CAT thy Rhy Rates 2 i} Hi oY i ie ae a Heian Bah ets shah ie, rei shy 1] Set Nia By ae a tas. : a : ite wh my c yr ee i" a on ep the 7 ro a 7 7 ay arth a yi yy oy Hi 7 ago ros oar oi i; ‘ “ fury f us oA Waa? i. es TALUS ET Ce te) i , om - ; ! 7 * ‘ ‘ ' ' a I n ’ # I ee a THE REPTILES OF WESTERN NORTH AMERICA An Account of the Species Known to Inhabit CALIFORNIA AND OREGON, WASHINGTON, IDAHO, UTAH, NEVADA, ARIZONA, BRITISH COLUMBIA, SONORA and LOWER CALIFORNIA BY JOHN VAN DENBURGH With One Hundred and Twenty-eight Plates Volume II. Snakes and Turtles SAN FRANCISCO CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF SCIENCES NOVEMBER 23, 1922 To one largely responsible for its completion this book is dedicated June 25, 1922. GlOrN wi NTS VoitumeE II PAGE Suborder IT. Serpentes (Snakes) ____-____-__ eens PamilysGle PEPTOLyPHLOMIna. i Ole eee 624 DDre Sia PON Od OT saa ee — 624 humilis (Western Worm Snake)-_------_-____-___-_ ~ 625 Poses MUS COL9 AO NYO | na 627 dulcisa(Basternavv orm: onake)ie ss ee Se 628 aint lane es ON es eee eee tee ie oe ee 630 Zap To chani Ui aes meee teen oe Se 2 Bat SP ee 103.0. roscofuscam (Calatormias Boa) sean tee ee — 631 trivireatam (Sanh. Wucant (boa) == se eee eS — 636 2 Stamm Crary alge eee nts eB ee el et ee 638 botte bottem(RacthicyRubberronake) is) 2 a 638 utahensis (Great Basin Rubber Snake)... _ 642 HamilyelGus CouusRipm. 20. se ee 644 26. Diadophis SO EIS a Peet SF a _ 647 amabilis (Western Ring-neck Snake) --_..-_»______ — 648 repalism(conoranRing-neck Snake) 2222) ee 652 Zijmbleterodonwe es een ee Peer nt OS 4 nasicus (Western Hog-nose Snake)_____S =055 PHS, (Cte Wi ots ae ea a eee ed 0 pe _ 658 constrictor mormon (Western Yellow-bellied Racer) —..-.---_-.--_- 660 flagellum piceus (Western Whip Snake) .______»_-__ ese et anthonyi (Clarion Island Racer) Semilineatusm (sonoranRacer ee ee ee fateralisa (Calitomiawikacen) = ee ee _ 678 barbouri (Espiritu Santo Island Racer)________________-___--___ 681 auriguluss (Cape: canilimcas, Racer) == 683 teniatus teeniatusa (Western otriped» Racer) == = 685 618 CONTENTS PAGE 7D Sal Vad Orage eee ate geo, Se ee a _ 688 hexalepis (Western Patch-nosed Snake). _ 688 30 Phyllorhynchus;. 2 = et oe eee 692 browni (Brown’s Leaf-nosed Snake)--——------ 693 decurtatus (Lower California Leaf-nosed Snake)... ~ 695 Bim hia phes ges eee 697 rosalicn(Wellowronake)- == — 698 chlorosoman((Miexican) Green Snake) icc ee _ 700 Be ATIZ ON aie ee ee ee eee eee = #01 elegans: (Faded! Snake) = 28 ss eee AO, $3.) Pituophis: 2 a ee ee eee e705 catenifer cateniten \(CoastGophersonake) ee Sees = 707 heermanni (Valley (Gopher snake) = 7A annectens (San Diegan Gopher Snake) _------________ ee TAU) deserticola \(Desert;Gopher Snake) te 725 Steyjmeger ((Utan Gopherionake)) see ee 729 rutiins (Arizona’ Gopher Snake)= 7/33 vertebralis) (San Lucan Gopher Snake). = ee 13H 345 Lampropeltisy eos Se oe _ 740 triangulum gentilis' (Ringed King Snake)= es _ 743 pyromelana (Arizona? Kine Snake) = 2s ee ee 746 zonatan(Calitformia Kun py onake)) eee ee ee 748 getulus boyli (‘Boyle?s Milk, Snake) = eee ee 752 yumensis (Desert: Mirlki onake)) sss ThE conjuncta (San Lucan: Mak Snake) 2 — 760 splendida: (Sonoran): Malik Snake) Stee a ee ee 763 california (Califormia Malkiisnake) ee — 765 nitida (Lower California Milk Snake) -__..----..-------__--- _ 767 catalinensis (Catalina Island Milk Snake) _---------_ ==, 769) Bi Conn tia sere he ee eae oe a oc ER cee /7/\)) tenuis (Sharp-tailed onake)) ese e ese saeenerene eE 7 /7/)| 3 Ove Rebnimo chien] 11s pee eee ee a ce eee we ee eS) Tecontei, «(Mon g=nosed aonake)) eee ee — 774 5 7 esa 23 (oh 2 pee eae oe Dene ar AF ce Ee a oem ee LFA cana a(‘Pup-nosed Snake) == ee ee aT, CONTENTS 619 ee UEEIIEEIE EEE SIE EERE EEE RRRRREneneEnana PAGE 38): Hypsiplenay es ND ochrorhynchus ochrorhynchus (Spotted Night Snake).________ _ 780 BAU INE (a 90.¢. 205 i a ee 783 validas(Westernsyater snake) 222 = 784 AMO), PARE Cave eyo) SUE ac 787 sirtalis Parictalis) (Prairie; Garter onake) =e 792 concinnus (Northwestern Garter Snake) ---....--—-..___. ~ 795 infernalism((bacific Garter onake) === ae 1s 2 802 equess (Wihite-belliedy Garter!Snake) == 808 ordinoides ordinoides (Puget Garter Snake)_..-___E S82 atratuse((GoastyGartemonake) sees ee eee S817, elegans" (Mountain ‘Garter Snake) — 824 vapransii(vandering, Garter Snake) _ 829 biscutatus) (Klamath: (Garters onake)2 834 couchiin (Giant) Garter) Snake) =e _ $38 hammondii (California Garter Snake) -_-_»__ 843 marcianusmViarcysss Garten onake)eee see Ee 849 meralopsy(iMiexican, Garter Snake) 2 eo Se = $52 angustirostris (Brown-spotted Garter Snake)» 855 AN SONOT ayes seni ee ee a 858 Ooccipitalis:(iricolor™GroundSnake)= 2 859 semiannulata (Bicolor Ground Snake) -_...-_-_____-_ Damme _ 863 episcopa’ (Striped ‘Ground Snake)" 866 ADuEChilomeniscus ie ee ee eae ee — 868 cinctus;(banded@ Burrowing snake) ==. 2 869 punctatissimus (Island Burrowing Snake) _._-____-.-_____._ 872 stramineus (Dotted Burrowing Snake) —_______________--__ _ 874 PAS aM Ticary tit | ape este esas meee Lie VU Ee £875 elsenia(Calitormiay dian tilla) see 876 nigriceps (Sonoran Tantilla)——________-______________— — 878 planiceps (Lower California Tantilla)—___________- — 880 wilcoxi (Arizona Tantilla)____________________ 882 44, Trimorphodon -———___.______________— 884 lyrophanes (Lyre Snake) ——_-________________-—_-—_— 884 620 CONTENTS PAGE USE ebil bag (ane ey 27.22 (0), 0 gee seer weenie eopeetaaes. wht oot rr a merg.= 887 ASV GIGS a 888 euryxanthus (Sonoran ‘Corall Snake) eee 889 |e a oV hy gie EO TAR! iid 5} gy, gaa ne eee ees Nee re Saar Ps 891 AO olivid 1S: ee a tey placurts) (Bicolon: SeauSnake)) j= oe 892 Bamily 6s CROrAt ina 1. Stenostoma rubellum Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, 1883, p. 130 (type locality, Uvalde, Texas). Leptotyphlops dulcis StE}NEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1891, p. 501; CocKErELL, American Naturalist, Vol, XXX, April, 1896, p. 326; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 409; STEJNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 72. Glauconia dulcis Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 590; Boutencer, Cat. Snakes, Vol. I, 1893, p. 65; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 717, fig. 143; Brown, Proc. Acad. 23. LEPTOTYPHLOPS 629 Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 13; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 548; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 210; SrRECKER, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. XXI, 1908, p. 73; STRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVII, No. 4, 1915, p. 28. Glauconia dissecta Cope, Amer. Naturalist, 1896, p. 753 (type locality, silver mines at Lake Valley, southern New Mexico); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 716, fig. 142. Description——Body long and slender, with short, blunt tail bearing a small spine at its tip. Head small, continuous with neck, slightly depressed, with prominent rounded snout. Rostral plate strongly recurved on top of snout, and con- tinued back on lower surface of head to mouth. A large nasal plate extending to lip, divided behind, and sometimes in front of, nasal opening. Ocular plate reaching margin or lip between labial plates. Usually one labial behind ocular and one or two between it and nasal. Usually two large plates, parietal and occipital, behind ocular. Nasal, parietal, and occipital plates separated from corresponding plates on opposite side of head by a single series of small, rounded, imbricate scales on head behind rostral. Oculars separated from this central series by a pair of small supra- ocular plates. Infralabials four or five, similar to the small scales on the chin. Fourteen rows of strongly imbricate scales; ventral series often slightly enlarged. Preanal large, single. Caudal scales similar to those on body. The color above is reddish or grayish brown; reddish white below. Henpthintopaniise seers eret he sche ire Et 181 223 Henig thio tap tay] oriaes SE ei veh) Serie ws vtie ie ft 10 12 Distribution.—This little snake ranges from north-cen- tral, central and southern Texas south into Mexico and west across New Mexico and Arizona. Mr. Herbert Brown sent me a specimen which he had collected at Yuma, the most 630 12. BOIDZ western record. Professor Brown of the University of Arizona tola me that he had examined a specimen collected on the grounds of the Carnegie Desert Laboratory near Tucson, in 1911. Remarks.—This snake differs from Siagonodon humilis in the presence of supraocular plates. It is believed to be subterranean in its habits, and therefore is rare in collections. Family 12. BOIDA The belly is provided with a series of large plates. The head may be covered with either small scales or large plates. The eye is well-developed, with vertical pupil. Rudimentary pelvis and hind limbs are present, the latter usually showing externally as a small spur on each side of the anus. Both jaws bear teeth. The labial plates are without pits. Two genera of boas have been found in California. Synopsis OF GENERA a.—Head covered with small scales; tail not very blunt. Lichanura.—p. 630. a.—Head with large plates above; tail very blunt. Charina.—p. 638. Genus 24. Lichanura Lichanura Cops, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 304 (type, trivirgata); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 722. The head is slightly distinct from the neck, and is cov- ered with small scales. The nostril is between two plates, the anterior of which meets that of the opposite side on the median line. The scales on the body are smooth and nearly as wide as long. The urosteges and preanal plate are un- divided. The short tail is tapering, but ends in a rounded plate. The eye is moderately large with vertical pupil. Two species are known. 24. LICHANURA 631 SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES a.—Gastrosteges more numerous, about 220 to 243; longi- tudinal bands, when present, not dark chocolate or blackish brown and not in strong contrast with the ground color. L. roseofusca.—p. 631, a’..—Gastrosteges fewer than 220; light with dark brown longitudinal bands in strong contrast. L. trivirgata.—p. 636. 137. Lichanura roseofusca Cope CaLiFoRNIA Boa Plate 58 Lichanura roseofusca Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1868, p. 2 (type locality, northern Lower California); Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 43; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 65; SreyNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891, p- 514; Copg, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 591; VAN Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 138; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1896, p. 1006; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p- 152, fig.; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 724, fig. 146; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 14; GRIN- NELL & GrinnELL, Throop Inst. Bulletin, No. XXXV, 1907, p. 37, fig. 13; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 211; Van DENnBuRGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1912, 151; Arsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p. 41; VAN Densurcu & SLevIN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 410; RuTHLING, Copeia, No. 15, 1915; GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 177; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 73; Cowxes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 63; Wricut, Copeia, 1921, No. 95, p. 35; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 52; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 130. Lichanura myriolepis Cop, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1868, p. 2 (type locality, northern Lower California); Core, Bull. U. S. 632 12. BOIDA Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 43; Core, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 65; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XII, 1889, p- 98; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1891, p. 512-515. Charina trivirgata Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 131 (part); BoutencEr, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. 1, 1893, p. 129 (part). Lichanura orcutti STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XII, 1889, p- 96, fig. 1 (type locality, Colorado Desert, San Diego County, California); Sreynecer, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. VI, No. 46, 1889, p. 83; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891, P- 513-515; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 592; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 726, fig. 147; Werner, Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, Vol. 87, 1921, Abt. A, Heft 7, p. 260. Lichanura simplex SYEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XII, 1889, Pp. 97, fig. 2 (type locality, San Diego, Cal.) Lichanura trivirgata Werner, Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, Vol. 87, 1921, Abt. A, Heft 7, p. 259 (part). Description.—Top of head nearly flat, covered with small smooth scales. Snout long, with a more or less prominent high rostral plate. Superior labials 13 or 14, high anter- iorly, but with tips sometimes cut off and appearing as small scales below loreals. Inferior labials 15 to 17. Loreals usually three, but their number not at all constant. About seven to 10 scales encircling eye. Scales on body smooth, imbricate, nearly as wide as long, and arranged in from 35 to 43 longitudinal rows, lowest row on each side formed of larger scales. Gastrosteges narrow, varying in number from 220 to 242. Urosteges varying in number from 38 to 48; in a single series. Spurs small, but easily seen at each side a little in front of anus. The color above is light bluish or brownish gray or deep drab, with or without three more or less indefinite reddish or yellowish brown longitudinal bands. The middle one of these bands originates between the eyes, while the others arise on the temples. All or none of these bands may extend Oc. Papers, Can. Acab. Sct., VoL. X | Van DeNBURGH PLATE 58 Cal ifornia Boa Maricopa County, May, 1912 Arizona, Aguila, Collected near 24. LICHANURA 633 to or along the tail. The lower surfaces are yellowish white, more or less spotted or blotched with brown or gray. Length tosanus = = 3.70 518 695 765 860 870 enath op, tales re 48 66 90 80 117 110 Distribution.—The original specimens of this snake were collected in northern Lower California by William M. Gabb. I have examined a specimen taken at Ensenada, Lower California, on June 8, 1893. Thence the species ranges north through southern California and east to western Arizona. A dried specimen found by Mr. Slevin on Mejia Island, in the Gulf of California, seems to belong to this species. In Arizona, it has been secured only in the Harqua Halla Mountains in northwestern Maricopa County, but has been seen also in the Harcuver Range in northeastern Yuma County. In California, it has been collected in the Providence Mountains in the northeastern part of San Bernardino County, and in the Colorado Desert, San Diego County. Most of the records are from regions nearer to the coast, where it has been taken in Los Angeles (Mt. Wilson, Arroyo Seco, Sierra Madre at 1900 and 2500 feet, Eaton Canyon near Pasadena, San Gabriel Mountains at 1700 feet, mouth of San Gabriel River near Azusa, Claremont), San Bern- ardino (east of Victorville, Cucamonga Canyon San Gabriel Mountains, San Bernardino Mountains, Live Oak Canyon near Redlands), Riverside (Banning, Gavilan, San Jacinto, San Jacinto Mountains near Cabazon, Palm Canyon at 3,000 feet, desert seven miles south of Palm Springs), and San Diego (San Diego, Witch Creek, Dulzura, Bonsall), coun- ties. 634 12. BOIDE Habvits—Grinnell and Grinnell say: “During a camping trip the last week in March, 1906, at the mouth of the San Gabriel, our field party secured no less than four boas along the rocky southern base of the hills and at the mouth of Fish Canyon, a tributary of the San Gabriel River. “One was discovered during a driving rain. It was crawl- ing in the open canyon bed near the margin of a torrent. And this seems to be characteristic of this species, that it comes out in cloudy weather or else frequents shady places. Its movements are slow. When picked up it winds tightly about one’s arm or else coils up in an intricate knot. Hence one boy who had seen the species before called it the “rub- ber snake.” Atsatt records one as found trying to swallow a mouse. (Peromyscus) which had been caught in a trap. The snake had wrapped its body about the mouse whose head it had taken into its mouth. When disturbed it crawled slowly away, and upon being gently struck on the head, coiled up in a ball with the head hidden within the coils. Mr. A. H. Wright, states that “It might be of interest to note the food reactions of a California boa in captivity. The literature of the life-history of this species is somewhat scanty. The captive was taken, Dec. 16, 1917, in the desert, seven miles south of Palm Springs, San Bernardino Co., California, by Dr. J. Chester Bradley. He kept it as a pet until the following May when it was shipped to me at Ith- aca, N. Y. During the period of Dec. 1917-May, 1918, it fed on nothing. With us it began the same career and fasted. Flies, spiders, various insects, and worms were offered but not accepted. “In midsummer we placed in its cage a house mouse. Later the same day we discovered the mouse had been killed. It had apparently been seized between the eyes but not eaten. Ina few days we captured a live white-foot mouse 24. LICHANURA 635 and placed it with the snake. Almost instantly it began to be active. The snake deliberate normally became animated. Soon it seized the mouse on the side of the body. Then it began to coil itself about the animal. When the prey was sufficiently held by the coils the snake released its mouth hold and felt along the body and head until it seized the mouse between the eyes as in the house mouse. Then it began to crush the creature with its coils. But this mouse it also did not eat. In either case it was not the size which was responsible for the non-completion of the process, as was later revealed. “Our main objective was to make it feed. In two nesting boxes were young English sparrows of which we wished to dispose. We placed one in the cage. Instantly the snake seized it by the body, coiled about it, released mouth hold, sought the head, began crushing with coils and finally began swallowing the bird quite rapidly for a snake. There were practically no feathers on the bird. Thereafter it ate young English sparrows. It usually went through the process we have described, a truly constrictor habit. Rarely, however, it would seize the bird by leg or head and swallow it at once with no coiling about the bird at all. Is its natural habit feeding on young birds of the desert? “As a pet I consider it the finest native snake of the states. It is gentle, never bites, is clean and glossy of skin, coils into a ball or up the arm and is a beautifully patterned snake. This individual was befriended by the whole neighborhood of children.” 636 - 12. BOIDE 138. Lichanura trivirgata Cope San Lucan Boa Lichanura trivirgata Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 304 (type locality, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California); Jan, Iconogr. Génér. Oph., 2e livr., 1865, pp. 69, 70; Corr, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, pp. 43, 93; Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Rep- tiles, 8e livr., 1882, p. 514; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 142; Bepinc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, p. 98; Cops, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 65; STEJ- NEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1889, p. 98, fig. 3; STEJNEGER, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1891, pp. 512, 514, 515; Cope, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., 1891 (1892), p. 591; BouLencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 129 (part); Van Denpurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. V, 1895, p. 137; VAN Densurcu, Proc. Am. Philos. Soc., Vol. XX XVII, No. 157, 1898, p. 141; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 723; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 211; SreynecerR & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p- 73; VAN DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 52; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115; Werner, Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, Vol. 87, 1921, Abt. A, Heft 7, p. 259 (part); TERRon, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, p. 164. Charina trivirgata Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 8, 131; GaRMAN, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. XVI, No. 1, pry22s Description.—Top of head nearly flat, covered with small smooth scales. Snout long, high, broadly rounded, with prominent, broad high, recurved rostral. Superior la- bials 14 or 15, high anteriorly, but with tips sometimes cut off and appearing as subloreals. Loreals usually two or three. A series of scales encircle eye. Scales on body smooth, in 40 or 41 rows, laterals a little larger. Gastrosteges nar- row, varying in number from 240 to 241, at least. Anal not divided. Urosteges in a single series of about 44. The diameter of the eye is about one-third the distance from the orbit to end snout. The color above is yellowish or brownish gray with 24. LICHANURA 637 three deep reddish or blackish brown longitudinal bands in strong contrast with the ground color. These bands extend from the snout to the end of the tail. In the type specimen the median dark band was about four scales wide, the two lateral bands about five scales wide, and the stripe of ground color between them was about three and a half scales wide. The belly and lower sides are whitish, irregularly speckled or blotched with dark brown. A living specimen was colored as follows: The head is pure drab-gray with markings of seal-brown above, uniform whitish below. On the body the ground color above is rich drab-gray, with a slight creamy cast, separating three long- itudinal stripes of very dark seal-brown. The belly and sides are creamy white, irregularly dotted and blotched with seal-brown, Length to anus Tengthiioteitaile tic Serer eee 96 101 Distribution.—This species apparently is confined to the Cape Region of Lower California. Mr. Xantus obtained the original specimens in swamps among the mountains near Cape San Lucas. Mr. Belding secured an individual near La Paz. Mr. F. Billa sent me one collected near San José del Cabo. It has been collected near Santa Anita. Flabits—The snake of this species which I had alive for some time was very gentle, and rather slow in its move- ments. It had the curious habit, often shown by Charina and Lichanura roseofusca, of coiling itself into a compact mass or ball when disturbed. 638 12. BOIDZ Genus 25. Charina Charina Gray, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., 1849, p. 113 (type, dotte). Wenona Bairp & Girarp, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1852, p. 176. Pseudoeryx Jan, Arch. f. Nat., 1862, p. 242 (type, dotte). The head is not, or is very slightly, distinct from the neck, and is provided with irregular large plates above. The nostril is between two plates. The scales on the body are smooth, small, imbricate, and about as long as wide. The urosteges and preanal plate are undivided. The tail is short, very blunt, ending in a large, rounded plate. The eye is small, with vertical pupil. SYNOPSIS OF SUBSPECIES a.—Scales usually in more than 41 rows. C. b. botta.—p. 638. a.—Scales in 41 rows. C. b. utahensis.—p. 642. 139. Charina bottz bottz (Blainville) Paciric RuBBerR SNAKE Plate 59 Tortrix botte BuainvitLe, Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat., Vol. IV, 1835, p- 289, pl. XXVI, fig. 1-1b (type locality, California). Charina botte Gray, Cat. Spec. Snakes Brit. Mus., 1849, p. 113; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. I, 1875, p. 43; Bocourr, Miss. Sci. au Mex., 8e livr., 1882, p. 511; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 7; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 64; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, p. 181; Cope, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 592; Van Denspurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 1543 McLarn, Critical Notes, 1899, p. 11; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 728, figs. 148, 149, 150; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 15; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p- 211, pl. LXIV; RicHarpson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 48, 1915, p. 426; Dice, Univ. Cal. Publs. Zool., Vol. 16, No. 17, 1916, Pp. 314, 319; GrinneLt & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, 25. CHARINA 639 No. 10, 1917, p. 177; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 74 (part); Werner, Archiv fur Natur- geschichte, Vol. 87, 1921, Abt. A, Heft 7, p. 260. Wenona isabella Barrp & Grrarp, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1852, p- 176 (type locality, Puget Sound); Barro & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p. 140; Grrarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., 1858, p. 113, Atlas, pl. VII, figs. 8-14; Lorp, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. II, 1866, p. 305. Wenona plumbea Bairp & Girarn, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1852, p- 176 (type locality, Puget Sound); Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Reptiles, Pt. I, 1853, p. 139; Girarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p. 112, Atlas, pl. VII, figs. 1-7; Barrp, Rep. Pacific R. R. Surv., 1859, p. 11; Cooper, Rep. Pacific R. R. Surv., Vol. XII, Pt. HI, 1860, p. 303; Jan, Elenco syst. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 21; Jan & Sorvetui, Iconogr. génér, des Ophid., 3e livr., 1864, pl. II, fig. 2, text, 1865, p. 69; Lorp, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. II, 1866, p. 305; Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Rept., 8e livr., 1882, p. 512, pl. XXX, figs. 7-7c. Charina plumbea Cort, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 305; YaR- row & Hensuaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers, for 1878, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 217; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 142; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, pp. 21, 23; Townsenp, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. X, 1887, p. 240; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, p. 181; STEyNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 203. Pseudoeryx botte Jan, Elenco syst. