
one bifid : subcaudal, all divided, from 41 to 51 in number. Color

brown, with two dorsal dotted lines.

Syn. Storeria, B. & G. 1. ce. 1853, 185.

16. Sroreria DEKAYI, B. §- G.— Spotted-snake.

Spec. Cuar. One anterior and two posterior orbitals. Dorsal rows 17. Gray or
chestnut-brown above, with a clay-colored dorsal band margined by dotted
lines. A dark patch on each side of the occipital : a dark bar between this and
the eye, und two below the orbit. 128+1, 47, 17, 18, 23 ( New-York).

SYNONYMS.
Tropidonotus dekayi, Horse. N. Amer. Herp. IIT. 1842, 53, pl. xiv.— Drxay,
N.Y. Fauna, Rept. 1842, 46, pl. xiv. f. 30.
Tropidonotus ordinatus, Srorer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 228.
Storeria dekayi, B. & G. 1. c. 1858, 135.

This snake is exceedingly abundant in the Northern States, ranging from
Maine to Wisconsin, and south to Florida and Texas. Indeed no other species
has a more extended distribution. It is everywhere associated with the S.
occipito-maculata., In New-York, it is very abundant along the shores of

Lake Champlain.

17. SroreR1A occrpito-MACULATA, B. § G.

Spec. Cuar. Orbitals, two anterior,’two posterior. Dorsal scales in 15 rows. Above
gray or chestnut-brown, sometimes with a paler vertebral line : beneath red, or
salmon-color. Three distinct light-colored spots behind the head, and a smaller
one on the fourth or fifth upper labial. 124+-1, 48, 15, 9}, 19 ( New-York).

27

SYNONYMS.
Tropidonotus occipito-maculatus, Storer, Rep. Rept. Mass. 1839, 230. }
Coluber venustus, Hatnuow. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc. Philad. III. 1847, 274; and IV.

1849, 245.
Storeria occipito-maculata, B. & G. 1. ¢. 1853, 187.

Nostril almost entirely in the prenasal plate, in some cases the postnasal -
not entering at all into it. Five to six upper labials, increasing in length
posteriorly : lower labials six to seven, similarly constituted. Vertical plate
hexagonal, shield-shaped. Muzzle rather broad. Hyes larger than in S. dekayz.

Color above light chestnut-brown, sometimes chestnut-gray, at others
olivaceous. A paler vertebral line from occiput to end of tail, about three
scales in width. On each side of this may be seen a series of minute brown
spots, produced by the brown bases of the scales im the third row on each
side from the central series. Sometimes the brown covers the whole scale, and
gives rise to two dorsal lines : at others it is almost entirely wanting ; and
this, connected as it generally is with a less distinct vertebral band, gives the
impression of a uniform tint above. Upper margin of the exterior dorsal lines
brighter yellowish, giving the effect in some cases of a lateral narrow light
line. Abdomen, in life, salmon-color ; in alcohol, whitish yellow, with the
sides finely mottled with dark brown, sometimes obsoletely, at others con-
stituting very distinct bands : these generally do not encroach upon the
dorsal scales. Occasionally, however, the middle of the exterior row of scales
exhibits a dark stripe. Immediately behind the occipital plates, and on the
median line, is seen a dull salmon-colored blotch ; on each side of which, over
the angle of the jaws, is a similar smaller one : the intervals between these
blotches sometimes darker. A small salmon-colored spot on the fourth or fifth
upper labial, behind the orbit. Plates on the top of the head blotched with
darker. Lower jaw minutely dotted with brown.

DeEscrIPTION OF A LIVING SPECIMEN cAUGHT AT WestporT (N.Y.),
Aveust 1847.— “Iris dark chesnut, rather lighter above and externally.
General color above dull chestnut-brown. Attentively examined, however,
when wet, there is seen a faint dorsal stripe of lighter color, bordered by a
line on each side of darker, which fades off to the abdominal scutellze until
the color is the same as the dorsal line, or even lighter. Behind the head are
three light yellowish brown occipital spots. Whole under parts, except the
chin or throat, bright brick-red : chin and throat white, mottled finely with
gray and black like pepper and salt. An irregularly defined stripe of the same
mottling along the sides from head to anus, crossing the abdominal scutellee
near the outside.”

28

It is not a little remarkable that this beautiful serpent, with its striking
colors, its great abundance and extensive range, should so long have escaped
the notice of naturalists. It was entirely unknown to Dr. Hotproox, the
author of the great work on North-American Herpetology, as well as to Dr.
Dekay, by whom it was not, of course, included in the Fauna of New-York.
As already stated, my first acquaintance with it was through Dr. Avery J.
Sxiiton of Troy, who showed me a living specimen in the summer of 1847.
1 subsequently found it common on Lake Champlain, and have since seen
numerous specimens from all parts of the United States east of the Missouri
river. Associated everywhere with S. dekayz, it occurs in Texas, Louisiana,
Plorida, &c., apparently in as great abundance as further north, where it
extends from Maine to Wisconsin.

The first notice of this species was given by Dr. Storer, in the Report
of the Reptiles of Massachusetts, 1839, where it is described under the name
of Tropidonotus occipito-maculatus. A specimen from Lake Superior was
subsequently described as Coluber venustus by Dr. HALLOWELL. Hitherto
it has not formally been introduced as an inhabitant of New-York, although
in this State apparently reaching its maximum of abundance.

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