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 21; Jan & Sor- DELLI, Iconogr. génér. des Ophid., 3e livr., 1864, pl. II, fig. 1, text 1865, p. 67. Charina botte var. plumbea Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 131. Charina brachyops Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XI, 1888, p. 88, pl. XXXVI, figs. 2a-2f (type locality, Point Reyes, Cal.); Srry- NEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, p. 181; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 592; BouLeNnceER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 131; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 727; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 15; Werner, Archiv fur Naturgeschichte, Vol. 87, 1921, Abt. A, Heft 7, p. 260. Charina botte botte VAN Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. 3, 1920, pp. 31, 32; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 28, 36. 640 12. BOIDE Description —Top of head very slightly rounded, cov- ered with plates which often differ greatly in size, shape and number in different individuals. Rostral plate very large. Between it and broad frontal are two or three pairs of plates: anterior nasal, internasal and prefrontal. Labial and pre- frontal plates sometimes entering orbital ring. A single loreal usually present, but sometimes two or none. Supralabials eight to 11, often nine, the anterior ones usually very high, but, like all the headplates, subject to much variation. Infralabials nine to 13, usually 11. Scales on body smooth, imbricate, about as wide as long, and arranged in from 41 to 49 longitudinal rows; lowest row on each side formed of larger scales. Gastrosteges narrow, varying in number from 192 to 218. Urosteges varying in number from 27 to 40, usually all single, but sometimes a few divided. Anal spurs small but distinct. Tail very short and nearly as blunt as head. All the upper and lateral surfaces are grayish, yellowish or greenish brown, without dark or light markings. The chin and throat are sometimes clouded with gray or brown. The rest of the lower surface is yellowish white. Four young, from Placer County, are dull buff both above and below. Length to anus..-.---.. 193 238 356 408 482 Se) Length of tail... 26 31 47 58 58 (fe) Remarks.——In one specimen from Red Point, Placer County, and one from Fyffe, El Dorado County, California, the scales are in 41 rows. Other specimens from these local- ities have 43 rows. All other specimens from California, Nevada, Oregon, and Washington, of which I have records have more than 41 rows of scales. Thus of 47 specimens from these states 15 have 43 rows, 20 have 45, six have 47, and six have 49 rows. Oc. Papers, Cat. Acap. Scr., VoL. X [Van DenpuRGH Pirate 59 August, 1912 fornia, >, Pacific Rubber Snake Collected at Rio Campo, 25. CHARINA 641 Distribution.—The Rubber Snake, or Two-headed Snake as it is often called because of its blunt tail, is not rare in the moister portions of California, Oregon, Washington, and western Nevada. It usually is found in or near coniferous woods. In California, it seems to be restricted to the coast region and the Sierra Nevada and has not been found south of Tulare County. It has been taken in Siskiyou (near Mount Shasta), Lassen (south base of Mount Lassen, Eagle Lake), Nevada (Donner Lake), Placer (Red Point, Summit Soda Springs, Cisco, Tahoe City), El Dorado (Strawberry Valley, Fyffe, Mount Tallac, Fallen Leaf Lake), Calaveras (Moke- lumne Hill), Mariposa (Yosemite Valley), Fresno (Fresno, Huntington Lake), Tulare (Redwood Canyon East Fork Kaweah River), Humboldt (Humboldt Bay), Trinity (Cof- fee Creek), Mendocino (Comptche), Sonoma (Russian River near Rio Campo), Marin (Point Reyes, three miles west from Inverness, Sausalito, Mt. Tamalpais), Alameda (Berkeley, Temescal, Oakland), San Francisco (Presidio), San Mateo (Halfmoon Bay), Santa Clara (Palo Alto, Black Mountain), Santa Cruz (Big Basin, Santa Cruz, So- quel), and Monterey (Carmel), counties. In Nevada, it has been secured on the Humboldt River, at the big Bend of the Truckee River, and in Ormsby County and at Glenbrook, Douglas County. In Oregon, it has been taken in Lake (Summer Lake), Douglas (Drain), Lane (Blue River, McKenzie Bridge), Marion (Salem), and Clackamas (Milwaukee), counties, and in the Upper Willamette Valley between Portland and Salem, the John Day Valley, and at Bourne. Specimens have also been collected in Baker County, and near Wallowa Lake, Wallowa County, but I do not know whether they are of this subspecies or C. bott@ utahensis. In Washington, it has been secured in King (Seattle), 642 12. BOIDZ Pierce (Fort Steilacoom), Chelan (Lucerne), Yakima Bumping Lake at 3,300 feet), Whitman (Pullman), and Columbia (Blue Mountains), counties. Those from the last two localities may possibly be C. otte utahensis. In British Columbia, it has been collected in Lillooet River Valley. Lord records it from Vancouver Island, the woods along the bank of the Chelukweyuk River, and the Sumass and Chelukweyuk prairies. Habits—This little snake is most abundant in moist places, such as are found in the redwood forests of the Coast Range. It is slow of movement, and very gentle. When handled, it usually ties itself into a curious ball-like knot often with the head hidden and the tail held as though it were the head, which it much resembles. Like Lichanura, it never tries to defend itself by biting. A female caught in June contained large eggs. A specimen from Carmel had eaten six young mice. It regurgitated four of these when handled, but soon swallowed one again. Cope records one of these snakes captured in the act of swallowing a blue- bellied lizard, and Mr. Slevin found one which had eaten two of these lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis occidentalis). 140. Charina botte utahensis Van Denburgh Great Bastin RuBBER SNAKE Plate 60 Charina botte Van DenBuRGH & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, No. 4, 1915, p. 106; SreyNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 74 (part); ORTENBURGER, Copeia, 1921, No. 100, p. 84 (?). Charina botte utahensis VAN DeENBURGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 10, No. 3, 1920, p. 31 (type locality, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Wasatch Mountains, Wasatch County, Utah); Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 40, 44. 60 < (uu [ei Surppoy ‘auner ‘ye YJUNOY YOURSE A SEM tURL) POON UT UL pajoe Py) UISeg JVotL) “SISMay DI] 1q DULADY ") Z. ry & = - SIF 44S IIIS SO AIFG AAS PEGA Jf J Pa V IAN SS IID IE & Oc. Papers, Cau. Acap. Sc1., Vou. X 25. CHARINA 643 Description—Top of head very slightly rounded, covered with plates which vary in size, shape and relations. Usually a large frontal, bordered on each side by two supra- oculars and behind by a broad crescent-shaped plate. Usually three pairs of plates, with or without one or more small azygous plates, between frontal and rostral. Loreals vari- able. Labial plates sometimes entering orbital ring, anterior labials very high. Scales on body smooth, imbricate, about as wide as long, and arranged in 41 (or perhaps 43) longi- tudinal rows, lowest row in each side being formed of larger scales. Gastrosteges rather narrow and ranging in number from 202 to 210. Urosteges in one series of from 33 to 39. Anal spurs small. Tail very short and nearly as blunt as head. All the upper surfaces are yellowish brown or olive, without dark or light markings. The chin and throat usually are clouded with gray or brown. The other lower surfaces are light yellow. Tengtht tocannsses ee Z13 392 455 480 535 Men pth'sofeitai) secre eee 28 61 59 60 70 Remarks.—This subspecies differs from C. 4. botte in the number of scale-rows. These are 41 in eight specimens from Utah and three from Idaho. One specimen from Cody, Bighorn County, Wyoming, and another from Chico, Park County, Montana probably should be referred to this sub- species, although each has 43 rows of scales. Distribution—In Utah, this boa has been found in Wasatch (Little Cottonwood and Provo canyons in the Wa- satch Mountains), Cache (12 miles up Logan Canyon), and Salt Lake (Fort Douglas) counties. In Idaho, it probably is this subspecies which has been collected at Blue Lake and in Hood’s Valley, Kootenai 644 12. BOIDH—13. COLUBRIDZ County, at Hope, Bonner County, and on Fish Haven Creek, Bear Lake County. Habits.—Like the Pacific Boa, this snake has the habit of pretending that its very blunt tail is its head. This is well shown in the photograph of a living specimen (Plate 60), where the end of the tail, held somewhat elevated and protected by the coils of the snake, might easily be mistaken for a head and perhaps save the real head from attack. These snakes thus merit the popular name Two-headed Snake. Family 13. COLUBRID/E This family contains a large number of snakes in which the belly is covered with a series of large plates; the head plates are large and more or less regular; the eye is always well-developed, but its pupil may be either round or ellip- tical; there are no rudiments of limbs or pelvis; both jaws are toothed, without poison-fangs near the front of the mouth. Snakes of western North America have been referred to 19 genera belonging to this family. These may be identified by the following Synopsis oF GENERA a.—Scales smooth. b.—Anal plate divided; urosteges in two series. c.—Loreal plate absent. d.—Anterior nasal united with internasal, sometimes meeting its mate on top of the snout; rostral prominent, greatly depressed; scales in 13 rows. Chilomeniscus.—p. 868. d’—Internasal distinct, anterior nasal not extending onto top of head; rostral not depressed. e.—Rostral not turned up at tip; scales in 15 rows. Tantilla—p. 875. 13. COLUBRID 645 e.—Rostral turned up at tip; scales in 17 rows. Ficimia.—p. 777. c’.—Loreal plate present. dd.—Pupil round. ee.—Rostral not free at edges. ff.—Normally one anterior temporal; urosteges fewer than 75; scales in 15 or 17 rows. g.—No narrow light transverse nuchal collar; fourth infralabial usually largest; preocular normally single and temporals 1+2. h.—Snout more or less depressed; each gastro- stege not marked with a transverse blackish bar. Sonora.—p.858. h’.—Snout high; each gastrostege with a narrow transverse blackish bar. Contia.—p. 770. g.—A narrow light transverse nuchal collar; fifth infralabial usually largest; preoculars normally two, and temporals 1+1. Diadophis.—p. 647. ff’.—Anterior temporals normally more than one; urosteges more than 75; scales in 15 or more rows; no single narrow nuchal collar. gg.—Scales in fewer than 23 rows; gastrosteges fewer than 240. Coluber.—p. 658. gg.—Scales in more than 30 rows; gastrosteges more than 240. Elaphe.—p.697. ee.—Rostral large, with free lateral edges; colora- tion in longitudinal bands. Salvadora.—p. 688. dd’—Pupil vertically elliptical. 646 13. COLUBRIDZ eee.—Rostral very large, with free lateral edges; coloration in spots, and blotches. Phyllorhynchus.—p. 692. eee .—Rostral normal, without free edges; colora- tion in blotches. fff.—-Gastrosteges fewer than 200. Hypsiglena.—p.779. fff'.—Gastrosteges more than 200. Trimorphodon.—p. 884. b’.—Anal plate single. cc.—Urosteges in one series (at least anteriorly). Snout protruding; coloration in cross-bands. Rhinocheilus.—p. 773. cc .—Urosteges in two series. ddd.—Scales in 21 to 23 rows; loreal nearly as high as long; rostral not protruding; coloration in rings, blotches, or lines. Lampropeltis.—p. 740. ddd’.—Scales in 27 to 31 rows; loreal elongate; rostral prominent; coloration in blotches. Arizona.—p. 701. a’.—Dorsal scales keeled. Laterals keeled or smooth; urosteges in two series. bb.—Anal plate single. ccc.—Prefrontals normally four (often two); scales in 27 to 35 rows, several of the lower usually smooth; no longitudinal lines. Pituophis.—p.705. ccc.—Prefrontals two; scales in 17 to 23 rows; not more than three smooth; usually with longitudinal lines, sometimes spotted or unicolor. Thamnophis.—p. 787. bb’.—Anal plate divided. cccc.—Pupil round; rostral not free at edges. 26. DIADOPHIS 647 dddd.—Rostral normal; scales in not more than 21 rows. Natrix.—p.783. dddd’.—Rostral produced and turned up at tip; scales in more than 21 rows. Heterodon.—p. 654. ceccc.—Pupil vertical; rostral with free edges; scales in 19 rows. Phyllorhynchus.—p. 692. Genus 26. Diadophis Diadophis Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p. 112 (type, punctatus); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 743. The body is slender, with long, tapering tail, and slight constriction at neck. The head is flat-topped, with broad, rounded snout. Its plates are normal. The nasal plates very rarely unite above the nostril. There are two pre- oculars and two postoculars. Temporals are 1+1. A loreal is present. The scales are smooth, in 15 or 17 rows, each with one apical pit. The anal plate is divided, and the urosteges are in two series. The eye is moderately large, with round pupil. Synopsis oF SPECIES a.—Scales usually in 15 rows, sometimes 17; smaller; gastrosteges 182 to 212. D. amabilis.—p. 648. a.—Scales in 17 rows; larger; gastrosteges 212 to 237. D. regalis.—p. 652. 648 13. COLUBRID 141. Diadophis amabilis Baird & Girard WESTERN RING-NECK SNAKE Plate 61 Diadophis amabilis Bairp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Ser- pents, 1853, p. 113 (type locality, San Jose, Cal.); Barrp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, Pt. III, pl. XXXII, figs. 83; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 164, figs.; Cope, Report, U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 746 (part); Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 70 (part); GRINNELL & GrinnELt, Throop Institute Bulletin, No. XX XV, 1907, p. 38; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 337; Grinnett, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 5, No. 1, 1908, p. 164; Hurrer, First Ann. Rep. Laguna Marine Lab., 1912, p. 67; Arsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p- 41; RuTuiinc, Copeia, No. 15, 1915; GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 184; STEJ- NEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 75; Cowes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool. Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; SrepHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64. Diadophis pulchellus Bairpv & Grirarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p. 115 (type locality, El Dorado Co., Cal.); Barrp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, Pt. II, pl. XXXIII, figs. 85, and Pt. IV, No. 4, p. 11; SrEyNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 203. Ablabes punctatus (pulchellus) Hattowe.t, U. S. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, Pt. IV, No. 1, p. 24. Diadophis punctatus pulchellus Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p- 250; Jan, Elenco syst. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 49; Jan, Iconogr. génér Ophid., se livr., 1866, pl. VI, fig. 3; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, p. 27; Townsenp, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 10, 1887, p. 239. Diadophis punctatus Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1870, p. 71. Diadophis punctatus amabilis Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 37 (part); Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, 1883, p. 159; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., 24, 1883, p. 95 (part); Townsenp, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 1887, p. 239. Diadophis modestus Bocourt, Miss. Sci. Mex., 1886, p. 623 (type locality , California). 26. DIADOPHIS 649 Diadophis amabilis pulchellus Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891 (1892), p. 616; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, P- 747, fig. 157. Diadophis amabilis amabilis Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891 (1892), p. 616; Cope, Report U.S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, P- 749, fig. 160. Coronella amabilis BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p- 207 (part). Description—Top of head flattened posteriorly, curv- ing slightly downward to the broad, rounded snout. Rostral plate large, broader than high, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a short, broad frontal between two supraoculars, and a pair of long parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals normally distinct, rarely united above nostril. Loreal small and nearly square. Preoculars and postoculars two each. Temporals one followed by one. Seven (rarely eight) superior and eight (rarely seven) inferior labials, sixth (or seventh) upper and fifth (or fourth) lower largest, third and fourth (rarely fourth and fifth) superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, anterior very slightly, if at all, larger than post- erior pair. Scales on body smooth, in 15 or sometimes 17 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 182 to 212. Urosteges in two series of from 44 to 72. Tail tapering ending in a pointed conical plate. The color above is olive, brownish, greenish, bluish, or blackish slate, or gray, minutely reticulated, but without definite markings, except a light collar across the neck just behind the head. This collar may be white, yellow, or uni- color with the belly, and is often edged with black or slate. It covers from one and one-half to three transverse rows of scales. The upper part of the head is usually a darker shade of the color of the back. The upper labials are partly 650 13. COLUBRIDEZ white or yellow. The lower surfaces, including none, one- half, one, one and one-half, or two rows of scales, are white, yellow, rose,* orange, lake,* or coral red—brightest post- eriorly—more or less spotted with black at the posterior edges of the gastrosteges and urosteges and under the head. mength) tohanus = 137 166 270 Sis}s) 366 420 Length of tail... 32 40 68 66 101 92 Remarks.—Of seven specimens from southern Califor- nia six have 17 and one 15 rows of scales. All other speci- mens have 15 rows except a series from Carmel, Monterey County. From this locality we have 14 specimens, of which 11 have 17 and three 15 rows. Specimens from more northern localities usually have 15 rows of scales. If this difference in the number of scale-rows is shown by larger series it will be necessary to divide this species into northern and southern subspecies. The northern form would then be known as D. amabilis amabilis (type locality, San Jose, California). The southern subspecies may be called Diado- phis amabilis modestus. Distribution—The Western Ring-neck or “Red- bellied” Snake, lives in all parts of California except the desert area and the hot interior valleys. It ranges north across Oregon, where it has been taken in the Willamette Valley, and west of Hood River, and at Fort Dalles, but I believe, has not been found in any other state. It occurs in northern Lower California. In California, it has been found in Shasta (Baird on the McCloud River), Butte (Chambers Ravine near Oroville), El Dorado, Mariposa (Mariposa, Varian, Yosemite Valley), Fresno (Fresno probably in mountains), Tulare (Redstone Park, Springville, Colony Mull, Sequoia National Park), *In formalin, 61 ane) 1) Iv.) yt ly Wasa AA ¢ PEL a SS) if 4 al ES Be audi Ae Zi ° acm cae a 4 x Sas thea SNe ARR Ac AD. OCI., Vou. Papers, Cau. Os; 26. DIADOPHIS 651 Kern (Tejon Pass), Mendocino (Ukiah), Lake (Highland Springs), Napa (Calistoga, Mount Veder), Solano (three miles west from Vacaville), Sonoma (Healdsburg, Sonoma, Petaluma, Monte Rio, Skaggs Springs), Marin (Lagunitas, Manzanita, Mill Valley, Mount Tamalpais), Contra Costa (Mount Diablo, Christy, Redwood Canyon), Alameda (Berkeley, Oakland, East Oakland), San Mateo (Redwood City), Santa Clara (Palo Alto, San Jose, Los Gatos), Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, Soquel Creek), Monterey (Carmel), Santa Barbara (Los Alamos), Los Angeles (Arroyo Seco Canyon, Glendora, Sierra Madre, Claremont, Santa Cata- lina Island), San Bernardino (San Bernardino, Colton, On- tario, Santa Ana Canyon at 6,400 feet, San Bernardino Mts. at 4,000 and 5,500 feet), Riverside (Strawberry Val- ley at 5,500 feet in the San Jacinto Mts., Alessandro), Orange (Laguna Beach), and San Diego (San Diego, be- tween Carlsbad and Oceanside, Poway, Witch Creek), counties. In Lower California, this snake has been taken at San Matios Pass near the northern end of the San Pedro Martir Mountains, and on San Martin Island. Habits.—Diadophis amabilis is most often found under boards or logs in moist localities, sometimes even in salt marshes. One specimen had eaten a half-grown tree- toad (Hyla regilla). Nothing is known of its breeding habits. Grinnell & Grinnell say it is fairly common in the canyons and hills of Los Angeles County. They found it, in August, feeding on the young of H/y/a, and, in spring, coiled up in cavities under rocks. Regarding one captured June 9, 1906, Grinnell states (1908): “When thoroughly alarmed and its escape into the bush for which it headed was prevented, the snake twisted its tail into a tight cork- 652 13. COLUBRIDZ screw, the vermillion urostegial surface outermost. This caudal contrivance shown out with conspicuous brilliancy, and might have some protective significance as a warning mark.” 142. Diadophis regalis Baird & Girard SonorAN RING-NECKED SNAKE Diadophis regalis Bairp & G1rarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p. 115 (type locality, Sonora, Mexico); Bairp, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, pl. 22, pl. XIX, fig. 2; Barrp, Rep. Pacific R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, pl. XXXIII, fig. 86; Coves, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 623; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No.1, 1875, p. 38; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 73, 159; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 97; CockreRELL, American Nat- uralist, Vol. XXX, April, 1896, p. 326; Cops, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 615 (part); Wan Densurou, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 347; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 744 (part); Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Ig0I, p. 70; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p- 151; Branson, Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. II, No. 13, 1904, p- 407 (part); Barrey, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp. 28, 35) 45; STRECKER, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. XXI, 1908, p- 73; Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p. 231; Extis & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. tor, pl. IV, figs. 21, 22; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 415; STRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 37; STEYNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 76. Diadophis pulchellus Yarrow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p- 538. Diadophis punctatus amabilis Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 96 (part). Diadophis arnyi Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 96 (part). Diadophis punctatus regalis Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p- 80. Diadophis regalis regalis Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 615; Cope, Report U.S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 744, fig. 155. 26. DIADOPHIS 653 Coronella regalis Boutencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p- 208. Diadophis regalis arnyi Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p- 745, fig. 156 (part). Diadophis punctatus Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 338 (part). Description—Top of head flattened posteriorly, curv- ing slightly downward to the broad, rounded snout. Rostral rather large, much broader than high, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a rather short, broad frontal, two rather narrow supraoculars, and a pair of large, long parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct or united above nostril. One loreal, small and nearly square. Preoculars two, rarely one. Postoculars two. Temporals usually one followed by one, sometimes 1+2. Supralabials normally seven, rarely eight, the fifth and sixth usually largest, the third and fourth normally reaching eye. Infralabials usually eight or nine, the first pair meeting on the midline. Genials in two pairs, the posterior shorter. Scales on body smooth, in 17 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges in the type and Arizonan speci- mens varying in number from 212 to 237. Urosteges in two series of from 58 to 72. The body is unicolor, greenish or grayish brown, usually with, but sometimes without, a light transverse collar on the neck. The head is brownish or olive above. The labials are lighter, marked with dark brown or black. The lower surfaces and the outer row of scales are whitish, yellow, orange or red, often with black spots on the head, first row of scales, and gastrosteges. lengthy: toy anusseeewueen ech eee 470 578 620 en gth ofa tar eecmeaees er tench se 100 79 119 Distribution—The Sonoran Ring-necked Snake has 654 13. COLUBRIDZ been found in Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, and ranges south over the tableland of Mexico to the state of Vera Cruz. In Arizona, it has been collected near Camp Apache, Navajo County; Camp Grant, Graham County; Fort Lowell and Sabino Canyon, Pima County; Fort Huachuca, and Ramsey and Miller canyons in the Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County; Otero, Sycamore, and Baboquivari canyons in the Baboquivari Mountains, Pima County; and Fort Mohave, Mohave County. The last locality is so far from the others as to make one suspect that the specimen may have been secured at some distance from the old fort. This species has been recorded from “Utah.” The National Museum has a specimen labeled Santa Magdalena, Sonora. Habits——The specimen from Ramsey Canyon was found just before dusk, July 29, 1912, as it was entering a hole by the side of a fence post. It contained a fine large Tan- tilla wilcoxi which it must have just eaten. This Diadophis is the largest species of the genus. Genus 27. Heterodon Heterodon LatTrEILLe, Hist. Nat. Rept., Vol. 4, 1802, p. 32 (type, platirhinos==contortrix); BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 153; Cops, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p- 760. The body is rather thick, with short tail and little if any constriction at neck which is capable of lateral expansion by the ribs. The snout is short, with large, prominent, recurved rostral. The upper head plates are normal except that small plates are often present between the rostral and frontal, either between the internasals and prefrontals or substituted for them. The nasal plates are distinct. Loreals are pre- sent. A ring of scales surrounds the eye separating it from 27. HETERODON 655 the labials. Temporals numerous. The scales are keeled, with two apical pits. The anal plate is divided. The urosteges are in two series. The eye is of moderate size, with round pupil. The dentition is dicranterian. There are four North American species, of which one occurs in Arizona. 143. Heterodon nasicus Baird & Girard WEsTERN Hoc-NosE SNAKE Plate 62 Heterodon nasicus Bairpv & Girarp, Stansbury’s Exp. Surv. Great Salt Lake, 1852, p. 352 (type locality, Texas); Barrp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p. 63 (type from Rio Grande); HacioweE.t, Sitgreaves’ Exped. Zufii and Colorado Riv., 1853, p- 147; Barrp & Girarp, Marcy’s Exp. Red River, 1854, p. 193, pl. 4, Ha iowELt, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, p. 249; Bairp, Rep. Pacific R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, p. 19, 41; Barrp, U. S. Mexican Bound. Surv., Vol. II, Rept., 1859, p. 18, pl. XI, fig. 1; Haypen, Trans. Am. Philos. Soc., 1862, p. 177; JAN, Elenco Syst. degli Ofidi., 1863, p. 46; Jan & Sorpe wu, Iconogr. Génér. Ophid., toe livr., 1865, Pl. V, fig. 1; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 307; ALLEN, Proc. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist., 1874, p. 69; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 644; BouLencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. Il, 1894, p. 156; Cocxereiti, Amer. Nat., Vol. XXX, 1896, p. 326; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 90; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 5513 Branson, Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. I, No. 13, 1904, p. 376, fig. 10; Battey, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp. 28, 35, 453 Moztey, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., Vol. VI, reprint, 1906, p. 343 Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 384, pl. CXV; Extis & HENDER- son, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 95, pl. VI; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, P- 393; STRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 41; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p- 77; RutHven, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, No. 66, 1919, p. 2. Heterodon kennerlyi Kennicort, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 336 (type locality, Rio Grande & Sonora); Jan & SorveELLI, Iconogr. Génér. Ophid., roe livr., Pl. V, fig. 2. Heterodon simus nasicus Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 433 Yarrow, Surv. W. tooth Meridian, Vol. V, 1875, p. 555; Cougs, 656 13. COLUBRIDAZ Surv. W. rooth Meridian, Vol. V, 1875, p. 611; Coues & Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terrs., Vol. IV, 1878, p. 270; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 141; Taytor, Ann. Rep. Nebr. State Board Agricult. for 1891, 1892, p. 349; Cracin, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., Vol. VII, reprint, 1906, p. 115. Heterodon simus kennerlyi Cours & Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terrs., Vol. IV, 1878, p. 271; YaRRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 141. Heterodon nasicus kennerlyi Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 773. Heterodon nasicus nasicus Cork, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 645; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 774, fig. 168. Description——Head short, little distinct from neck, rather broad, with elongate, recurved rostral. Eye moder- ately small. Tail short. Rostral large, produced forward and upward, bounded behind by first labial, anterior nasal, and a number of small plates representing the internasals. Plates on top of head are from nine to twenty-five small scutes representing the internasals and prefrontals, a frontal, a pair of supraoculars, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. Usually two or three small loreals. Preoculars and postoculars numerous, joined by a series of suboculars which separate eye from labials; about 10 or 11 scales around eye. Temporals small, numerous, about four in first row. Supralabials usually eight, very high, sixth and seventh largest. Infralabials about 10 or 11, rarely 12, third usually largest, first pair meeting on median line. Gen- ials in one pair, or posterior very small. Scales on body in 23 rows, keeled except in outer rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 128 to 150. Uroste- ges in two series of from 32 to 47. The color above is grayish brown, yellowish gray, or yellow, dorsally. Along the back is a series of dark blotches. These are rather small, often shorter than broad, subquadrate or rounded, more or less indistinctly margined PLATE Acap. Scr., VoL. X [Van Denpurcu | Papers, CAL. Oc. BUuOZLLy “Aquno,) ISIOO.) “SULB|U Iebau 4313] payoea[oo a[Rulay Woapy _— 27. HETERODON 657 with black, and may number about forty on the body and ten on the tail. These blotches may be nearly obsolete. On the sides are from two to four series of alternating dark spots, more or less distinct. The lower surface is yellowish white with black blotches on the gastrosteges, which usually are entirely black centrally, as are the urosteges. The head is light brown above with a narrow light streak across the frontal and supraocular plates. A second similar but less distinct streak just behind the rostral extends down in front of the eye. There are three dark blotches on the nape and an oblique one behind the eye. A living snake of this species, from Arizona, was colored as follows: The color above is a dull brownish yellow. The dark markings on the head and the lower series of lateral spots are olive brown. The dorsal blotches and the upper lateral series are dark brown with black spots on the bases of some of the scales. The chin, gular region, the tips of the gastrosteges and the edges of the lateral scales are white. The centers of the scales of the lowest lateral row are pinkish brown. The upper labials are pale straw yel- low. The lower surfaces of body and tail are marbled with deep lemon yellow and black. The iris is reddish brown. The tongue is black. Length to anus_..___ =165 267 455 470 533 532 Length of; tail == 532 38 100 63 76 100 Distribution—This snake occurs from southwestern Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska, west to Montana and south to Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and northern Mexico. Baird and Girard (1853) recorded one as having been collected in California by Dr. William Gambel. This specimen probably was mislabeled. In Arizona this species has been collected at Fort Whipple, at White River Canyon, at Min- eral Springs, Sulphur Spring Valley, Wilcox, and in “South- ern Arizona.” We recently secured a specimen from the 658 13. COLUBRIDA flat opposite Ramsey Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County. The National Museum has a specimen labeled “Son- ora.” Genus 28. Coluber Coluber Linnzus, Syst. Nat., Ed. 10, Vol. I, 1785, p. 216 (type, constrictor). Bascanion Bairv & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p- 93 (type, constrictor). Masticophis Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p- 98 (type, orvatus). The body is very long and slender, with long whip-like tail. The head is distinct from the neck, large, long, with flattened top and rounded snout. Its plates are normal. The nasal plates are not united. There are two (rarely one) preoculars and two postoculars. Temporals are normally 2+2. A loreal is present. The scales are smooth, in 15, 17 or 19 rows, usually with two (0-3) apical pits. The anal plate normally is divided (rarely undivided in C. flag- ellum flagellum and its western subspecies). Urosteges are in two series. The eye is very large, with round pupil. Four species are known to be Californian. Young of the first two are blotched, of the others, striped. Three of these species range into other western states and the fourth into Lower California. A fifth species lives in the Cape Region of Lower California, a sixth occurs from south- eastern Arizona south into Mexico, and a seventh is confined to Clarion Island. SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES a.—Scales in seventeen rows. b.—No distinct longitudinal light lines in adults. c.—Gastrosteges fewer than 185; urosteges not more than 102. Coluber constrictor mormon.—p. 660. 28. COLUBER 659 c’.—Gastrosteges more than 185; urosteges not fewer than 93. d.—Not from Clarion Island. Coluber flagellum piceus.—p. 664, d’.—Clarion Island only. Coluber anthonyi.—p. 673. b’.—Distinct longitudinal lines present on sides of body, no dark cross-bars on back of neck. cc.—Two lateral light stripes anteriorly, not continued to tail; lateral scales of second, third, and often first, rows with central brown lines; gastrosteges 196 to 207, urosteges 128 to 138. C. semilineatus.—p. 675. cc.—A single light yellow or white line along scales of third and fourth lateral rows; lateral scales without central brown lines. dd.—Lateral light line not broken anteriorly. e.—Lateral light line yellowish, of uniform width from neck to tail; dark markings present on lips, chin and throat. C. lateralis.—p. 678. e.—Lateral light line pure white, with slight en- largements at intervals of from four to seven scales; no dark markings on lips, chin and throat. C. barbouri.—p. 681. dd’—Lateral light line yellowish, broken up anteri- orly, absent or indefinite posteriorly. C. aurigulus-—p. 683. a'.—Scales in fifteen rows. C. t. taniatus.—685. 660 13. COLUBRIDE 144. Coluber constrictor mormon (Baird & Girard) WESTERN YELLOW-BELLIED RACER Plate 63 Coluber mormon Bairp & Girarp, Stansbury’s Expl. Great Salt Lake, Appendix C, Rept., 1852, p. 351 (type locality, Valley of the Great Salt Lake, Utah). Masticophis mormon Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p. 101; SreyNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p- 208. Bascanion vetustus Barrp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p. 97 (type locality, San Jose, Calif.); Grrarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p. 127, pl. VIII, figs. 12-19; Bairp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, No. 4, 1859, p. 11; Bairp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, pl. 36, fig. 6; Cooper, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. XII, 1859, pt. 2, p. 301; Lorp, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. II, 1866, pp. 3, 304; SreyneceR, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 5, 1891, p. IIo. Bascanium flaviventris Cope, Ann. Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv. Terrs., 1871, (1872), p. 468. Bascanium constrictor flaviventris YARRow & Hensuaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 213; YaRRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 110; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 147 (part); Nexrson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115. Coryphodon constrictor vetustum Jan, Elenco Sist. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 64; Jan, Iconogr. Génér. des Ophid. 22e livr., pl. 4, figs. 1-2. Bascanium constrictor vetustum Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 40; YARRow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 541; TOWNSEND, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. X, 1887, p. 240. Bascanion constrictor vetustum Van DeENnBURGH, Occas. Papers, Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 183, figs.; McLarn, Critical Notes, 1899, p- 11; Grinnett & Grinnett, Throop Institute Bulletin, No. XXXV, 1907, p. 43; Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p- 231; Ricuarpson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 48, 1915, p. 4273 Ruruven & Gaice, Occas. Papers, Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich., No. 8, 1915, p. 29; WAN DenBurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sct., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, 1915, p. 107; Dice, Univ. Cal. Publs. Zool., Vol. 16, No. 17, 1916, pp. 310, 312. 28. COLUBER 661 Bascanium constrictor Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891 (1892), p. 624 (part). Zamenis constrictor BOULENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p- 387 (part); Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 1900, p. 791 (part). Zamenis constrictor flaviventris Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 285 pl. LXXXIX, fig. 2; Ruruiine, Copeia, No. 15, 1915. Coluber constrictor vetustus GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 189; Cowes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; SrepHENs, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64. Coluber constrictor flaviventris STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 79 (part); BLANcHARD, Copeia, 1921, No. go, p. 6. ’ Coluber constrictor mormon Van DeENBuRGH & SLeEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 28, 36, 40, 44. Description.—Head rather long, with flattened top and and rounded snout. Rostral plate large, about as high as wide, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head, a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, supraocular and part of upper preocular of each side, long frontal, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals dis- tinct. Loreal well-developed. Preoculars normally two, but sometimes united. Postoculars two, upper a little larger than lower. Temporals normally two followed by two, but may be 2+3, 1+2, 2+1, or 1+1. Seven or eight su- perior and eight, nine, or seven inferior labials, next to last of upper and fifth (or fourth) of lower largest, third and fourth or fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, equal or either pair a little larger. Scales on body smooth, in 17 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 162 to 181. Urosteges in two series of from AIvtoi 102: The color above in adults is green, olive, or yellowish 662 13. COLUBRID or reddish brown, changing to green (or blue) on the lower rows of scales and the tips of the gastrosteges. There are no dark or light markings but the skin between the scales is often black. The head and tail are unicolor with the body. The lower surfaces are yellow or, rarely, white, unspotted. Young are colored like adults on the tail and the poste- rior part of the back, but anteriorly are spotted, blotched or cross-barred with brown of a shade darker than the ground- color. These dark markings spread and blend until the adult coloration is assumed. Dark spots are present also on the tips of the gastrosteges and sides of the head. Length to anus._..._---. 203 314 526 626 636 647 Length of tail__.__. — 64 103 196 217 192 209 Distribution—The Western Yellow-bellied or “Blue” Racer ranges over the whole length of California, but, I believe, has never been taken in the desert regions of the southeast. It occurs also in Oregon, Washington, British Columbia, Idaho, Nevada, and Utah. In California, it has been collected in San Diego (Agua Caliente at 3,400 feet) San Bernardino, Los Angeles, (be- tween Bixby and Signal Hill, Claremont), Santa Barbara (Santa Cruz Island), Kern (Fort Tejon, Kernville), Fresno, Mariposa (Yosemite Valley, three miles northeast from Coulterville), El Dorado (Fyffe, 5,000 feet), Placer (Red Point), Lassen (Honey Lake), Butte (Chamber’s Ra- vine near Oroville, four miles southeast from Chico), Yolo (Rumsey), Monterey (Monterey, Carmel), Santa Cruz (Soquel, Glenwood), Santa Clara (Los Gatos, San Jose, Palo Alto, Stanford University, Searsville Summit), San Mateo (Pescadero, Woodside), San Francisco, (Golden Gate Park), Alameda, (San Leandro, Berkeley), Contra Costa (Crockett, San Pablo Creek), Marin (Muir Woods, Mill Valley, Sausalito, Camp Taylor), Solano (three miles 63 PLATE [Van DenpurcH| X ACAD. Sc Tay VoL. Papers, Cat. Oc. ] “A lw.) Ue 7A ‘SuleyUu JOY P!|[2q-Mo| [9A W718 4 IN u 7M ‘UOAURD ¢ Ta ”, P LIC WOMAOM LOJ MVAISUOD 4aqgn jor) 28. COLUBER 663 west from Vacaville), Napa (two miles southwest from Napa), Sonoma (Freestone, Healdsburg, Camp Meeker, Skaggs Springs, Monte Rio, Nine miles west from Caza- dero), Mendocino (three miles west from the summit of Mount Sanhedrin, three miles west from Castle Peak, Co- vello, Willits, Comptche), Humboldt (Garberville), Shasta (McCloud River, Sweet Briar Camp), Siskiyou (Sisson, Lower Klamath Lake), Modoc (Alturas, Goose Lake Meadows, Sugar Hill, Dry Creek and Parker Creek in the Warner Mountains), and Lassen (Grasshopper Lake, Honey Lake) counties. In Oregon, it has been secured at Warner Lakes, Che- waucan Valley, Summer Lake, ten miles south from Paisley, all in Lake County; at Fort Klamath and Klamath Falls, Klamath County; Grants Pass, Josephine County; at Drain and in the Camas Mountains, Douglas County; Elmira, Lane County; seven miles south from Independence, Polk County; Antelope and The Dalles, Wasco County; Elgin, Union County; and in the Williamette Valley, Kuwapin Valley, and near the John Day River. In Washington, it has been collected in Whatcom (Su- mas), Pierce (Fort Steilacoom), Chelan (Chelan), Klicki- tat (Lyle), Yakima (North Yakima), Walla Walla (Fort Walla Walla), Whitman (Almota), Lincoln (Sprague), and Stevens (Springdale), counties. Lord records it from Sumas and Chelukweyuk prairies and from the boundary line east of the Cascades. In Idaho, this racer has been collected near Coeur d’ Alene, Kootenai County; Boise, Ada County; near Atlanta, Elmore County; Big Butte, Butte County; the mouth of the Bruneau River, Owyhee County; and Upper Salmon Falls, Gooding County. Utah specimens are at hand from Fort Douglas, Salt Take County; Provo Canyon, Wasatch Mountains, Wasatch 664 13. COLUBRIDE County; Ogden, Weber County; and Bountiful, Davis County. Nevada records are Ruby Mountains, and the vicinity of Carlin, Elko County; the Cortez Range, Eureka County; Holbrook, Douglas County; Ormsby County; and Wads- worth, Washoe County. Remarks.—The fact that more than half the specimens from west of the Rocky Mountains have eight labials while those from farther east usually have seven causes us to con- tinue to regard them as distinct subspecies. Habits——Like other members of its genus, the western Yellow-bellied Racer is a skillful climber, and often runs through the tops of the bushes at almost as great a speed as when upon the ground. It is frequently found, how- ever, in open country or in fields of growing grain, the grassy margins of rivers, or moist meadows. It is a very graceful, gentle snake. Lord says, “Its favourite haunt appears to be in the thin brush skirting the edges of open prairie land, and the prin- cipal part of its time in the summer appears to be passed in the bushes, up the stems of which it climbs with great ease and celerity; when there, it lazily basks away its time coiled round a branch. I suspect tree frogs and insect larve con- stitute its usual food.” 145. Coluber flagellum piceus (Cope) WESTERN WHIP SNAKE Plates 64, 65 and 66 Herpetodryas flavigularis HALLOWELL, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, p. 12; HEERMANN, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, Pp: 24: Masticophis testaceus Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, pp. 305, 912. Drymobius testaceus, Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1870, pp. 68, 76. 28. COLUBER 665 Bascanium flagelliforme piceum Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 40; Cope in Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 617; Yarrow & Hensuaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 214. Bascanium flagelliforme testaceum Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 40; YARRow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 542; Coves, Surv. W. 1ooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 617; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 112 (part); Cope, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1885, p. 284; BeLtpinc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, 1887, p. 89; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 71; Dumérit et Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Pt. III, Rept., p. 705, pl. XLVIII, figs. 4, 4a. Coluber flagelliformis testaceus GARMAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 148 (part). Bascanium testaceum Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, pp. 11, 29, 32. ’ Bascanium laterale, Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XII, 1889, p. 147. Bascanium piceum, Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 625 (type locality, Camp Grant, Arizona). Bascanium flagelliforme Cort, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 625 (part). Zamenis flagelliformis BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p- 389 (part). Bascanion flagellum frenatum SteEyJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p- 208 (type locality, Mountain Spring, Colorado Desert, San Diego County, California); Van Dernsurcu, Proc. Cal., Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 147; Van Densurau, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 347; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., No. V, 1897, p. 186; VAN Densurcu, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1897, p. 463; McLain, Critical Notes, 1899, p. 11; STEJNEGER, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 155; GrinnELL & GrinnELL, Throop Institute Bulletin, No. XXXV, 1907, p. 43; RurHven, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p. 575; Van Densuray, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1912, p. 154; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 416; Arsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p. 42; RicHarpson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 48, 1915, p. 427; Van DensurGH & SteEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, 1915, p. 100; Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 17, 1916, p. 532. 666 13. COLUBRIDZ Zamenis lateralis fuliginosus Core, Amer. Naturalist, Vol. XXIX, 1895, p- 679 (type locality, Santa Margarita Island, Lower Calif- ornia, Mexico); Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p- 809. Bascanion piceum Van DENBURGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1896, p. 1006; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 347; Rutuven, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p- 574; Van DensBurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 416. Zamenis flagellum Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 323. Zamenis flagellum flagellum Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 799 (part); TeRron, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient., Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, pp. 165, 170. Zamenis flagellum frenatus Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., rgor, p- 60. Bascanium flagellum MEEK, Field Columbian Mus., Zool. Ser., Vol. VII, No. 1, 1906, p. I5. Zamenis flagelliformis frenatus Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 288. Zamenis flagelliformis piceus Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 288. Bascanion flagellum Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p. 231. Bascanion laterale fuliginosum Van DensBurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 4, 1914, pp. 133, 145. Zamenis flagelliformus frenatus Rutuuinc, Copeia, No. 15, 1915. Coluber flagellum frenatus GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p- 190; Cowxes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, pp. 65, 66; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64. Coluber flagellum piceus STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 79; VAN DenBurcH & S tevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 28, 36, 52, 64. Description.—Head rather long, with flattened top, and narrow rounded snout. Rostral plate large, high, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of inter- nasals, a pair of prefrontals, supraocular and part of upper preocular of each side, a long frontal, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. Loreal well developed. Preoculars normally two, but sometimes 64 PLATE [Van DenpurGu | CL6l ‘ouny ‘BrusojIPR) “AyUNO, OSel] uRy ‘oduUIR,) IBe8U pajJoal[OO sy_eUL YNpYW Jaovy pey Jo ayvug dit 12 M UIOISA AA “sna nd win pjasoif 49QN105) 28. COLUBER 667 united. Postoculars two, upper a little larger, very rarely united. Temporals normally two followed by two, but rarely 2+1, 1+2, 2+3, or 1+1. Eight or nine (rarely seven or 10, superior and 10 or 11, or rarely eight or nine, inferior labials, seventh or eighth upper and fifth lower largest, fourth and fifth or fifth and sixth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior pair a little larger. Scales on body smooth, in 17 rows. Anal plate almost always divided, rarely entire. Gastrosteges varying in number from 188 to 213. Uros- teges in two series of from 99 to 128. Third, fourth and fifth urosteges of one specimen not divided. The general color is whitish, grayish, ochraceous, brown- ish, straw yellow, or black, usually lightest at the edges of the scales, often spotted with brown or black at their tips or bases. Across the nape are several (3 to 7) brownish or blackish bands, often more or less blended. Faint indica- tions of longitudinal lines may sometimes be seen along the sides. The lower surfaces are pale yellow or white more or less spotted anteriorly with black, gray, brown, or yellow. These spots usually form one row along each side of the anterior gastrosteges. Young are more or less distinctly cross-barred above with gray, brown or black, and show a light line or blotch along the side of the face. The latter mark is often re- tained by adults. Ruthven describes the color of a specimen from Tucson, Arizona, as follows: “Above, except for a short distance anteriorly, the color is yellowish brown, relieved by small, mostly concealed bars of whitish that margin each scale on either side of the base. On the anterior half of the body, the base of nearly every scale is black, although the light lines are still present, occa- sionally being of a pinkish tint. On the neck the light marks 668 13. COLUBRID tend to break up the ground color into cross bands, but only five or six of these are distinct, the anterior four being near- ly solid black. On either side of the belly there is a series of blotches similar in color to the dorsal surface, except anteriorly where they are black. Between this series of gas- trostegeal spots and the first row of scales, which also has the color of the dorsal surface, is a white line that includes the tips of the gastrosteges and the lower edge of the first row of dorsal scales. Similarly the light marks on the bases of the scales of the first and second rows are somewhat bet- ter developed than those above, which also results in the appearance of a narrow light longitudinal line, but this is very indefinite. The top of the head is light brown, the sides considerably variegated with yellow. The belly is light yellow, with the marginal series of blotches mentioned above. Interior to these blotches there is also, for about the anterior four-fifths of the length, a second row of small spots. The throat is also light yellow, and thickly spotted with black. The ventral surface of the tail is a light orange tint, immaculate.” The general coloration of living specimens often is quite red. Certain specimens taken near Camp Grant and Tucson, Arizona, and at Ensenada, La Paz, San Pedro, San Bartolo, and Triunfo, Lower California, are black or blackish. Such was the type of Cope’s Bascanium piceum. Two specimens from Tucson were jet black with the lower surfaces a beau- tiful coral pink. Ruthven describes a black specimen, from Tucson, as follows: Body and tail above, broadly including the ends of the ventral scutes, blue black without markings. Head dark brown with a few irregular reddish markings above. The loreals, preoculars and postoculars, and first six supralabials have bright orange yellow centers. Anterior part of throat 65 PLaTE [Van DENBURGH | xX Acap. Sc1., Vou. Papers, Cau. Oc. ae OPUS Sava a ae uloay diy Ay wiarsa Ay Cc 28. COLUBER 669 marbled with bright yellow and black. Throat black with scattered spots of yellowish orange. About the twentieth gastrostege the light color increases in amount and the black becomes restricted to small blotches that become fewer posteriorly, only a few small, widely scattered spots being present on the posterior three-fourths of the body length and none on the tail. For most of the length the belly is a yellow orange tint, becoming a dark orange tint on the posterior one-fourth of the body and on the tail. Length to anus_.......... 303 541 723 840 1095 1300 1365 Lengthvor talle22= 96 185 242 300 345 430 435 Remarks.—There has long been doubt as to whether the black specimens are merely melanistic individuals or really represent a distinct species. There seem to be no structural differences. Scale-counts and proportions are the same. Dark specimens occur in Lower California and on Tiburon Island as well as in Arizona. All this favors re- garding them as a melanistic phase of the Red Racer, but the fact that two black specimens were found mating, near Tucson, is very interesting, since it would seem to indicate that they may really represent a distinct species. The final answer to this question must await additional evidence, but it seems best, for the present, to regard the black and the red snakes as one species. Distribution—The Western Whip Snake or Red Racer has its true home in the deserts of Arizona, Nevada, Utah, California and Lower California, but ranges into northern Sonora (Hermosillo), and the San Joaquin Valley and coast region of southern California. In California, it has been taken in Imperial (Fort Yuma, Colorado Desert, Pilot Knob), San Diego (Mountain Spring, Campo, San Diego, Agua Caliente, San Felipe Val- 670 13. COLUBRID ley), Riverside (Riverside, San Jacinto, Palm Springs, mouth of Palm Canyon San Jacinto Mts., Cabazon, Coach- ella, Mecca, Horn Mine in the Turtle Mountains, Blythe), San Bernardino (Needles, Ludlow, Barstow, five miles south from Lovic, Hesperia, Ontario), Los Angeles (Pasa- dena, Drum Barracks, Claremont), Inyo, (Furnace Creek Ranch, Bennett Wells, Death Valley, Panamint Valley, Deep Spring Valley, Keeler, Owens Valley, two miles north from Independence), Kern (Kern River at Bodfish, Isabella, Weldon, Tehachapi Mountains, Bakersfield, one mile north from Edison, McKittrick), San Luis Obispo (Carrizo Plain seven miles southeast from Simmler), Tulare (Earlinart), Fresno (Fresno), and Mariposa (Yosemite Valley) coun- ties. In Nevada, it has been secured at Vegas Valley, Over- ton, and Las Vegas, Clark County, and at Winnemucca Lake, Washoe County. Arizonan specimens have been collected five miles north from Laguna and ten miles below Cibola, and at Yuma and Papago Wells, Yuma County; at Cave Creek and Gila Bend, Maricopa County; Fort Whipple, Prescott, Yavapai County; Camp Grant, Graham County; near Tucson, Fort Lowell, the Catalina and the Baboquivari Mountains, Pima County, Fort Apache, Navajo County; Fort Huachuca and Douglas, Cochise County; Fort Buchanan, Calabasas, and on the flat below the mouth of the canyon between Agua Caliente and Madera Canyon, Santa Cruz County. Utah specimens have been recorded as collected in “Middle Utah,” and at Salt Lake. I have received one taken four miles northwest of St. George, Washington County. In Lower California, it has been taken at San Felipe Bay, Joruncho Ranch, San Quentin, San Pedro Martir Mountains, east base of the Cocopah Mountains, Rosarito, 28. COLUBER 671 Parral, Ensenada, San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia, and San Luis Gonzales Bay, in the northern part of the peninsula, and at Cape San Lucas, La Paz, San José del Cabo, Miraflores, San Pedro, Triunfo, San Bartolo, Agua Caliente, and Todos Santos, in the Cape Region, on Santa Margarita Island, on the west coast, and on San Jose, Monserrate, Coronado, Ildefonso, and Tiburon islands in the Gulf of California. Habits——The “Red Racer,” like its relatives, is remark- able for the quickness of its movements. It climbs trees and bushes with great agility. Grinnell & Grinnell give the following notes on its habits: “According to our experience the Red Racer is an inhabi- tant exclusively of the hot gravelly washes along the bases of the mountains. As with most of our snakes, it was more common ten or fifteen years ago than now. Yet within the past year, 1906, we know of three having been seen in the arroyo near Pasadena. “The Red Racer is possessed of remarkable powers of locomotion, far exceeding in this respect any others of our snakes. And yet to the onlooker this rapidity of movement is accomplished with very little apparent effort. There is a very inconspicuous undulatory bending of the body; none of the violent squirming exhibited by a garter snake or king snake. One catches sight of a Red Racer generally after it is in motion. Perhaps it is seen gliding quickly across an open piece of ground between bushes. If one catches glimpses of portions of the snake’s body between the plant stems, it is only to see them rapidly diminish in diameter until they disappear entirely. The impression is given all along the line that the snake is growing quickly smaller, like some stereopticon effect. This illusion leaves one with a sense of bewilderment often lasting long enough to result in all trace of the snake being lost. Sometimes the racer will 672 13. COLUBRID stop abruptly in some thicket while still in sight. Then a more satisfactory view of it may be obtained, but we have never known a Red Racer to allow himself to be noosed. “Although usually seen on the ground, this snake is a good climber, and is not infrequently discovered in bushes and trees. One day last May, Adriaan Van Rossem, one of our pupils in zoology, found a woodpecker’s nest-hole in a tree-trunk. The nest then contained four eggs. The site was again visited a few days later, when upon climbing to the nest instead of the eggs it was found to be occupied by a Red Racer. The snake was routed out; and since no vestige of the eggs was found, it was inferred that the snake had eaten them. We have heard of several other instances of the nest-robbing habit of this reptile, so that tne lessening numbers of the Red Racer may be somewhat of a blessing to the bird population of our region.” Little is known regarding the food of this snake, but it probably eats birds and eggs as well as mammals and liz- ards. Stejneger records one which had eaten a mouse (Sit- omys). Ruthven mentioned one which was seen to capture a lizard (Cuemidophorus melanostethus), and Cowles saw one seize a Cnemidophorus tessellatus tessellatus. Mr. Slevin says that, in the Cape Region of Lower Cal- ifornia, brush fences around the numerous little ranch houses furnished excellent hiding places for this racer. Sev- eral of the specimens taken were found in these fences where they lay stretched out at full length awaiting their prey. Lizards, to escape their natural enemies, the hawks, sought refuge here and seldom would a snake have to wait long before it would have several chances to secure a meal. This species, with the exception of the water snake, was the most abundant serpent met with. They were not found above the floor of the desert and were generally confined to the more brushy portions. Their food consisted of the nu- Oc. Parers, Cau. Acap. Sci., Vou. X [Vas Densuran | LATE 66 Black phase, collected at Tucson, Arizona, June 1912 ‘aluber flagellum piceus, Western Whip Snak Red phase, collected near Campo, San Diego County, © Te eh - 28. COLUBER 673 merous lizards found in the cactus belt. One specimen had a full grown Dipsosaurus in its stomach. Another had eaten a Cnemidophorus, and another, a mouse. A fourth had the tail of a Dipsosaurus in its stomach. A fifth was taken in a brush pile just after it had caught a Verticaria. The tail of the lizard was protruding from the snake’s mouth. A specimen taken at San José del Cabo was six feet in length. A cactus spine over an inch long was pulled out of a specimen taken at Miraflores. Mr. Slevin found one near Blythe, Riverside County, California, about six feet up in a mesquite where it was swallowing a young dove which it had just removed from the nest. 146. Coluber anthonyi (Stejneger) (Ciarion Istanp Racer Bascanion anthonyi STEJNEGER, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 23, 1901, p- 715 (type locality, Clarion Island, Reviila Gigedo Islands, Mexico); Van Densurcn, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 3, Zool., Vol. 4, No. 1, 1905, p. 27; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 4, 1914, pp. 133, 147. Coluber anthonyi STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 78. Description —Head rather long, with flattened top. Eye very large, its horizontal diameter equaling its distance from nostril, or two-thirds length of frontal. Snout rather prominent, the tip extending considerably beyond lower jaw. Rostral large, prominent, portion seen from above nearly equals length of suture between internasal or one- half length of suture between prefrontals. Frontal long and narrow, its greatest width anteriorly equaling that of supraoculars, its width at a line between centers of eyes much less than width of supraoculars at same line, its length equals its distance from tip of snout and exceeds length of 674 13. COLUBRIDZ parietals. Supraoculars large, broadly in contact, with pre- frontal, separating frontal from preocular. Parietals very short, shorter than frontal, less than twice length of suture between prefrontals, the suture between parietals much shorter than distance from tip of snout to frontal. Loreal rather large, longer than high. Preoculars two. Postocu- lars two. Temporals two followed by two. Eight superior and seven inferior labials, seventh and eighth upper largest, fourth and fifth reaching eye. Genials in two pairs, poste- rior about as long as anterior but narrower. Scales on body in 17 rows, smooth, with two apical pits. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 186 to 204. Uroste- ges in two series of from 93 to 112. The color above is walnut brown, deepest toward the tip of each scale, with narrow blackish brown, linear spots, never longer than a scale, sparsely and irregularly scattered over the back and sides. The head is more uniformly pale walnut brown, with a few irregularly scattered blackish dots, and a few obscure dusky marblings on the lores and labials. The lower surfaces are pale, irregularly sprinkled with slate-colored dots. Toward the head these dots be- come more evident and are collected in two parallel longi- tudinal zones. The chin and throat are more definitely but irregularly marked with larger spots of the same color. In a younger example the color above is more grayish and entirely uniform, without the blackish spots. The lower surfaces are pale, unicolor, with no markings except a few dusky dots on the neck. The sides of the head are brownish like the top, with the indication of a dusky longitudinal band on the upper halves of the supralabials. The lower halves of the supralabials, the throat, a band from the nos- tril to the eye, and the postocular plate, are yellow. In other specimens the dark markings on the chin, throat, and fore neck are well developed, and the dusky 28. COLUBER 675 markings on the rest of the underside are very dense, leav- ing only a pale line on the angle of the belly, or are con- densed into two fairly distinct parallel longitudinal bands with a pale zoue down the middle of the body. Wength tonanussss ie ee ee 190 denpthyor tare se ee 360 Distribution—This snake has been found only on Clar- ion Island of the Revilla Gigedo group, off the western coast of Mexico. 147. Coluber semilineatus (Cope) Sonoran Racer Plate 67 Bascanium teniatum laterale YaARRow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p- 543 (part). Bascanion semilineatum Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 14, 1892, p- 626 (type locality, Colorado River and Camp Grant, Arizona); Van Densurcy, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 3473 Van Densurcu, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1897, p. 463; STEJ- NEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 155; STONE, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p. 231; Van DenBurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p- 417. Zamenis semilineatus GinTHER, Biol. Centrali-Amer., Rept., 1894, p. 121, pl. XLVI, fig. A; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 805, fig. 417. Coluber semilineatus STEJNEGER & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 80. Description—Head long, with flattened top, and nar- row, rounded snout. Rostral plate large, high, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of inter- nasals, a pair of much larger prefrontals, supraocular and part of upper preocular of each side, long frontal, and pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. 67 13. COLUBRID Loreal well developed. Preoculars two or one. Postoculars two. Temporals normally two followed by two, sometimes 1+2 or 2+3. Supralabials eight (rarely nine or seven), fourth and fifth reaching eye, seventh usually largest. In- ferior labials ten, (rarely nine or eleven), fifth usually largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior longer. Scales on body smooth, in 17 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 195 to 211. Urosteges in two series of from 127 to 147. The color above, for about the anterior third of the body, is olive or bluish gray, becoming yellowish or grayish brown on the posterior two thirds of the body and on the tail. A few or many of the scales may be marked basally with white or yellow, especially on the anterior half of the body, and throughout the whole length many or almost all of the scales may have central dark markings in the form either of lines or spots. Along the third and fourth rows of lateral scales, anteriorly, is a very distinct and definite clear yellow or white stripe, edged with dark brown, and separated, by a stripe of the ground color, from a second, similar light stripe along the scales of the first and second rows. This lower light stripe sometimes is only partially marked off, by a dark line or row of spots, from the light color of the belly. All these stripes become obsolete and disappear on the posterior half of the body. The head is olive above, grayish posteriorly and brownish toward the snout, unmarked. The temporal region is grayish olive. The oculars, loreal, nasals, labials, and lower half of the rostral are yellow. A black line runs along the upper border of the supralabials and across the middle of the rostral. The nasals, loreal and oculars are margined with black. There is no yellow temporal spot. The lower surfaces are light yellow, unmarked. A female specimen in life had the upper surface of the / ORLATE [Van Denpurcu | x Acap. Sct., VoL. Papers, CAL. Oc. “OZ6T aun PIR] SSSa uaAas puw ‘evuoziiy ‘AjuNoOy Bulg ‘UuOsSony, ADIVY uvIOUOS “Sage a Tl [11das 4aqnjory IBIU pazdeT[O9 a[BUla] 4[Npy 28. COLUBER 677 head and neck a bright blue-gray, tinged with pinkish gray on the snout and supraoculars and changing gradually to olive and then to brown on the body and tail. The lateral dark markings were black anteriorly, becoming olive and then yellowish brown posteriorly. The light lateral stripes are white anteriorly but soon change to a bright straw-yellow behind the neck. The markings on the side of the head are white and black. The lower surfaces of the head and neck are white, but, from the fifteenth gastrostege to the tip of the tail, the color below is bright lemon yellow. There is a small orange spot near the middle of each gastrostege, from the 10th to the 22nd. The iris is brown with golden dots, and a narrow yellow line around the pupil. The tongue is black. Bengthi to; anuee 780 806 820 835 886 Wenpthvof stale 342+ 375+ 358 396+ Distribution—This racer is common in parts of south- eastern Arizona, and ranges thence south into Mexico. In Arizona, it has been collected in the San Luis Moun- tains on the Mexican boundary line, and probably at Cave Spring. It has been recorded from Camp Grant, Graham County, and Fort Bowie, Cochise County. I have seen speci- mens from Pima County, taken at the Steam Pump in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains about 18 miles north from Tucson, on the grounds of the Carnegie Desert Lab- oratory at Tucson, and in Sawmill, Stone Cabin and Ma- dera canyons in the Santa Rita Mountains; from Santa Cruz County, collected in Agua Caliente Canyon and in the vi- cinity of Pete Mountain in the Santa Rita range, and at Harshaw in the Patagonia Mountains; and from Cochise County, secured in Miller, Ramsey, Carr, Brown, and Gard- ner canyons in the Huachuca Mountains. One was secured at San Pedro Bay, Sonora, Mexico. 678 13. COLUBRIDA Habits.—One specimen is reported as found at a nest of Woodhouse’s Jay, where it was swallowing a young bird. A female captured near Tucson, Arizona, and sent alive to San Francisco, laid, on June 7, seven eggs which measured 37x19, 38x19, 38x19, 39x19, 40x19, 43x19, and 43x18mm. They were enclosed in leathery shells roughened with gran- ules. Development in them had just begun, as blood ves- sels could be seen by transmitted Jight. 148. Coluber lateralis (Hallowell) CaLiFORNIA RACER Plates 66, 68, and 69 Leptophis lateralis HaLttowE.t, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. VI’ 1853, p. 237 (type locality, California); Hattowett, Rep. Pac’ R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Rept., 1859, p. 13, pl. IV, fig. 3a-3c. Drymobius lateralis Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1870, p. 64, Bascanium teniatum laterale Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 40; Yarrow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 543; YARROW & Hensuaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. 1ooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 215; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 113 (part); Townsenp, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 10, 1887, p. 240. Coluber teniatus Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 148 (part). Bascanium laterale laterale Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891, (1892), p. 628. Bascanion laterale StE}NEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 209; Van Densurou, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 188; GrinnELL & GrinneELL, Throop Institute Bulletin, No. XXXV, 1907, p. 45; Arsatt, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, P- 43- Zamenis teniatus BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p- 390 (part); Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 324. Zamenis lateralis lateralis Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 807. Oc. Papers, Cat. Ac AD. Sc Des VoL. x [Van DeNBURGH California, May, 1915 alifornia Racer Angeles County, Los her lateralis, C Lu Co at La Crescenta, Collected 28. COLUBER 679 Zamenis lateralis Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 61 (part); Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 288; RurHiinc, Copeia, No. 15, 1915S. Coluber lateralis GRinNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 190; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Ckec List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 80; Cowes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool..Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; SrepHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64; Van Denspurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 59; NELson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115. Description —Head long, with flattened top and narrow, rounded snout. Rostral plate large, about as high as broad, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a larger pair of prefrontals, supraocular and part of upper preocular of each side, a long and pos- teriorly narrow frontal, and a pair of very large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. Loreal rather large, rarely with a small plate below it. Preoculars two, upper much larger than lower. Postoculars two (or three), nearly equal. Temporals two followed by two, rarely 2+3, 1+2, or 1+1. Eight, or rarely seven or nine, superior and nine or ten (rarely eight) inferior labials, seventh (or sixth) upper and fifth lower usually largest, fourth and fifth (or third and fourth) upper reaching eye, first pair of lower meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior larger than anterior. Scales on body smooth, in 17 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 186 to 202. Urosteges in two series of from 111 to 133. Tail very long and slender. The color above, including the tips of the gastrosteges and urosteges, is dark brown, palest on the tail. A single light yellow or white line extends along each side, on the third and fourth rows of scales, to, or a little beyond, the base of the tail. This line is often bordered with black, 680 13. COLUBRIDE and its scales are sometimes tipped with orange-rufous. The sides of the head are spotted with yellow. All the lower surfaces and the upper labials are yellow, spotted on the head and anterior gastrosteges with gray, slate or brown. The anterior gastrosteges are sometimes washed with orange-rufous, and in life the lower surfaces may be beauti- ful bright rose pink. Length to anus_._.-...----.- 632 725 742 787 804 968 Tenpthwot (tail eeee ee 275 311 329 338 396 Distribution —The Californian Racer appears to be con- fined to those parts of California which lie to the west of the Sierra Nevada and the Mohave and Colorado deserts, and to parts of Lower California. In California, it has been taken in Shasta (Baird), So- noma (seven miles west from Cazadero), Lake (Mount Saint Helena), Contra Costa (Summit of Mount Diablo), Alameda (Mills College), Santa Clara (Jasper Ridge near Stanford University, Black Mountain, Los Gatos, Berry- essa, Bell’s Station in Pacheco Pass), Monterey (Carmel Valley, Metz), Placer (Lander near Colfax), Mariposa (Pleasant Valley, vicinity of Coulterville), Fresno (Fresno, Minkler), Tulare (Three Rivers), Kern (Fay Creek six miles north of Weldon, Walker Pass, Fort Tejon), Ventura (Mount Pinos), Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara), Los An- geles (Los Angeles, Tujunga River, La Crescenta, Clare- mont, Sierra Madre, Placerita Canyon, mouth of San Ga- briel Canyon near Azusa), Orange (Santa Ana Canyon), Riverside (Banning at 2200 feet, near Cabazon at 1800 feet, Riverside, San Jacinto, Strawberry Valley at 6000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, Kenworthy at 4500 feet), and San Diego (Oak Grove, Agua Caliente, Santa Isabel, Chula Vista, Witch Creek, Poway, Dulzura, Campo) counties. [Van Densurcu | X Papers, Cau. Acap. Sci., VoL. Oc ‘esulpRo) mf "poad Aq uaseyu BR SutlltM 28. COLUBER 681 Lower Californian specimens have been recorded from San Ignacio, Mulege, and Santa Rosalia. Hlabits—Grinnell & Grinnell have published the following note on the habits of this snake as observed by them in Los Angeles County: “This is a very common snake in the uplands and foothill districts of the county. It is seldom seen in the open, but stays in brushy places where its agile movements render it difficult to capture. “The striped racer is a good climber, and we have often seen it many feet above the ground in scrub oaks or wild lilac bushes. A curious habit is that of lying in a rigid coil on top of a leafy branch. We have found several in such positions and supposed them to be lying in wait for any insects or birds which might happen to come within striking distance. The snakes are then loth to move and can be closely approached and even caught. But when once aroused they glide swiftly out of reach and sight.” A photograph, reproduced in Plate 69, shows a snake of this species killing a rattlesnake, Crotalus oreganus. 149. Coluber barbouri Van Denburgh & Slevin Espiritu Santo Istanp Racer Coluber barbouri Van DENBURGH & StevIn, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, No. 6, 1921, p. 98 (type locality, Isla Partida, Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of California, Mexico). Description—Head long, with flattened top and nar- row, rounded snout. Rostral plate large, about once and a third as high as broad, hollowed below, and bounded be- hind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a larger pair of prefrontals, supraocular and part of upper preocular of each side, a long and posteriorly narrow frontal, and a pair of very large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals dis- 682 13. COLUBRID tinct. Loreal rather large, with no small plate below it. Preoculars two, upper much larger than lower. Postoculars two, nearly equal. Temporals two followed by two. Eight superior and nine or ten inferior labials, seventh upper and fifth lower largest, fourth and fifth upper reaching eye, first pair of lower meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior much larger than anterior. Scales on body smooth, in 17 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges 193. Uros- teges in two series of 130. Tail very long and slender. The color above, including the tips of the gastrosteges and urosteges, is dark grayish olive brown, palest on the head and tail. A single white line extends along each side, on the third and fourth rows of scales, onto the base of the tail. This line is narrowly bordered with black, and shows slight enlargements at intervals of from four to seven scales, on the anterior half of the body. The sides of the head are spotted with white. The upper portions of the supralabials are blackish brown. The lips, chin and throat are white, without dark markings, but faintly washed with pink. The anterior gastrosteges are suffused with rose pink. The other lower surfaces are yellowish white with faint gray cloudings laterally. Henteth toy, ani $s ee —774 hengthtotetall 22—Se 374+ Remarks.—This species is closely related to both Colu- ber lateralis and Coluber aurigulus. The only specimen known is an adult female. Distribution.—This snake was found on Isla Partida, Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of California, Mexico, May 30, NOP 28. COLUBER 683 150. Coluber aurigulus (Cope) Cape San Lucas Racer Drymobius aurigulus Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. jor (type locality, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California). Bascanium aurigulum Corer, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, pp. 40, 92; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 113, 191; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 71; BELDING, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, 1887, p. 99. Coluber flagelliformis var. aurigulus Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 44, 148; Garman, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. XVI, No. 1, 1884, p. 26. Bascanion laterale aurigulum Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 629. Bascanion aurigulum Van DensBuracH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 149. Zamenis aurigulus Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 810, fig. 179; TeErRRon, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, p. 164. Coluber aurigulus SrEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 78; Van DensBurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 52; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, IIS. Description —Head long, with flattened top and narrow, rounded snout. Rostral rather large, about as high as broad, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a much larger pair of prefrontals, supraocular and part of preocular of each side, a long frontal very narrow posteriorly, and a pair of very large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. Loreal large and elon- gate. Preoculars three, the upper largest. Postoculars two. Temporals two followed by two, or 1+2. Suprala- bials eight, fourth and fifth reaching eye, seventh and eighth largest. Infralabials ten, fifth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior longer. Scales on body smooth, in 17 rows. Anal plate divided. 684 13. COLUBRID The color above is dark brown, becoming black ante- riorly. The head is light brown, shaded with yellow. A narrow yellow streak runs from the eye to the snout. A spot on the temporal region, one on the postoculars, all of the labials, the chin, and the anterior part of the abdomen are bright golden yellow, unspotted, as are also the sides of the neck and the anterior fourth of the body up to the fifth row of scales. On the second and third rows of scales of the latter region is a broken black band interrupted at in- tervals of about seven scales. This black band where pres- ent forms the lower border of a yellow lateral stripe. It finally becomes continuous, and with a band upon the first row almost excludes the yellow ground color upon the mid- dle and posterior parts of the body. The tendency of this coloration is to produce two series of alternating yellow and black spots along the anterior part of the sides. The belly is dirty yellowish, unspotted. Mength toy anus. see ee eee 697 Denethtotytail 222 ee 348 Distribution—Only two specimens of this snake have been collected. One was secured by John Xantus, at Cape San Lucas, the other by Gustav Eisen, at San José del Cabo, Lower California, Mexico. Remarks.—This racer is closely related to C. lateralis and resembles it in coloration, but has the lateral stripe broken anteriorly. 28. COLUBER 685 151. Coluber tzeniatus tzeniatus (Hallowell) WESTERN STRIPED* RACER Plate 70 Leptophis teniata HattowE 1, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. 6, 1852, p. 181 (type locality, New Mexico, west of Rio Grande); HAtLowELtL, Sitgreaves’ Zufi and Colorado Riv., 1853, pp. 133, 146, pl. XIII (XII). Masticophis teniatus Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p. 103; Barrp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Rept., 1859, p. 20, pl. XXIII, pl. XXXII, fig. 76; Cooper, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. XII, 1860, p. 302; Jan, Elenco Sist. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 64; Jan, Iconogr. Génér. Ophid., Vol. II, 22e livr., pl. V, fig. 1; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 305. Drymobius teniatus Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 561. Bascanium taniatum teniatum Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 40; Yarrow & Hensuaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 215; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 112. Bascanium teniatum laterale Yarrow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 543 (part). Bascanium taniatum Cougs, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 616; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891 (1892), p. 629. Coluber teniatus GArMAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 46, 148 (part); GrinneLtt & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 192. Bascanion teniatum STEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 210; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 190; Cary, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 33, 1911, p. 27; Van DensurcH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1912, p. 157; Taytor, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 7, No. 10, 1912, p. 353; Van Densurcu & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p- 417; Ricu- arpson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 48, 1915, p. 428; RuTHvEN & Gaicr, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich., No. 8, 1915, p- 28; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, 1915, p. 107. Bascanion teniatus Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au Mexique, Pt. III, Rept., p- 703, pls. XLV, figs. 5, XLVIII, fig. 8. 686 13. COLUBRIDZ Zamenis teniatus BouLeNcER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p- 390 (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 815; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 289, pl. XC, fig. 2; Eris & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 105. Zamenis teniatus teniatus Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1gor, p- 62. Coluber teniatus teniatus SreEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 80; VAN DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 28, 36, 40, 45. Description.—Head long, with flattened top and round- ed snout. Rostral plate large, about as high as broad, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, supraocular and part of upper preocular of each side, a long frontal, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals dis- tinct. Loreal longer than high. Preoculars two, upper much larger than lower, rarely united. Postoculars two, nearly equal. Temporals two followed by two, sometimes 1+2 or 1+1. Eight, or rarely seven, superior, and nine or 10 (rarely seven) inferior labials, seventh of upper and fifth of lower largest, fourth and fifth upper reaching eye, first pair of lower meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, anterior smaller than posterior. Scales on body smooth, in fifteen rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 198 to 215. Urosteges in two series of from 114 to 157. The color above is grayish or yellowish brown, palest on the tail, the scales of the sides more or less yellow, and with narrow dark lines along the middle of each row. These dark lines are sometimes present on the dorsal scales as well as on those of the sides, and a wider line often runs along the tips of the gastrosteges. The yellow of the lateral scales is variable in intensity, and sometimes—especially in /Q [Van DenBurcu | x Acap. Sci., Vou. . Papers, CAu. Oc "SI6T whee OLE rat 28. COLUBER 687 young—forms a distinct line along the third and fourth rows of scales. All of these lines fade out on the tail. The head is spotted with yellow. The lower surfaces are yellow or yellowish white, marked with slate or black anteriorly and along the tips of the gastrosteges, and often more or less tinted, especially posteriorly, with delicate rose pink. Length to anus_______ 772 803 859 910 940 euAal Iengthwot tail 339 350 358 366+ 418 362 Distribution—This species ranges from Texas, New Mexico and Colorado west to California, and north to Idaho. In Arizona, it has been secured at Fort Whipple and Prescott, Yavapai County; Oak Creek, Coconino County; and at Carr’s Ranch, Sierra Ancha, Gila County. In Utah, specimens have been collected at Ogden, Weber County; Fort Douglas, Salt Lake County; Provo, Utah County; Kanosh and Cove Fort Millard County, Bakers Canyon, Beaver County; near Rush Lake, Iron County; and Bluff City, San Juan County. In Idaho, it has been taken between Bliss and the Snake River, Gooding County, and at Boise, Ada County. In Nevada, this species has been taken in White Pine (Antelope Springs), Ormsby (Carson), Washoe (Pyramid Lake, Little High Rock Creek), Elko (Carlin), Humboldt (Quinn River Crossing at 4100 feet; Big Creek at 5000 feet, and Leonard Creek at 4700 feet, in the Pine Forest Mountains), and Nye (Pablo Creek at 6,200 feet in the Totyabe Mountains), counties. In Oregon, it has been found on the Snake River. In California, it seems to be fairly common in Inyo County (Maturango Spring, Argus Range, Coso Valley, Coso Mountains, Panamint Mountains), and has been se- 688 13. COLUBRID cured also in Mono (Benton), Kern (Walker Basin), Shasta (Baird, Canoe Creek), and Siskiyou (Gazelle) counties. Habits—These snakes usually are found in sagebrush. They move with great swiftness either on the ground or in the bushes. When secured they sometimes fight vigorously, coiling themselves about the limbs of the bushes, biting, and resisting capture to the utmost (Taylor). The stomach of one specimen contained an adult Cnemidophorus tigris (Ruthven & Gaige). Genus 29. Salvadora Salvadora Bairpv & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p. 104 (type, grahamie). Phimothyra Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 566 (type Erahamia). The body is very long and slender, with long whip-like tail. The head is distinct from the neck, large, long, flat- topped, with truncate snout. Its plates are normal, except the rostral, which is very large and has free lateral edges. The nasal plates are distinct. Two preoculars, two postocu- lars, and a loreal are present. Temporals are 1+2, 2+2, 2+3, or 3+3. The scales are smooth, in 17 rows, with two apical pits. The anal plate is divided. Urosteges are in two series. The eye is large, with round pupil. 152. Salvadora hexalepis (Cope) WeEsTERN PaTCH-NOSED SNAKE Plate 71 Salvadora grahami Jan, Iconogr. Génér. Ophid., 2e livr., 1860, pl. III, fig. 1; Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Wol. IV, 1870, p. 66. Phimothyra grahamie@ Cort, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 300; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 38 (part); Yarrow, Rept. Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 538; Cougs, Rept. Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 620; Copr, Proc. Acad. 29. SALVADORA 689 Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, p. 14; YARRow Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 98 (part); Betpinc, West. Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, 1887, p. 98. Phimothyra hexalepis Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 304 (type locality, Fort Whipple, Arizona). Phimothyra grahami@ hexalepis Cours, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 620; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 15. Salvadora grahami@ hexalepis Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 38; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 39, 145; STEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p- 205. Salvadora grahamie Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 72 (part); Cope, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 619 (part); Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 146; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1896, p. 1006; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 347; Wan DenBurcH, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 181; McLarn, Contributions to Neotropical Herpetology, 1899, p- 3; Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 325; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 818, fig. 183 (part); McLary, Critical Notes, 1899, p. 11; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 63 (part); MEEK, Field Museum Nat. Hist., Zool. Series, Vol. VII, No. 1, 1906, p- 15; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 292, pl. XCI, fig. 1 (part); Van Densuroay, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1912, p. 150; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 413; Atsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p- 42; Rutuiine, Copeia, No. 15, 1915; VAN DeNBuRGH & SLEVIN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, 1915, p. 100; TERRon, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, pp. 165, 169. Salvadora hexalepis SreJNEGER, Proc. U. S, Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 154; RurHveN, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, Pp. 577; GRINNELL & GrinneELL, Throop Institute Bulletin, No. XXXV, 1907, p. 42, fig. 18; GrinneLL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 189; SrEyNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 81; Cowes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66 STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p- 64; Van Densurcu & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sc.i, Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 28, 37, 52, 65; NELson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115. 690 13. COLUBRIDE Description.—Head flat-topped or slightly rounded, and snout projecting and very blunt. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral plate very large, prominent, recurved on top of snout, with free lateral edges, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefron- tals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of rather short, rounded parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals dis- tinct. Loreal small, but sometimes divided. Preoculars two or one. Postoculars two or three. Temporals normally two followed by three, rarely 1+2, 2+2, or 3+3. Eight or nine, or rarely ten, superior and about 10 (nine to 12) inferior labials, sixth or seventh or seventh and eighth supe- rior and fifth or sixth inferior largest, fourth and fifth or fifth and sixth superior, or small detached portions of them, reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior equal to or smaller than anterior. Scales on body smooth, thin, in 17 or rarely 19 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 174 to 213. Urosteges in two series of from 67 to 108. The upper surface of the head is grayish or yellowish brown, without dark or light markings. The ground color of the body is drab, yellow, light brown, or plumbeous, with one or two narrow black, slate, brown, or olive longitudinal bands. These bands fade out on the tail, and may extend onto the sides of the head. Sometimes they widen and merge; in other specimens the upper band is partially broken up into spots; while in one the bands are represented by blackish shades at the bases of the scales. The upper lip and all the lower surfaces are yellow or yellowish white, the tail and posterior part of the body sometimes with an orange or reddish cast. Acap. Sci., VoL. X [Van Denpurcu | Papers, Cau. Oc. ayvug PoesoU-Y Ie | UIOISI AA ‘sida jvxay DAO PDAZI0Y © (j§ IJ Ia be ee Se he li he a Ie eat ~ 29. SALVADORA 691 Length to anus_..__..... 235 258 340 652 695 850 Length of tail_..._-__ 63 60 98 215 189 290 Distribution —The western form of the Patched-nosed Snake has been found in Utah, Nevada, Arizona, California, Sonora, and Lower California. In Utah, it has been taken in Cottonwood Canyon, and perhaps at Ogden (Yarrow), though Cope says that the latter locality needs confirmation. In Nevada, specimens have been secured at Las Vegas and in the valley of the Virgin River near St. Thomas and Bunkerville, Clark County, and at Sutcliffe, Pyramid Lake, Washoe County. In Arizona, it has been found at Mowry in the Pata- gonia Mountains, Fort Buchanan, Calabasas, and Nogales, Santa Cruz County; Fort Huachuca, and Carr and Ramsey canyons in the Huachuca Mountains, near Fairbank, and in Rucker Canyon in the Chiricahua Mountains, Cochise County; in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, and about Tucson, Pima County; Fort Whipple, Yavapai County; thirty miles northwest of Phoenix, Maricopa County; ten miles below Cibola and near Yuma, Yuma County; and near White River Canyon, Mohave Village, and San Pedro River. In Sonora, it has been collected at Guaymas and Sierra Blanca, as well as on Tiburon Island, in the Gulf of Cali- fornia. In Lower California, it occurs in the northern part of the peninsula in the San Pedro Martir Mountains and at San Matias; in the central portion, near Comondu, Santa Rosalia and San Ignacio; and in the Cape Region at La Paz, Cape San Lucas, San José del Cabo, Santa Anita, Agua Cal- iente and Sierra San Lazaro. In California, this snake has been collected in Inyo 692 13. COLUBRID# (Panamint Mountains, Maturango Spring and Shepherd Canyon in the Argus Range, Amargosa Borax Works), Los Angeles (Arroyo Seco near Pasadena, San Gabriel Moun- tains, Sierra Madre), San Bernardino (Ontario, Lytle Creek, and near San Bernardino), Riverside (San Jacinto, San Jacinto Mountains, Riverside, Banning at 2200 feet, Riverside Mountain Colorado River); San Diego (Valle de las Viejas) and Imperial (10 miles east from Holtville, Cane Spring), counties. Habits —Almost nothing is known of the habits of this snake. They probably resemble those of the racers. One was found partly buried in sand. Grinnell and Grinnell note: In August one was found climbing with agility through wild lilac bushes; when pursued it took refuge in a scrub oak where it poised rigid along a branch and among some adjacent leaves. Dr. Coues mentions one, secured at Fort Whipple, which had eaten a whip-tailed lizard (Cnemidophorus). Genus 30. Phyllorhynchus Phyllorhynchus STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, p- 151 (type, drocwni); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 821. Lytorhynchus BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus, Vol. I, 1893, p. 414 (part). The body is rather small, with short tail. The head is a little broader than the neck. The rostral plate is very much enlarged, has free lateral borders, and is produced backward on the upper surface to the prefrontals, com- pletely separating the internasals. The nasal plates are dis- tinct. Loreals are present. The supralabials are separated from the eye by suboculars. The scales are keeled or smooth, without pits. The anal plate is divided. Urosteges are in 30. PHYLLORHYNCHUS 693 two series. The eye is large, with vertical pupil. Palatine teeth are present. Maxillary dentition is dicranterian. Two species are known. They may be recognized by the following: SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES a.—Scales keeled on posterior two-thirds of body; tail one- eighth total length; about 13 to 46 dark spots between head and tip of tail; no lateral spots. P. browni.—p. 693. a’.—Scales all smooth; tail about one-eleventh total length; about 23 to 48 dark spots between head and tip of tail; one or two rows of lateral spots. P. decurtatus.—p. 695. 153. Phyllorhynchus browni Stejneger Brown’s LEAF-NOSED SNAKE Phyllorhynchus browni StEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, p. 152, fig. (type locality, Tucson, Arizona); Core, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 618; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 821, fig. 184; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 64; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 293, Van DensurcuH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3; 1913, p. 393; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 81. Lytorhynchus brownt BouLencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p- 417. Description—Head short, rather high, little distinct from neck. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral very prominent, broad, with free lateral edges, recurved on top of snout, completely separating internasals, and partially prefrontals, bounded behind by prefrontal, internasal, nasal, and first labial plates. Frontal and parietals rather short. Supraoculars comparatively small. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. Nostril overhung by prominent lower edge 694 13. COLUBRIDZ of internasal plate. True loreal short and high; small supraloreal and subloreal plates present. About three pre- oculars, four postoculars, and two suboculars complete the orbital ring. Temporals three followed by three. Supra- labials six, last two largest, none reaching eye. Infralabials nine, first and fifth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in one pair only. Scales on body in 19 rows, those on anterior third nearly smooth, gradually becoming distinctly keeled on posterior two-thirds of body. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges 159. Urosteges in two series of 31, The color above is white with from 13 to 46 seal-brown blotches between the head and the tip of the tail. These blotches become paler posteriorly. The first blotch begins three scales behind the parietals, is of a uniform dark color, rather long and shaped nearly like an hour glass, its anterior border being concave and the anterior lateral corners pro- duced to the angle of the mouth. A broad dark line crosses the interorbital space and is continued on the posterior sup- ralabials to nearly meet the extended corner of the first dorsal blotch. The other dorsal blotches are more nearly square, with rounded corners. Their borders are darker than their central portions, where the dark color is only powdered over the white ground. The white interspaces are faintly powdered with brown on the sides. The lower surfaces are white, without markings. Terre t Oneal ri seme eee ac eee ee Be 283 Henrie tho fasta eee eee lean ees ok Se 42 Distribution—Only four specimens are known. All were collected near Tucson, Arizona. Habits—Unknown. The first two specimens were col- lected by Mr. Herbert Brown. Mr. Karl P. Schmidt writes 30. PHYLLORHYNCHUS 695 me that two others, males, were taken together at night, July 24, 1916, at the San Xavier Mission, near Tucson, Arizona. 154. Phyllorhynchus decurtatus (Cope) Lower CaLiroRNIA LEAF-NOSED SNAKE Plate 72 Phimothyra deeurtata Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1868, p. 310 (type locality, the upper part of Lower California); Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, pp. 38, 92; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 15, 99; Betpinc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, 1887, p. 98. Salvadora decurtata GarMAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 39, 145; Garman, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. XVI, 1884, p. 25; Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 2; Bocourr, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Rept., tte livr., 1888, p. 663. Phyllorhynchus decurtatus STEJNEGER, Proc, U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIII, 1890, p. 154; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 618; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p- 145; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 823, fig. 186; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 64; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 293; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 81; Van Denspurcu & SLEviN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 52, 66; NELson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115; ATSATT, Copeia, 1921, No. 96, p. 38; Terron, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, pp. 164, 170. Lytorhynchus decurtatus Boutencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, Pp. 417. Description —Head short, not high, little distinct from neck. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral very promi- nent, broad, with free lateral edges, recurved on top of snout, completely separating internasals, in contact with pre- frontals, bounded behind by prefrontal, internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Frontal short. A pair of large parietals. Supraoculars comparatively small. Anterior and 696 13. COLUBRIDZ posterior nasals distinct. Loreals three, true loreal one, short and high; one or two small subloreals. Two or three preoculars, two or three postoculars and one or two subocu- lars complete the orbital ring. Temporals two, three, or four followed by about three. Supralabials six, two or three posterior largest, none reaching eye. Infralabials nine, first and fifth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in one pair, or posterior pair small. Scales on body in 19 rows, everywhere smooth. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 161 to 183. Urosteges in two series of from 26 to 35. The color above is whitish with from 23 to 48 chocolate- brown blotches between the head and the tip of the tail. These blotches are more or less irregular in size and shape but their borders usually are more or less concave in front and behind. The blotches are paler centrally, where the brown color is merely sprinkled over the white ground. Along the sides are smaller brown spots, two or three scales in diameter, in a more or less double series, usually alternat- ing with the dorsal blotches. A broad dark line crosses the head on the prefrontals and is continued down and back through the eye to a point above the angle of the mouth. There are a few irregular spots on the posterior portion of the frontal, the parietals, the anterior portion of the neck, and some of the supralabials. The lower surfaces are white, without markings. Pieri otinigton ann tS teem en 272 321 363 Teen theorts tai eae een eer ee oe ee ee 28 29 40 Distribution.—Only five specimens of this snake have been found. The original one was brought from the “upper part of Lower California” by Mr. William M. Gabb. Mr. Belding and Mr. Slevin each secured one at La Paz near the southern end of the peninsula. The fourth specimen 7 _ 7 = 30. PHYLLORHYNCHUS—31. ELAPHE 697 was collected by Mr. Herbert Brown at Yuma, Arizona. Miss Atsatt recently recorded the finding of one in the wash from Tahquitz Creek, near Palm Springs, Riverside County, California. Remarks.—This and the preceding may eventually be found to be one species. There is little if any difference except in the keeling of the scales. Habits —Miss Atsatt very kindly has furnished me with a photograph of the snake found at Tahquitz Creek, and the following notes on the habits: “The specimen of Phyllorhynchus decurtatus lived until July. It is now in the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology of the University of California. During the period it was un- der observation if it was in a box of sand open to the light it spent most of the time under the sand. When it was dug out of the loose sand and placed on top it soon reburied itself. When stimulated by light or other means the snake could bury itself completely in two or three minutes. Sev- eral times attempts were made at digging a hole. Perhaps it digs its own tunnel under a rock. Light rather than heat seemed to be the stimulus to produce hiding in sand, Food was persistently rejected although some beaten egg was licked off snout when the snake could not reach a surface on which to rub it off. Several times water was drunk from the end of a pipette.” Genus 31. Elaphe Coluber Bore, Isis von Oken, 1826, p. 209 (type, C. flavescens); Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 39; BouLencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 24; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 825. 698 13. COLUBRID Elaphe Firzincer in Wagler, Descr. Icon. Amphib., Pt. 3, 1833, text to plate 27 (type, E. parreysii=quatuorlineata); STEJNEGER, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 58, 1907, p. 307. Scotophis Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p- 73 (type, Coluber alleghaniensis). The body is rather long and moderately slender, sub- cylindric, with tail elongate and tapering. The head is distinct from the neck, large, long, with flattened top and rounded snout. Its plates are normal. The nasal plates are not united. Usually one or two preoculars, two post- oculars, and a loreal. Scales on body keeled or smooth, usually with two apical pits. The anal plate is divided. Urosteges are in two series. The eye is moderately large, with round pupil. Maxillary teeth about equal in size. A large number of species have been described from Europe, Asia and America. They usually have been referred to under the generic name Coluber. Two species have been found within the geographic limits of the present work. They may be distinguished by the following Synopsis OF SPECIES a.—Gastrosteges more than 265; urosteges fewer than 95; supralabials 10 or 11. E. rosaliz.—p. 698. a’.—Gastrosteges fewer than 265; urosteges more than 95; supralabials eight or nine. E. chlorosoma.—p. 700. 155. Elaphe rosaliz (Mocquard) YELLOW SNAKE Coluber rosalie Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 321, pl. 12, figs. 1, 1a-b (type locality, Santa Rosalia, Lower California, Mexico). 31. ELAPHE 699 Elaphe rosaliea StEJNEGER & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 84; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 52, 66; NeLson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci, Vol. XOViIly 192i, p. 114. Description.—Head long, distinct from neck, with some- what flattened top, and elongate snout. Body rather slender, a little compressed laterally. Tail tapering, rather short. Rostral large, much broader than high, recurved but little above, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a much larger pair of prefrontals, a frontal, in contact with preocular, much broader anteriorly than behind, a pair of supraoculars very narrow anteriorly, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. True loreal single, elongate, with a subloreal. Preoculars two, the lower small. Postoculars three. Temporals small and numerous, three, four or two, in the first row. Supralabials 10 or 11, ninth largest, fifth or sixth reaching eye. Inferior labials 13 or 12, seventh largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, the posterior much smaller. Scales on body rather small, short, smooth, with two apical pits, in 33 or 34 rows, those of the outer rows somewhat larger. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges vary- ing in number at least from 277 to 286. Urosteges in two series of from 83 to 84 (two females). The color above is a uniform olive or reddish brown without dark markings, becoming yellowish or greenish to- wards the gastrosteges. The edges of the scales are a little darker. The lower surfaces are grayish or greenish yellow. Meng thy tomanusseee eens ee 718 1030 Menpthito fy tar seer ace == 135 201 Distribution.—This snake is known from only two speci- mens. The type was obtained near Santa Rosalia, in the 700 13. COLUBRID middle portion of Lower California. Mr. Slevin secured one at the spring of San Bartolo in the Cape Region. Habits—Mocquard states: “Ce serpent vit dans les buissons, sur lesquels il se tient ordinairement perché et se meut avec une grande agilité.” Our specimen was found on the sand in the arroyo at San Bartolo. 156. Elaphe chlorosoma (Giinther) Mexican Green Snake Coluber chlorosoma GUNTHER, Biologia Centrali-Americana, Rept., 1894, p. 115, pl. 41 (type locality, Atoyak and Amula in Guerrero and San Ramon in Jalisco, Mexico). Elaphe chlorosoma Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila, 1811, p. 231; SreyneceR & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept, 1917, p- 82. Description —Head long, distinct from neck, with some- what flattened top, and elongate snout. Body, rather slender, a little compressed laterally. Tail tapering, rather short. Rostral large, much broader than high, recurved but little above, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a much larger pair of prefrontals, a frontal usually in contact with preocular and much broader anteriorly than behind, a pair of supraoculars very narrow anteriorly, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. True loreal single, elongate, without subloreal. Preoculars one. Postoculars two. Temporals small and numerous, about three in the first row. Supralabials eight or nine, seventh largest, fifth and sixth or fourth and fifth, reaching eye. Inferior labials eleven, fifth and sixth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, the posterior longer but very narrow. Scales on body rather small, short, smooth, with two apical pits; in 33 rows, those of the 31. ELAPHE—32. ARIZONA 701 outer rows somewhat larger. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number at least from 246 to 260. Urosteges in two series of from 107 to 113. The color above is uniform greenish olive. On stretch- ing the skin the base of each scale may be seen to be black, with a whitish spot on each side of the scale. The lower parts are uniform whitish, or yellow. There are no definite markings even in young specimens. Weng this: tomar toes eee es iI iors Te 660 965 Teen ge thyo ta tal eeeaeweneeere reer ern sae eS = 280 Distribution —Originally described from specimens from Guerrero and Jalisco, Mexico, this snake has since been found in the Santa Rita Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Dr. Stone has recorded the two specimens taken there by Dr. H. A. Pilsbry, in 1910. One of these was secured in Agua Caliente Canyon, at an altitude of 6,000 feet. Genus 32. Arizona Arizona Kennicort, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, Rept., p. 18 (type, elegans); Van DrenBurGH, Proc. Acad. Sci., Ser. 3, Vol. 4, 1906, p. 66. The body is long and slender, with tail of moderate length. The neck is constricted somewhat, so that the head is distinct. The snout is long, rounded, and but little lower than the flat top of the head. The cephalic plates are nor- mal. The nasals rarely unite above the nostril. One (or two) preocular, two (or one) postoculars, and a loreal are present. Temporals are 2+3 or 2+4. The scales are smooth, in 27 to 31 rows. The anal plate is single. Uros- teges are in two series. The eye is moderately large, with pupil nearly round in many alcohol specimens but vertically elliptic in life. 702 13. COLUBRID 157. Arizona elegans Kennicott FapEep SNAKE Plates 66 and 73 Arizona elegans Kennicotr, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, Rept., p. 18, pl. 13 (type locality, “Rio Grande,’’ Texas, and “between Arkansas and Cimarron,” Oklahoma); Bairp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, p. 42; Bocourr, Miss. Sci. Mex., Rept., me livr., 1888, p. 676; CocKkERELL, American Naturalist, Vol. XXX, April, 1896, p. 326; Van Denpurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 193, figs.; McLain, Critical Notes, 1899, p- 11; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1903, pp. 549, 5533 Van Densurau, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 3, Vol. 4, 1906, p. 66; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1912, p. 150; Van DenBurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3 1913, p. 417; Arsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p- 43; StRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, p. 343 GrInNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p- 192; SrEJNEGER & Barspour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 85; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 52, 67. Pityophis elegans Cope, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 39; YARROW, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 541; Cougs, Surv. W, rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 618; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 16, 108. Rhinechis elegans Cort, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XXIII, 1886, p-. 284; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 72; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 638; Cope, Amer. Nat., Vol. XXX, 1896, p. 1014; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 863; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 52; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 314, pls. XCVI, fig. 2, XCVII, figs. I, 4. Coluber arizone Bou.encEr, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 66. Description —Head flat-topped or slightly rounded, with snout projecting and rather narrow. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral plate very large, prominent, recurved between internasals on top of snout, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on PratTEe 73 Oc. Papers, Cau. Acap. Sct., Vou. X [Van DeNBURGH 1915 ins, Faded Snake Arizona eleg 32. ARIZONA 703 top of head, a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of large parie- tals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct, but sometimes united above nostril. Loreal elongate. One or two preoculars and two or one postoculars. Temporals normally two followed by three, sometimes 2+4 or 2+5, lower scale of first row often elongate. Eight, or rarely seven or nine, superior and 11 to 15, usually 13, inferior labials, sixth or seventh superior and seventh or eighth in- ferior usually largest, fourth and fifth superior normally reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior narrower and shorter or but little longer than anterior. Scales on body smooth, thin, in 27 to 31 rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 209 to 227. Urosteges in two series of from 45 to 59. The ground color is pale brown or yellowish gray, lighter near the middle of the back, along which is a series of dark-edged brown or gray blotches. The sides are marbled with similar but smaller blotches in more or less alternating rows. The tail is similarly colored. In young, a dark streak runs from the eye, to the corner of the mouth, and another between the eyes, crossing the posterior edges of the prefrontal plates as in Pituophis. These streaks are faded or absent in adults. The lower surfaces are a beautiful pale yellowish white, without markings. The colors in life of an adult male taken at Yuma, March 19, 1912, were as follows: The head is light olive with darker olive markings. The lower surfaces and two or three rows of lateral scales are white. The scales between the blotches on the sides and along the middle of the back are yellowish with whitish edges and with reddish brown markings near the base of each scale. The dark blotches are in part blackish brown, in part deep olive. 704 13. COLUBRID Length to anus_._-_-.-... 231 282 730 860 870 Chly/ Length of tail_.._____ aesk: 33 122 160 125 145 Distribution.—This beautiful snake has been taken in Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arizona, California, and Lower California. In Mexico, it ranges south to the city of Chihuahua. It occurs in both Upper and Lower Sonoran zones. In Arizona, it has been taken near Tucson, Pima County; at Camp Grant, Graham County; on the mesa south of Fort Mohave, Mohave County; near Phoenix, Maricopa County; and at Yuma, Yuma County. In Lower California, it probably is confined to the northern end of the peninsula, where it has been secured at Ensenada, San Tomas, and San Quintin. In California, the most northern localities are Fresno, Fresno County, and McKittrick, Kern County. Farther south, it has been found in Los Angeles (Alhambra), San Bernardino (near Ontario), Riverside (Riverside, San Jacin- to), and San Diego (between Carlsbad and Oceanside, War- ner’s Ranch, Pacific Beach, west slope of coast range on San Diego wagon road, Campo, and Vallecito), counties, and on the Mohave Desert. Habits—A captive individual ate a Brown-shouldered Lizard (Uta stansburiana). A fine male dug out of a hole in a sand hill east of Yuma, Arizona, contained a Dipso- saurus dorsalis which it had eaten. Genus 33. Pituophis Pituophis Horproox, N. Amer. Herpet., Ed. 2, Vol. IV, 1842, p. 7 (type, melanoleucus). Churchillia Barrp & Girarp, Stansbury’s, Exped. Gt. Salt Lake, 1852, p. 350 (type, Sel/ona). The body is long but rather stout, with tail of moderate length. The neck usually is slightly constricted, so that the 33. PITUOPHIS 705 head appears little distinct from it. The snout is long, narrowly rounded, and projecting beyond the lower jaw. The head plates show many variations, but when typical are normal except that there are four prefrontals. The nasals usually are distinct. One or two preoculars, two to four postoculars, and a loreal are present. Temporals are many and very variable. The scales are in 27 to 37 rows, the dorsals keeled, some of the lateral rows smooth. The anal plate is single. Urosteges are in two series. The eye is large, with round pupil. The snakes of this genus are popularly known as Gopher or Bull Snakes. Seven kinds occur within the geographical limits of this work. The differences between them are set forth in the following table of averages and synopsis of species and subspecies. Table of Average Differences in Pituophis » 12/2] 313 = w ios) Pu} a P L Average No. of I E g e a g e eS ae i as: Specimens 103 28 69 28 29 16 15 * * * ¥n5 cas a9 Gastrosteges ou 219 | *228 234 227 244 : $220 | f224 | tear | t239 | f235 | t237 216 = 168: * 76. |" "76 #766 1) "16 Urosteges 9 7 4 3] 62 ‘ 164] t 60] t 70] f 59] t 60] t 57 Scale-rows Qe wei) les. |) Blade | 92.9 |) 29.) | seal 34 Preoculars 2-2 | 2-2] 2-2] 2-2] 1-1 I-1 | 2-2 Supralabials 8 8 8 8 8 8 9 Body blotches 70 58 74 56 58 46 44 Tail blotches QTean in etoe (22 Biers as | Toast 12.9, || xe ~-*Males. +Females. 706 13. COLUBRID SYNOPSIS OF SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES a.—Coloration on anterior half of body not largely red. b.—The number of gastrosteges less the number of dorsal blotches on body and tail rarely exceeds 151. c.—Gastrosteges fewer (200 to 230), average fewer than 225; urosteges fewer (51 to 80), average in males 70, females 63), scale rows usually (70 to 75%) not more than 31. d.—Dorsal blotches more numerous on body (56 to 93, average 70) and tail (14 to 30, average 21.4). P. c. catenifer.—p. 707. d’.—Dorsal blotches fewer on body (48 to 70, average 57.6) and tail (13 to 19, average 15). P. c. heermanni.—p. 715. c.—Gastrosteges more numerous (217 to 243), average more than 225; urosteges more numerous (62 to 85, average in males 76, females 70); scale-rows usually (63%) more than 31. Dorsal blotches numerous on body (54 to 89, average 74) and tail (14 to 29, average 22.8). P. c. annectens.—p. 719. b’.—The number of gastrosteges less the number of dorsal blotches on body and tail usually exceeds 151; gastrosteges more than 220. cc.—The sum of the number of scale-rows and of pre- oculars on both sides of head rarely exceeds 33; usually one preocular. P. c. stejnegeri—p.729. cc.—The sum of the number of scale-rows and of pre- oculars on both sides of head usually exceeds 33. dd.—The sum of the number of caudal blotches and preoculars of both sides of head usually exceeds 16; usually two preoculars; posterior dorsal blotches not distinctly reddish. P. c. deserticola —p. 725. 33. PITUOPHIS 707 dd*—The sum of the number of caudal blotches and preoculars of both sides of head rarely exceeds 16; usually one preocular; posterior dorsal blotches often distinctly reddish or red-brown. P. c. rutilus.—p. 733. a.—Coloration on anterior half of body largely red. Gastrosteges 233 to 257; scales usually in 35 or 33 rows; dorsal blotches few (average 44 on body, 11 on tail); supralabials usually nine or more. P. vertebralis.—p. 737. 158. Pituophis catenifer catenifer (Blainville) Coast GoPpHER SNAKE Plate 74 Coluber catenifer Buatnvitte, Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat., Vol. IV, 1835, p. 290, pl. 26, figs. 2-2b (type locality, California); Bov- LENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 67 (part). Pituophis catenifer Barrpv & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p. 69; Grrarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p. 135, pl. VIII, figs. 1-7; Ginruer, Cat. Colub. Snakes Brit. Mus., 1858, p- 87; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p- 195 (part); Van Densurcu, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XXXVII, No. 157, p. 140; McLary, Critical Notes, 1899, p. 11; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 320, pl. XCIX, fig. 2 (part); Van Densureu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1912, p. 158 (part); Van Densurcu & SteEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IV, 1914, p. 136; Storer, Copeia, 1916, No. 35, p. 74- Pituophis Wilkesii Barrv & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpo 1853, p. 71 (type locality, Puget Sound, Oregon); Grraro, U. S. Explor. Exped., 1858, p. 137, pl. UX, figs. 1-7; Lorp, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. II, 1866, p. 307 (part). Pityophis catenifer Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 393 Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 641 (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 876 (part). Pityophis sayi sayi YARRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 105 (part). 708 13. COLUBRIDZ Pityophis sayi bellona Yarrow & Hensuaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engi- neers for 1878, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 212 (part); Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 106 (part). Pityophis catenifer catenifer Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p- 53 (part). Pituophis catenifer catenifer GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 193 (part); Sreynecer & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 85; VAN Denpurcu & SLEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IX, 1919, p. 211, pls. XI, XII, fig. 1 (part); Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. I, 1920, p. 13. Description.—Head rather flat-topped or rounded, with snout projecting and rather narrow. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral plate very large, prominent, not very narrow but often recurved between internasals on top of snout; bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of inter- nasals, four, two, one, three, five, six, or eight prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct, sometimes united. Loreal usually elongate. One or usually two pre- oculars, and two to five, usually three, postoculars. Tips of some labials often cut off, forming suboculars or loreals. Seven to 10, usually eight, and 10 to 14, usually 13 or 12, inferior labials, next to last superior and sixth or seventh inferior usually largest in its series, fourth or fifth superior usually reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Temporals in first row varying from two to six, usually four or three, very variable. Two pairs of genials, anterior much larger than posterior. Scales on body in 29 to 33 rows, usually 31, keeled except in a varying number (about three to 10) of rows on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 200 to 230, males having from 207 to 230, females from 200 to 230. Oc. Papers, Cat. Acap. Sci., VoL. X [Van DeNBURGH PLATE 74 ‘ounty Siskiyou ¢ near Callahan, ae a ifer, Coast Gopher Snake California, Pituophis catentfer caten ted near Wild Cat Creel 33. PITUOPHIS 709 Urosteges in two series of from 53 to 79, males having from 59 to 79, females from 53 to 78. The ground color is pale brown or yellowish gray, sometimes obscured by the spreading of the blotches or the presence of dark marks along the keels of its scales. Along the middle of the back between the head and a point over the anus is a series of from 56 to 93 (average 70) dark brown or black blotches. On the upper surface of the tail are from 14 to 30 (average 21.4) dark blotches. There are several series of smaller alternating dark blotches or spots on the sides. These spots sometimes tend to unite to form longi- tudinal lines. Across the top of the head, between the preocular plates, is a line of black or brown. A similar line runs down from the center of the eye and another back and down from the upper postocular plate. The lower surfaces are yellowish white, usually maculated with black or brown. Length to anus. OS 660 820 860 1200 1260 Length of tail______. 52 135 165 170 270 210 Variation One specimen has no loreal plates; the other 103 all have the normal loreal 1—1. The preoculars are 2—2 in seventy-nine, or 78%; 1—1 in seventeen, or 16% ; and 1—2 in six, or 6%. The postoculars are 3—3 in seventy-one, or 69%; 3—4 in eighteen, or 17%; 44 in eleven, or 11%; 4—5 in one, or 1%. 2—3 in one, or 1%; and 2—2 in one, or 1%. The temporals are 4—4 in thirty- nine, or 38%; 3—3 in twenty-six, or 25%; 3—4 in twenty- one, or 20%; 4—5S in nine, or 9%; 2—3 in three, or 3%; 2—2 in three, or 3%; 5—S5 in one, or 1%; and 2—4 in one, or 1%. The supralabials are 8—8 in fifty-six, or 54%; 8—9 in twenty-seven, or 26%; 9—9 in fourteen, or 14%; 9—10 in three, or 3%; 7—8 in two, or 2%; and 10—10 in one, or 1%. The infralabials are 13—13 in thirty-two, or 31%; 12—12 in twenty-two, or 21%; 12—13 in nine- 710 13. COLUBRID teen, or 18%; 11—12 in nine, or 9%; 13—14 in seven, or 7% 11—11 in six, or 6%; 11—13 in three, or 3%; 10—10 in three, or 3%; 14-14 in one, or 1%; and 10—11 in one, or 1%. The scale-rows are 31 in sixty-nine, or 68%; 33 in twenty, or 20%; and 29 in twelve, or 12%; the average is 31.1 rows. The gastrosteges vary in number from 200 to 230, males having from 207 to 230, females from 200 to 230; the average in 54 males is 217, in 46 females is 220. The urosteges vary from 53 to 79, males having from 59 to 79, females from 53 to 78; the average in 53 males is 69, in 45 females, 64. The dark blotches between head and anus in 75 speci- mens vary from 56 to 93, the average being 70. On the tail, in 83 specimens, they vary from 14 to 30, and average 21.4, Distribution—The Coast Gopher Snake occupies a rather narrow strip of territory along the Pacific Coast of the United States from British Columbia (Sumass) and Puget Sound to Santa Barbara County, California. The eastern limit of its range in the far north is not known, but does not include eastern Washington, where other subspecies occur. In Washington, gopher snakes taken at Puget Sound, Fort Steilacoom, Wenass River, and at Meadow Creek in Chelan County, probably belong to this subspecies, but have not been recently examined. In southern Oregon, it occurs near Roseburg and in the Camas Mountains, in Douglas County, but not near Kla- math Falls, Klamath County, where it is replaced by P. catenifer heermanni. In California, it occupies the coast ranges and valleys east to the western edges of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys, where it intergrades with and, farther east, is re- 33. PITUOPHIS 711 placed by P. catenifer heermanni in the north and P. cateni- fer deserticola in the south. Still farther south, it probably intergrades with P. catenifer annectens in Santa Barbara or Ventura County. It has been taken in Siskiyou (Fort Jones, Callahan, Mt. Shasta), Humboldt (Garberville), Trinity (Yolla Bolly Mountain), Mendocino (ten miles south from Willits), Lake (Middletown, Kelseyville, Lower Lake), Sonoma (Petaluma, Duncan Mills, Guerneville, Monte Rio), Napa (Napa), Solano (Buddha Canyon), Marin (In- verness, Point Reyes Station, Mailliard, Mt. Tamalpais, Lagunitas, Manzanita, San Anselmo), Contra Costa (Wal- nut Creek, Antioch, Contra Costa, San Pablo Valley, Mt. Diablo, Moraga Valley), Alameda (Berkeley, Oakland, Haywards), San Francisco, San Mateo (Millbrae), Santa Clara (Palo Alto, Stanford University, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Los Gatos, Alma, Coyote, Coyote Creek), Santa Cruz (Glenwood, Corralitos, Soquel), San Benito (San Juan), Monterey, Carmel, Bradley, Soledad, Coburn, Welby, Metz), San Luis Obispo (San Miguel, Pismo, Edna, Indian Creek, San Juan River, Source of the Salinas River), and Santa Barbara (Santa Cruz Island) counties. Habits—The Gopher or Bull Snake is the largest as well as one of the most abundant of Californian serpents. Individuals more than six feet long are rarely found. These are usually very gentle and show little resentment even when roughly handled. The younger snakes, however, some- times strike fiercely, but of course harmlessly. This snake shares with many others the curious habit of rapidly vibrat- ing the tip of its tail when excited; an action which some- times, when the tail happens to strike upon dry leaves or grass, produces a sound not unlike the warning whir of the rattlesnake. Its food, so far as is known, consists of small mammals, of which gophers are said to form a large part. 712 13. COLUBRIDZ Young birds also sometimes are eaten. On one occasion a half-grown snake of this kind was found in an aviary where domestic canaries were breeding. The snake had crawled into the cage through the half-inch mesh of the wire netting without difficulty. After having dined on the contents of a nest, however, the diameter of the snake was so much increased that it could not escape and was killed. When I opened it I found three nearly fledged young canaries. I once saw a Boyle’s Milk Snake kill and eat a Pituophis c. catenifer which was only about three inches shorter than itself. See plate No. 82 for photographs. A female gopher snake which I had in captivity had been captured a few days before “in a marsh near Palo Alto,” Santa Clara County, California. During the next few days this snake lay almost motionless in a small box in my office in the California Academy of Sciences. On the afternoon of July 13, however, it became very restless and seriously injured its snout in attempting to find some hole through which it might escape from its prison. The next morning— July 14—\+to my surprise, several eggs were in the box, and the number was added to at intervals until by noon of the next day, 19 eggs had been laid. The eggs when first laid are covered with a loose, soft, sticky, parchment-like white membrane. This quickly dries and hardens, shrinking upon the substance of the egg until quite tense and cementing each egg to the others upon which it is laid. After the membranous shell has become dry it ceases to shrink, and if the substance of the egg be reduced, as by evaporation, wrinkles appear upon its surface. How- ever, the softness of the shell and its power to shrink upon its contents are restored by the application of water. The eggs as laid formed a great cluster surrounded by the coiled body of the snake. The latter hissed fiercely 33. PITUOPHIS “13 when the eggs were removed, although she had not shown the slightest resentment when handled on previous days. Mr. Tracy I. Storer has published the following notes on an “albino” snake of this subspecies: “The specimen under discussion was captured in a dor- mant state at Pescadero, a coastal locality in San Mateo County, California, early in November, 1913, on black adobe soil where gopher snakes were said to be fairly com- mon. The snake was kept alive for more than a year and is now in the reptile collection of the Department of Zo- ology of the University of California. _“The coloration of a typical gopher snake seems to be made up of three distinct materials; a yellow deposit found generally distributed in the scales of the body and forming the ground color, and two darker pigments, a red and a black, occurring locally and forming the contrasted part of the color pattern. The yellow pigment is present in the scales of the albino specimen as is also (in part at least) the red, but the black is entirely lacking. Upon the anterior portion of the body, where ordinarily the black and red to- gether form brown spots only the red is present, and on the tail where a normal specimen is black, only pale bluish or uncolored areas are to be seen. The iris and tongue which are normally dark shared in the loss of color and were of a ight pinkish cast. Evidently the factor controlling the formation and deposition of black pigment failed of opera- tion throughout the entire body. “Accompanying this abnormality in coloration there were irregularities in scale pattern, especially on the head, which suggests that whatever cause operated to prevent the for- mation of black pigment also may have had some effect on scale formation. Several of the head scales are of quite dif- ferent shape than those found on a normal specimen, and some show suggestions of divisions which were not com- 714 13. COLUBRID pleted. There are four postoculars, where but three nor- mally occur. The body scales, save for the interpolation of an incomplete gastrostege which extends but half way across the body, are quite typical and numerically are within the limits given by Cope. “This snake was kept in captivity for more than a year, confined in a glass terrarium with a screened top. It was provided with water and at intervals small white mice were fed to it; one of these bit the snake on the head and pro- duced a “scalp” wound. One morning after the animal had been in captivity for about four months the skin on the preorbital portion of its head was seen to be free from the scales beneath. Some straw was placed in the terrarium and within a few minutes the snake was working rapidly back and forth through the straw, freeing itself from the old skin. At the place where its body was just being freed from the skin, violent muscular expansions and contractions were being executed. The surface of the snake’s body and the outside, originally the inside, of the sluffed skin were noticeably moist as a result of the secretion which had been poured out to assist in moulting. For several weeks previous to moulting the snake had been quite sluggish, remaining coiled in one corner of the terrarium and refusing food. During this time its eye became gradually dulled and the skin was seen to be free from the body in several places. Immediately after the moult the animal became very active.” 33. PITUOPHIS 715 159. Pituophis catenifer heermanni (Hallowell) VaLLEY GOPHER-SNAKE Plate 75 Pityophis Heermanni HatioweE.t, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. VI, 1853, p. 236 (type locality, Cosumnes River, California). Pityophis vertebralis HattowE.t, Rep. Pacific R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1853; Bet. IV; p. 14. ? Pituophis Wilkesii Lorp, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. II, 1866, p- 307 (part). Pityophis sayi bellona Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p- 106 (part); Townsenp, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. ro, 1887, Pe 23902) ? Pityophis catenifer Townsenp, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 10, 1887, Pp. 239. Pituophis catenifer Van DensBurcH, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 195 (part). Pityophis catenifer catenifer Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p- 53 (part). Pituophis catenifer catenifer GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool. Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 193 (part); Van DensurcuH & SLeEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IX, 1919, p. 211 (part); Dice, Univ. Cal. Publs. Zool., Vol. 16, No. 17, 1916, pp. 303, 307, 308, 310. (2). Pituophis catenifer heermanni Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. 1, 1920, p. 16, pl. 1, fig. 2. Pituophis catenifer deserticola BuancHaRD, Copeia, 1921, No. 90, p. 5. Description —Head somewhat flat-topped, with snout projecting and rather narrow. Temporal regions not swol- len. Rostral plate very large, prominent, not very narrow, often recurved between internasals on top of snout; bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a variable number of prefrontals (normally four), a frontal, supraocu- lar of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and post- erior nasals usually distinct. Loreal usually elongate. Pre- oculars usually two, occasionally one. Postoculars normally 716 13. COLUBRIDA three, sometimes four or five. Supralabials usually eight sometimes nine, rarely seven or 10. Infralabials usually 13, sometimes 12, 14 or 11. Temporals of first row vary- ing from two to six, usually four. Genials in two pairs, anterior larger. Scales on body in 29 to 35 rows, usually 31; keeled except in a varying number of rows on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 209 to 231, males having from 209 to 231, females from 218 to 231. Urosteges in two series of from 55 to 74, males having from 61 to 74, females from 55 to 66. The ground color is pale brownish or grayish yellow, sometimes obscured by the spreading of the blotches or the presence of dark marks along the keels of the scales. Along the middle of the back between the head and the anus is a series of from 48 to 70 (average 58) dark brown blotches. On the upper surface of the tail are from 13 to 19 (average 15) blotches. There are several series of smaller alternat- ing dark blotches on the sides. These spots and blotches often are edged with darker brown or black, and tend to become blackish on the tail. Across the top of the head, between the preocular plates, is a narrow band of brown. A similar line runs down from the center of the eye, and another back and down from the upper postocular plate. The lower surfaces are yellow or yellowish white, usually blotched with black or brown. Length to anus_______548 838 877 906 974 1022 Length of tail... ety 148 174 153 Wee 175 Variation.—The loreal is 1—1 in all of the 28 speci- mens. The preoculars are 2—2 in twenty-six, or 937%; and 1—1 in two, or 7%. The postoculars are 3—3 in twenty- three, or 85%; 44 in three, or 11%; and 4—S in one, or 4%. The temporals are 4—4 in eleven or 45%; 3—4 in five, or 21%; 5—5 in three, or 13%; 3—3 in three, or Oc: PAPERS, [Van DENBURGH PLATE 5 1920 May, California, op 3) Aa. fo Ye > Tes Sa 3 Pituophis catenifer heerm Collected five miles south from Madera, 33. PITUOPHIS AU 13%; 46 in one, or 4%; and 2—3 in one, or 4%. The supralabials are 8—8 in twelve, or 48%; 8—9 in eight, or 32% 3 and 7—7, 7—8, 9—9, 9—10, and 10—10, each in one, or 4%. The infralabials are 13—13 in twelve, or 50%; 12—12 in six, or 25%; 14—14 in two, or 8%; 12—13 in two, or 8% 3 and 12—14, and 11—14 each in one, or 4%. The scale rows are 31 in thirteen, or 46%; 33 in eight, or 29%; 29 in six, or 21%; and 35 in one, or 4%; the average is 31.3 rows. The gastrosteges vary in number from 209 to 231, males having from 209 to 231, females from 218 to 231; the average in 16 males is 219, in twelve females, 224. The urosteges vary from 55 to 74, males having from 61 to 74, females from 55 to 66; the average in fifteen males is 68; in eleven females is 60. The dark blotches between head and anus in 28 speci- mens vary from 48 to 70, the average being 57.6. On the tail, in 32 specimens, they vary from 13 to 19, and aver- age 15. Distribution.—This subspecies occupies the Klamath re- gion in Oregon, and, in California, the Sacramento Valley, the northern part of the San Joaquin Valley, and the west- ern slope of the Sierra Nevada, except in the southern end of the range. Along the western edge of its territory it intergrades with P. catenifer catenifer, and in the south with P. catenifer deserticola. Washington specimens recorded by Dr. Blanchard as P. c. deserticola seem to me to belong to this subspecies. They were collected in Okanogan (Omak Lake) and Spokane (Marshall) counties. It is probable that those secured by Dice in Walla Walla (Wallula) and Columbia counties also belong here. The same may be true of specimens from Colville, Stevens County, Fort Walla Walla, Walla Walla County, and Almota, Whitman County. 718 13. COLUBRID In Oregon, P. c. heermanni has been taken near Kla- math Falls, Klamath County. The positive identification of gopher-snakes which have been collected at The Dalles, Wasco County, Willows, Gilliam County, Heppner, Mor- row County, Umatilla, Umatilla County, Burns, Harney County, and Juntura, Malheur County, must await re- examination of the specimens. Those from Malheur and Harney counties may not improbably be P. c. deserticola. California specimens have been collected in Modoc (Canby, Goose Lake Meadows, Sugar Hill, between Alturas and Davis Creek, Dry Creek in the Warner Mts.), probably Shasta (McCloud River), Tehama (Tehama), Glenn (Fruto, Winslow), Butte (between Live Oak and Gridley), Yolo (Grand Island Landing), Placer (Lander near Col- fax), El Dorado (Fyffe, Riverton), San Joaquin (Tracy), Merced (Los Bafios, Snelling), Mariposa (between Kinsley and MaCauley’s Stage Station, Coulterville, Pleasant Val- ley), Madera (five miles south from Madera), and Fresno (King’s River, Dunlaps, Clovis) counties. Remarks.—The snakes which are here referred to Pituo- phis catenifer heermanni are intermediate in characters be- tween P. catenifer catenifer and P. catenifer deserticola. They agree with the former subspecies in the small number of their gastrosteges, and with the latter in the possession of fewer dorsal spots. Individual variation, of course, often makes it impossible positively to identify single specimens, but real geographic variation, nevertheless, is evident in series of specimens, and it seems best to recognize this differ- ence by name. 33. PITUOPHIS 719 160. Pituophis catenifer annectens (Baird & Girard) San DiecaANn GoPpHER SNAKE Plate 76 Pituophis annectens Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, 1853, p- 72 (type locality, San Diego, California). Pityophts sayi sayi Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 105 (part). Pityophis sayi bellona Streets, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7, 1877, p- 40; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 106 (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 872 (part). Pityophis catenifer Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, p. 29; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 876 (part). Pituophis catenifer Van DenpurGH, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 195 (part); GrinneLtt & GrinneLt, Throop Inst. Bull., No. XXXV, 1907, p. 46, fig. 20; GRINNELL, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool. Vol. 5, No. 1, 1908, p. 165; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1912, pp. 149, 150; Arsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p. 43; VAN DenBurcH & SLevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IV, 1914, p. 141; RurHLinc, Copeia, 1916, No. 37, p. 91; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64. Pituophis catenifer deserticola Van DenBuRGH & S tevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IV, 1914, p. 142. Pituophis catenifer catenifer GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ., Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 193 (part); CowLes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66. Pituophis catenifer annectens VAN DENBURGH & SLEVIN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IX, 1919, p. 216 (part); Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. 1, 1920, p. 17, pl. 1, fig. 2; VAN DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp- 52, 67; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 130. Description—Head somewhat flat-topped, with snout projecting and rather narrow. Temporal regions not swol- len. Rostral plate very large, prominent, not very narrow, often recurved between internasals on top of snout; bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a variable 720 13. COLUBRIDEZ number of prefrontals (normally four), a frontal, supra- ocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct. Loreal usually elongate. Preoculars usually two, sometimes one. Postoculars nor- mally three, sometimes four, two or five. Supralabials usually eight, sometimes nine. Infralabials usually 13, sometimes 14 or 12, rarely 11, 10 or 15. Temporals of first row varying from two to six, usually four. Genials in two pairs, anterior larger. Scales on body in 29 to 35 rows, usually 33; keeled except in a varying number of rows on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 217 to 243, males having from 217 to 243, females from 218 to 240. Urosteges in two series of from 62 to 85, males having from 62 to 85, females from 62 to 83. The ground color is yellow or grayish or brownish, usu- ally much obscured by the spreading the the blotches and the presence of dark marks on the keels of the scales. Along the middle of the back, from the head to a point over the anus, is a series of from 54 to 89 (average 74) dark brown or black blotches. The blotches of the median dorsal series usually are comparatively small, while those of the upper lateral series are large for that series and usually are irregu- larly blended with the median series. This blending is most marked anteriorly, where it often obscures the pattern. On the upper surface of the tail are from 14 to 29 (average 22.8) dark brown or black blotches or cross-bars, usually discrete. On the sides are other series of dark brown or black spots, which may show a tendency to form broken longitudinal bands anteriorly. The usual head bands are present, but often are not very distinct. The top of the head is yellowish brown spotted or marbled with dark brown. The spaces between the dark dorsal blotches are yellow or light brown, sometimes with an orange tinge pos- 6 [Van Denpurcu | PLAT Bele Vou. ACAD. » Ca PAPER [Oler OZ61 AP IN BIULOJITR) 'XZUNOL) O yyeUS I UC OCULR,) a yu YOURY yp da[iuayv S,UdALIE MW yd ond 1t 33. PITUOPHIS | teriorly, and usually have dark marks on the keels of the scales. The lower surfaces are yellow or yellowish white, more or less spotted or blotched with black or dark brown, especially near the ends of some of the gastrosteges and urosteges. The dark marks on the urosteges may form a pair of dark longitudinal subcaudal streaks. Length to anus__________.305 910 930 1160 1190 1320 Length of tail____-__ == 60 195 195 230 218 245 V ariation.—Sixty-nine specimens all have loreals 1—1. The preoculars are 2—2 in forty-four, or 64%; 1—1 in twenty, or 29%; and 1—2 in five, or 7%. The postoculars are 3—3 in forty, or 59%; 4-4 in thirteen, or 19%; 3—4 in eleven, or 16%; and 2—3, 2—4, 4-5, and 5—5 each in one. The temporals are 4—4 in twenty-three or 34%; 3—3 in fifteen, or 22%; 3—4 in twelve, or 18%; 4—5S in five, or 7%; 5—5 in five, or 7%; 3—5 in two, or 3%; and 2—2, 2—3, 2—4, 46, and 5—6 each in one. The supralabials are 8—8 in thirty-three, or 48%; 9—9 in nineteen, or 27%; and 8—9 in seventeen or 25%. The infralabials are 13—13 in thirty-four, or 49%; 13—14 in ten, or 14%; 12—12 in eight, or 12%; 12—13 in seven, or 10%; 1414 in three, or 4%; 11—13 in two, or 3%; and 10—11, 11—11, 11—12, 12—14, and 14—15 each in one. The scale rows are 33, in thirty-seven, or 54%; 31 in twenty-five, or 36%; 35 in six, or 9%; and 29 in one, or 1%; the average is 32.4 rows. The gastrosteges vary in number from 217 to 243, males having from 217 to 243, females from 218 to 240; the average in 43 males is 228, in twenty-five females, 231. The urosteges vary from 62 to 85, males having from 62 to 85, females from 62 to 83; the average in thirty-nine males is 76, in twenty-four fe- males, 70. The dark blotches between head and anus in 71 speci- 722 13. COLUBRIDZ mens vary from 54 to 89, the average being 74. On the tail, in 65 specimens, they vary from 14 to 29, and aver- age 22.8. Distribution —This subspecies occupies the coast region of southern California and northern Lower California, and has been found on some of the islands off the coast. We have examined specimens from Santa Barbara (Santa Bar- bara), Ventura (Pine Creek), Los Angeles (Charter Oak, Cold Water Canyon, La Crescenta, Pasadena, Mount Wil- son, Sierra Madre, Claremont), San Bernardino (Ontario), Riverside (Colton, San Bernardino Mountains, Riverside, San Jacinto, San Jacinto Mountains), and San Diego (War- ner Pass, Agua Caliente, Cahuilla Valley, Julian, Cuyamaca Mountains, Campo), counties, California, and from En- senada, San Martin Island and South Coronado Island, Lower California. It is probably this subspecies of gopher-snake which has been observed but not captured on Santa Catalina Island. Those of Santa Cruz Island, however, are Pituophis cateni- fer catenifer. Remarks.—This subspecies may be known by its large number of gastrosteges and urosteges, and its numerous dor- sal blotches. It seems to be confined to the region west of the desert areas, and probably intergrades with P. catenifer deserticola along the western edge of the desert. Inter- gradation with P. catenifer catenifer probably occurs in or about Santa Barbara County. Habits —“This is the most often met with of all our snakes, and, taken on the whole, has the most favorable rep- utation with the ordinary run of people. Most ranchers and country people have learned to recognize in the gopher 33. PITUOPHIS 723 snake an efficient destroyer of those pests of the farm, gophers and squirrels, and accordingly seldom offer injury willfully. “But with city people who now and then drive into the country it is different. The gopher snake has an unfortunate habit of crawling out into open roads, especially on warm spring days, evidently with the purpose of basking in the grateful sunshine. Along comes the city man with his instinc- tive but unreasonable fear and hatred for snakes in general, and he attacks the harmless and slow-moving gopher snake to the usual destruction of the latter. So often one sees the mangled remains along roadsides that it seems a wonder that there are any gopher snakes whatever left. “Tt is very evident that snakes are far less common than they used to be 20 years ago; at the same time gophers and ground squirrels are in many districts more of a pest than ever before; and the reason is obvious. In commendable contradistinction to the deplorable thoughtlessness of the average person is the good sense of the occasional farmer who actually invites the gopher snakes to make their homes on his land. We know of a few such who bring to their ranches every snake they can readily capture. And we have been repeatedly assured that many an old gopher who had proved too wise for traps and apparently immune to poison, had finally met his Waterloo in the long gullet of a gopher snake. “The snake is introduced into the burrow of the rodent and disappears. In a few hours he reappears, languidly crawling into the sunshine, while a huge bulge about two- thirds the way along his mottled body gives proof of what has happened down in the dark underground galleries. “The school teachers and pupils of the county can do a good turn by advertising the good services of snakes in general, recommending their protection on grounds of eco- 724 13. COLUBRIDA nomic value. This appeals to many people who would never admit the inhumanity of killing a snake. “This snake, sometimes called ‘bull snake,’ especially by people who have just come from the East, is not in the least poisonous, tho we have known large examples to inflict suf- ficiently effective bites to draw blood. “This snake grows to large size; the largest specimens which we have ourselves measured were 52, 58, and 62 inches long, respectively. Larger ones are often reported. “The gopher snake has the curious habit of vibrating its tail rapidly when excited, and if it happens to be among dry leaves or weed stems the sound is not unlike the whir of the rattlesnake. “The gopher snake hides away during the winter months in rock piles, and possibly in holes in the ground. We know nothing of its breeding places or habits.” (Grinnell and Grinnell.) Mr. Paul Ruthling notes: “One 64-inch Pacific Bull Snake that was brought to me was handled too much. A slight touch of mal de mer resulted in his vomiting four full-grown gophers, none of which was more than slightly digested. On another occasion more than a dozen mice had the misfortune to run foul of a mouse trap I had set for living mice. These same mice had the additional misfor- tune all to find their way into the stomach of a good-sized hungry Pacific Bul! Snake. “Taking it all in all, the good done by the Pacific Bull Snake has already earned him the protection of many ranchers and far outweights any harmful depredations his lack of discretion may at times mislead him to make.” 33. PITUOPHIS 725 161. Pituophis catenifer deserticola (Stejneger) Desert GOPHER SNAKE Pituophis bellona Coorer, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1870, p. 66. Pityophis sayi bellona Corer, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 39 (part); Yarrow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 5495 Yarrow & HensHaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 212 (part); Yar- row, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 106 (part); Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 641 (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 872 (part); Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 320 (part). Pityophis sayi sayi YARRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 105 (part). Pityophis catenifer Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, p. 18. Pituophis catenifer SrEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 5, 1891, p. E10}; Sreynecer, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 206; Van DENBURGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1912, p. 158 (part). Pityophis catenifer Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 876 (part). Pityophis catenifer bellona Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p- 54 (part). Pituophis catentfer deserticola SrEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p- 206 (type locality, Great Basin and the southwestern deserts); Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 198; MEEK, Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Ser., Vol. VII, No. 1, 1906, p- 15 (part); Taytor, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 7, No. 10, 1912, Pp- 354; RicHarpson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 48, 1915, p. 4273 Ruruven & Gaice, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich., No. 8, 1915, p. 31; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. V, 1915, p. 107; GrinNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, p. 193; STEYNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 86; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. 1, 1920, p. 19; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64; Van Den- BURGH & Sievin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp- 28, 37, 52; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 126. Pituophis catenifer annectens Van DENBURGH & StEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IX, 1919, p. 216 (part). 726 13. COLUBRIDZ Description——Head somewhat flat-topped or rounded with snout projecting and rather narrow. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral plate very large, prominent not very narrow but often recurved between internasals on top of snout; bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a variable number of prefrontals (normally four), a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parie- tals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct, some- times united. Loreal usually elongate. One or usually two preoculars; and three or four, usually three, postoculars. Tips of some labials may be cut off forming suboculars or loreals. Supralabials usually eight, sometimes nine or 10. Infralabials usually 13, sometimes 12 or 14. Temporals of first row varying from two to six, usually four. Genials in two pairs, anterior much larger than posterior. Scales on body in 29 to 37 rows, usually 33 or 31, keeled except in a varying number of rows on each side. Anal plate not di- vided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 223 to 263, males having from 224 to 252, females from 223 to 263. Urosteges in two series of from 50 to 72, males having from 58 to 72, females from 50 to 67. The ground color is pale yellow or grayish yellow, some - times more or less obscured by the spreading of the blotches or the presence of dark keels on the scales, especially later- ally and anteriorly. Along the middle of the back, from the head to a point over the anus, is a series of from 46 to 66 (average 55) dark brown blotches. These blotches may be blackish or actually black on the neck and toward the tail, and may be more or less margined with black through- out. On the upper surface of the tail are from 12 to 21 (average 15.4) dark brown or black blotches or cross-bars. The dorsal blotches on the anterior part of the body may be rounded, but they soon become more or less quadrate 33. PITUOPHIS AS posteriorly and may be so even on the neck. There are several series of smaller, alternating blotches or spots on the sides. Across the top of the head between the preocular plates is a narrow, brown band, often more or less faded. A similar band runs down and back from the upper postoc- ular, and there is a brown or black spot below the eye. The top of the head is grayish or yellowish brown, marbled with dark brown on the parietal and frontal plates. The spaces between the dark dorsal blotches on the posterior part of the body are grayish or yellowish or light brown, some- times with an orange tinge, usually without dark marks on the keels of the scales. Anteriorly dark keels often are present on the scales of the interspaces. The lower surfaces are yellow or yellowish white with brown or black spots, chiefly on the lateral portions of each second, third or fourth gastrostege and urostege. In some specimens there are cen- tral marblings. Rarely, there may be one median, or two lateral, longitudinal subcaudal dark bands. Length to anus - == = 380 492 570 720 765 1155 Length’ of ‘tail 65 90 98 122 130 168 Variation — Twenty-eight specimens from California and western Nevada show the following variations. The loreals are 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 2—2 in twenty-four, or 86%; 1—2 in two, or 7%; and 1—1 in two, or 7%. The postoculars are 3—3 in twenty-two, or 79%; 44 in five, or 18% ; and 3—4 in one, or 3%. The temporals are 3—4 in eleven, or 39%; 4—4 in five, or 18% 3 4-—5 in four, or 14%; 5—5 in three, or 11%; and 2—3, 3—3, 3—5, 5—6, and 6—6 each in one, or 3%. The supralabials are 8—8 in seventeen, or 61%; 8—9 in six, or 21%; 9—9 in four, or 14%; and 8—10 in one, or 4%. The infralabials are 13—13 in thirteen, or 46%; 12—12 in six, or 21%; 12—13 in four, or 14%; 12—14 in two, or 7%; 13—14 in two, or 728 13. COLUBRIDE 7% 3 and 14—14 in one, or 4%. The scale-rows are 33 in eleven, or 39%; 31 in eleven, or 39%; 35 in three, or 11%; 29 in two, or 7%; and 37 in one, or 4%; the average is 32.3 rows. The gastrosteges vary in number from 223 to 263, males having from 224 to 252, females from 223 to 263; the average in twelve males is 234, in sixteen females, 239. The urosteges vary from 50 to 72, males having from 58 to 72, females from 50 to 67; the average in twelve males is 64, in fifteen females, 59. The dark blotches between head and anus in 28 speci- mens vary from 46 to 66, the average being 55. On the tail they vary from 12 to 21, and average 15.4. Distribution —In California this subspecies occupies the Colorado and Mohave deserts and the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley. It ranges north and east over most of Nevada. From Nevada I have examined specimens of this sub- species from Humboldt (Thousand Creek Flat, Virgin Val- ley, Big Creek Pine Forest Mountains), Washoe (Pyramid Lake, Nixon), Ormsby (Carson), Lander (Austin), Elko (Carlin), Nye (Peavine Creek, Toiyabe Mountains, Round Mountain at 6,300 feet), and Esmeralda (Palmetto Moun- tains), counties. Californian specimens examined have been collected in Imperial (Silsbee), Riverside (Mecca), San Bernardino (Victorville, Hesperia), Mono (Benton), Kern (Walker Pass, Tehachapi Mountains, Isabella, Delano, Bakersfield, Buttonwillow), and San Luis Obispo (Simmler, Poso, Palo Prieto, Shandon) counties. Remarks.—Some of the specimens from the San Joa- quin Valley and eastern San Luis Obispo county approach more or less closely to the characters of P. catenifer heer- 33. _PITUOPAIS 729 mannii and P. catenifer catenifer. No sharp lines can be drawn between the subspecies, for one changes gradually into another. P. catenifer catenifer, with its fewer gastro- steges and many blotches, P. catenifer heermanni, with fewer gastrosteges and fewer spots, and P. catenifer deserti- cola with more gastrosteges and fewer spots, all intergrade. As yet, too few specimens from Idaho are at hand to enable one to state to which subspecies they should be re- ferred. They may perhaps belong here, but the few speci- mens I have seen seem more like the snakes of Utah than like those of Nevada. 162 Pituophis catenifer stejnegeri Van Denburgh Urau GopHer SNAKE Plate 77 Pityophis bellona Core, Ann. Rep. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terrs., 1871 (1872), p- 468. Pityophis sayi bellona, Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 39 (part); Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 540 (part); Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 106 (part); Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 872 (part). Pityophis sayi sayi Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 105 (part). Pityophis catenifer bellona Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p- 54 (part). Pituophis catenifer deserticola Van DeNBuRGH & S tevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, No. 4, 1915, p. 107, pl. 14, fig. 5; Pack, Copeia, 1919, No. 68, p. 16. Pituophis catenifer annectens VaN DenBuRGH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 9, 1919, p. 216 (part). Pituophis catenifer stejnegeri Van DENBURGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. 1, 1920, p. 21, pl. 2, fig. 1 (type locality, Fort Doug- las, Salt Lake County, Utah); (?) Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 40, 45. Description—Head somewhat flat-topped, with snout projecting and rather narrow. Temporal regions not swol- 730 13. COLUBRIDA len. Rostral plate very large, prominent, not very narrow, often recurved between internasals on top of snout; bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a variable number of prefrontals (normally four), a frontal, supra- ocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct. Loreal usually elongate. Preoculars usually one, occasionally two. Postoculars usually three, often two. Supralabials usually eight, often nine. Infralabials usually 13, often 12, sometimes 11 or 14. Temporals of first row varying from two to five, usually four. Genials in two pairs, anterior larger. Scales on body in 27 to 33 rows, usually 29, keeled except in a varying number of rows on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gas- trosteges varying in number from 223 to 241, males having from 227 to 241, females from 223 to 240. Urosteges in two series of from 55 to 71, males having from 58 to 71, females from 55 to 62. The ground color is pale brownish or grayish yellow, sometimes more or less obscured by the spreading of the blotches or the presence of black or dark brown marks along the keels of its scales. Along the middle of the back, from the head to a point over the anus, is a series of from 50 to 68 (average 58) dark blotches. These blotches are brown on the central part of the body but are black anteriorly and posteriorly. On the upper surface of the tail are from 14 to 20 (average 16.5) blackish blotches. On the anterior portion of the body the blotches are more or less rounded, but posteriorly they tend to become quadrate. There are several series of alternating, often more or less confluent, dark blotches or spots on the sides. Across the top of the head, between the preocular plates, is a moderately narrow brown band, very definite and well-defined. There are similar bands or spots below the center of the eye and run- PLATE [Van DENBt RGH | Papers, Can. Acap. Sct., VoL. X Oc. eel “AVIV “Wed “AQuNOL YOURSB AA ‘SUIBIUNOIN YOURSR AA ‘UOAUB,) OAOLY UL papO@T[ON alBULl INpy ayrue soydon yrin ‘iaasaulays vafiuavo siydony S {40f) Yer) Y d v 33. PITUOPHIS 731 ning back and down from the upper postocular plate. The top of the head posteriorly has a few small, scattered, dark spots. The spaces between the dark dorsal blotches on the posterior portion of the body are yellow or orange yellow, usually somewhat obscured by dark brown streaks along the keels of the scales. The lower surfaces are yellow or yellow- ish white with irregular spots or blotches of dark brown or black on the gastrosteges and urosteges. There is no definite median subcaudal black band. Length to anus..__..___ 758 800 863 1028 25 1125 Eenpth of tala 126 148 168 179 190 207 V ariations—Twenty-nine specimens from Utah show the following variations. The loreals are 1—1 in all. The pre- oculars are 1—1 in twenty-one, or 87%; and 2—2 in three, or 13 % of those undamaged. The postoculars are 3—3 in twelve, or 52%;; 2—2 in ten or 43%; and 2—3 in one, or 4%. The temporals are 3—4 in ten, or 43%; 4—4 in seven, or 31%; 4—5 in three, or 13%; 3—3 in one, or 4%; 2—3 in one, or 4%; and 3—S in one, or 4%. The supralabials are 8—8 in thirteen, or 56%; 8—9 in five, or 22%; and 9—9 in five, or 22%. The infralabials are 13—13 in eight, or 38%; 12—13 in five, or 24 %3; 12—12 in four, or 18%; 11—11 in two, or 9%; 11—12 in one, or 5%53 and 13—14 in one, or 5%. The scale-rows are 29 in fifteen, or 56%; 31 in seven, or 26%; and 27 in five, or 18%; the average is 29 rows. The gastrosteges vary in number from 223 to 241, males having from 227 to 241, females from 223 to 240; the average in twenty-two males is 233, in five females, 235. The urosteges vary from 55 to 71, males having from 58 to 71, females from 55 to 62; the average in twenty-three males is 66, in five females, 60. The dark blotches between head and anus in 29 speci- 132 13. COLUBRID mens vary from 50 to 68, the average being 58. On the tail they vary from 14 to 20, and average 16.5. Distribution —Utah specimens of this subspecies are at hand from Weber (Ogden), Salt Lake (Fort Douglas), Wasatch (Wasatch Mountains), Grand (Thompson), Mill- ard (Kanosh), and Iron (Rush Lake), counties. Gopher Snakes have also been recorded from Utah (Provo), Millard (seven miles south of Kanosh, Fillmore), Beaver (Beaver), Iron (Rush Lake) and Washington (Beaverdam Mountains, Rockville), counties, Utah. Those from southwestern Utah may perhaps be P. c. deserticola. Three snakes from Boise, Ada County, and Blue Lakes, Twin Falls County, Idaho, and one from Wallula, Walla Walla County, Washington, may belong here rather than with P. catenifer deserticola, but their final disposition must await additional material. They have 29 and 31 scale- rows and one or two preoculars (50% each), and gastrosteges from 231 to 244. Dr. Stejneger has recorded specimens of Pituophis from Big Butte and Arco, Butte County, Idaho. A gopher-snake, in the National Museum, collected at Indian Valley, Adams County, may belong here, and, one from Bear Lake, Bear Lake County, doubtless is this subspecies. Habits —Mr. Herbert J. Pack has published the follow- ing notes on the habits of this snake: “In the summer of 1913, when the circumstance occurred, field mice were very numerous in an alfalfa field, where Mr. Merrill was working. A part of the communica- tion follows: “There were some young boys working with me and one of them ran on to a large Blow Snake with its head and about two-thirds of its body under a pile of hay. This boy 33. PITUOPHIS 133 hit it with his fork. As soon as I saw what he was doing I called him, but it was too late. I told him of the good the snake was doing and as he questioned it, I took the snake by the tail, made a whip cracker of it, [and killed it]. We took 35 small mice from its body. It seemed to like the very young mice best as nearly all of them were without hair, although some were one-third grown. This snake was five feet three inches long and was very large. “Just how many mice this snake was consuming daily is difficult to state, as digestion in reptiles usually proceeds more slowly than in the higher vertebrates. Nevertheless, observations generally have proved the beneficial habits of the Bull Snake, and every available source should be utilized in acquainting the public with these facts, as well as in afford- ing protection to this useful reptile.” 163. Pituophis catenifer rutilus Van Denburgh ARIZONA GOPHER SNAKE Plate 78 Pityophis bellona Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 305. Pityophis sayi sayi Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 105 (part); Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 870 (part). Pityophis sayi bellona Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 39 (part); Cougs, Surv. W. rooth Merid., V, 1875, p. 617; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 106 (part); Cope, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 641 (part); Cope, Report U.S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 872 (part). Pituophis sayi VAN Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. VI, 1896, p. 348. Pityophis catenifer bellona Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila., 1901 p- 54 (part). Pituophis catenifer deserticola StE}NEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1892, p. 153; RurHven, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p. 584 (part); Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p. 232; Van DensurcH & SteEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1913, p. 418. ? 734 13. COLUBRID Pituophis catenifer annectens Van DENBURGH & SLEviIN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. IX, 1919, p. 216 (part). Pituophis catenifer rutilus VAN DensBurGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. 1, 1920, p. 24, pl. 2, fig. 2 (type locality, Tucson, Pima County, Arizona). Description—Head somewhat flat-topped, with snout projecting and rather narrower. Temporal regions not swol- len. Rostral plate very large, prominent, not very narrow, often recurved between internasals on top of snout; bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a variable number of prefrontals (normally four), a frontal, supra- ocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct. Loreal usually elongate. Preocular usually one, occasionally two. Postoculars usually three, often four, sometimes five. Supralabials usually eight, often nine, rarely 10. Infralabials usually 12, often 13, sometimes 11 or 14. Temporals of first row varying from two to five, usually four. Genials in two pairs, anter- ior larger. Scales on body in 29 to 35 rows, usually 33, keeled except in a varying number of rows on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 221 to 258, males having from 221 to 237, females from 227 to 258. Urosteges in two series of from 50 to 66, males having from 57 to 66, females from 50 to 60. The ground color is pale yellow or grayish yellow, some- times more or less obscured by the spreading of the blotches or the presence of dark keels on the scales, especially later- ally and anteriorly. Along the middle of the back, from the head to a point over the anus, is a series of from 37 to 55 (average 46) reddish brown blotches. The brown of these blotches becomes darker and redder posteriorly. These blotches often are margined with black. On the upper sur- face of the tail are from 10 to 14 (average 12.5) dark red- . \c AD. OC Tey Vou. X [Van Denpurcu Arizona Gopher Snake ( Huachuca r Canyon, 33. PITUOPHIS 735 dish brown blotches or cross bands. On the anterior part of the body the blotches tend to be more or less rounded, post- eriorly they are more quadrate, or are wider with concave anterior and posterior borders. There are two or three series of alternating, often more or less confluent, dark blotches or spots on the sides. Across the top of the head between the preocular plates is a narrow brown band, more or less obsolete in adults. There are similar bands or spots below the center of the eye and running back and down from the upper postocular plate. The top of the head is light brownish yellow, speckled with black. The spaces between the dark dorsal blotches on the posterior part of the body are light yellowish or grayish orange, usually without dark marks on the keels of the scales. The lower surfaces are yellow or yellowish white, with irregular spots or blotches of light or dark brown on the gastrosteges and urosteges. There is no definite median subcaudal dark band. Teneth (tom annus: 222s 456 1050 1115 1130 1140 Ibength: of tale 68 154 153 183 165 V ariation.—Sixteen specimens from Arizona show the following variations. The loreals are 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in ten or 62%; 2—2 in five, or 31%; and 1—2 in one, or 6%. The postoculars are 3—3 in six, or 37%; 3—4 in five, or 31%; 4—4 in four, or 25%; and 4—5 in one, or 6%. The temporals are 4—4 in seven, or 47%; 3—3 in three, or 20%; 3—4 in two, or 13%; 4—5 in two, or 13%; and 2—3 in one or 7%. The supra- labials are 8—8 in eight or 50%; 8—9 in three, or 19%; 9—9 in three or 19%; 9-10 in one, or 6%; and 8-10 in one, or 6%. The infralabials are 12—12 in nine, or 60%; 13—13 in three, or 20% 3 13—14 in one, or 6%; 14—14 in one, or 6%; and 11—11 in one, or 6%. The scale-rows are 33 in eight, or 50%; 31 in six, or 37%}; 29 in one, or 736 13. COLUBRIDA 6%; and 35 in one, or 6%; the average is 32.1 rows. The gastrosteges vary in number from 221 to 258, males having from 221 to 237, females from 227 to 258; the average in six males is 227, in nine females, 237. The urosteges vary from 50 to 68, males having from 57 to 68, females from 50 to 60; the average in six males is 63.5, in nine females, Des The dark blotches between head and anus in 16 speci- mens vary from 37 to 55, the average being 46. On the tail they vary from 10 to 14, and average 12.5. Distribution.—\ have examined specimens of the Arizona Gopher Snake taken at Yuma, Yuma County; the Colorado River above Bill Williams River, Mohave County; Cave Creek, Maricopa County; Fort Lowell and the Santa Cruz River near Tucson, Pima County; and the vicinity of Here- ford and Ramsey, Carr and Miller canyons in the Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County, Arizona. Specimens of Pituo- phis from Arizona have been recorded or collected at Oak Orchard, Camp Grant, Wilton Springs, Tucson, Gila River, White River Canyon, Prescott, Walnut, Fort Whipple, Fort Verde, Grand Canyon, Colorado Chiquito, Canyon Diablo, Camp J. A. Packer, Fort Mohave, and at Las Gijas, Pima County. Remarks——The specimens from Mohave and Yuma counties, and a specimen from Silsbee, Imperial County, California, (referred to P. c. deserticola) show more or less intergradation between the Arizona and the Desert Gopher- Snakes. These specimens have very many gastrosteges, while those from extreme southeastern Arizona have fewer. Indeed, some of the latter have so few as to indicate inter- gradation with the gopher snakes of New Mexico which Ruthven has referred to P. c. sayi but which may possibly 33. PITUOPHIS 737 require recognition as a distinct subspecies, P. sayi affinis (Hallowell). Habits—Ruthven states that a large specimen, secured near Tucson about sun down on August 22, had recently swallowed an adult ground squirrel. These snakes live both on the desert plains near sea level and in mountain canyons to an altitude of at least 5,300 feet. 164. Pituophis vertebralis (Blainville) San Lucan GopHER-SNAKE Coluber vertebralis Buatnvitte, Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat., Vol. IV, 1838, p. 293, pl. 27, figs. 2-2b (type locality, California); Barrp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p. 152. Pituophis vertebralis Dumérit et Bipron, Erpétologie Générale, Vol. VII, p. 238; Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Reptiles, p. 672, pl. XLVI, figs. 1-1d; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. V, p. 150; SteynecER & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 86; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. X, No. 1, 1920, p. 27; Van DenBurcH & S.evin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 52, 67; Nexson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115. Pityophis haematots Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 342 (type locality, Cape St. Lucas). Pityophis vertebralis Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 3423 Cops, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, pp. 39, 92; YARROW, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, p. 107; Garman, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. XVI, 1884, p. 27; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 32, 1887, p- 72; Betpinc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, p. 98; Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 642; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 879; TerRon, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, pp. 164, 170. Pityophis melanoleucus vertebralis Jan, Elenco sist. degli Ofidi, 1863, p- 59; Jan, Iconogr. génér. Oph., 22e livr., 1867, pl. 1, fig. 3. Pityophis catenifer Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 52, 150 (part). 738 13. COLUBRIDA Coluber catenifer BouLteENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p- 67 (part). Coluber catenifer var. vertebralis Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., 4e Ser., I, 1899, p. 320. Description.—Head large, rather flat above, with snout projecting and rather narrow. Temporal regions not swol- len. Rostral plate very large, prominent, not very narrow, more or less recurved between internasals on top of snout; bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, usually four prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals dis- tinct. Loreal usually elongate. Preoculars usually two, rarely one. Postoculars three. Supralabials usually nine, often 10, rarely eight. Infralabials usually 12, often 13, rarely 14 or 16. Temporals of first row varying from three to five, usually four. Genials in two pairs, anterior larger. Scales on body in 31 to 35 rows, usually 35, keeled except in a variable number of lateral rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 233 to 257, males having from 239 to 245, females from 247 to 257. Uros- teges in two series of from 57 to 67, males having 63 and 64, females from 57 to 63. The ground color is pale yellow, sometimes suffused with red. Along the middle of the back, from the head to a point over the anus, is a series of from 39 to 48 (at least) dark blotches (average 44). Anteriorly these blotches are bright red, sometimes with scattered blackish scales, which in one young specimen preponderate. On about the posterior third of the body the blotches become jet black. On the upper surface of the tail are from ten to 12 black blotches or cross-bars. There are two or three series of alternating lateral blotches or spots, red anteriorly and black posteriorly; the upper series often confluent with the dorsal 33. PITUOPHIS 739 blotches. The head is yellowish olive anteriorly and later- ally, reddish above, without dark bands or other markings. The keels of the scales of the dorsal interspaces may be dark red. The lower surfaces are whitish or greenish yel- low, marked near the ends of some gastrosteges, anteriorly with red or pink, posteriorly with black. The urosteges are yellow marked with jet black in such a way as to form an irregular median subcaudal streak. Leneth ‘to: anuss 22 824 950 1080 1170 1250 Lengthiof itaili2- = 120 137 168 190 163 Variation.—Fourteen specimens show the following variations. The loreal is 1—1 in all counted (six). The preoculars are 2—2 in thirteen, or 93%; 1—1 in one, or 7%. The postoculars are 3—3 in fourteen, or 100%. The temporals in five specimens are 4—4 in three, or 60%; 3—4 in one, or 20%, and 4—S in one, or 20%. The supra- labials are 9—9 in seven, or 50%; 9—10 in five, or 36%; 8—9 in one, or 7% 3 and 8—10 in one, or 7%. The infra- labials are 12—12 in seven, or 50% 3 13—13 in three, or 22% 3 13—14 in two, or 14%; 12—13 in one, or 7%; and 14—16 in one, or 7%. The scale-rows are 35 in seven, or 54%; 33 in four, or 31%; 34 in one, or 7%; and 31 in one, or 7%; the average is 34 rows. The gastrosteges in fifteen specimens vary from 233 to 257, the average being 244; two males average 242, four females average 250. The urosteges in fourteen specimens vary from 57 to 67; the average being 62; two males average 63, and three females, 60. The dark blotches between head and anus in six speci- mens vary from 39 to 48, the average being 44. On the tail in six specimens they vary from 10 to 12, and average 1p WA 740 13. GCOLUBRIDZ Distribution.—This species is restricted to the southern portions of Lower California, while the northern end of that peninsula is inhabited, along its western coast, by Pitwo- phis catenifer annectens, and probably farther east by Pituo- phis catenifer deserticola, although this last subspecies has not yet been reported from Mexico. Pituophis vertebralis, however, ranges some distance to the north of the Cape Region, where it is very common. It has been collected at Agua Caliente, San Antonio, San Bar- tolo, San Pedro, San José del Cabo, Cabo San Lucas, Mira- flores, and La Paz, all in the Cape Region, and at Comondu, San Ignacio, Arroyo de Santa Agueda, and Ballenas Bay. Gopher-snakes have been taken on Santa Margarita Island. Remarks.—This species most resembles brightly colored examples of the Arizona Gopher Snake. There is, however, very much more red in the coloration of P. vertebralis and a greater average number of scale-rows and supralabial and preocular plates. Moreover, the Arizona snakes are only reddish or maroon, not bright red, and are most reddish posteriorly where the Lower Californian snakes are black. The bright red coloration of P. vertebralis is in itself suffi- cient to render easy its recognition from all other gopher- snakes. Genus 34. Lampropeltis Lampropeltis Firzincer, Systema Reptilium, 1843, p. 25 (type, getsus Schlegel =Ao/brooki). Ophibolus Barrp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p. 82 (type, say). Bellophis Locxincton, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. VII, 1877, p. 52 (type, zonata). The body is rather thick, with short tail, and little if any constriction at neck. The snout is broad and high. The upper head-plates are normal. The nasal plates are 34. LAMPROPELTIS 741 distinct. One (rarely two) preocular and two (rarely one or three) postoculars are present, as is also a small loreal plate. Temporals are normally 2+3, rarely 1+2, 1+3, 2142, 2+4, or 3+4. The scales are smooth, in 21 or 23 (or 24) rows, each with two apical pits. The anal plate is undivided, but the urosteges are in two series. The eye is of moderate size, with round pupil. Synopsis OF SPECIES a.—Some red in coloration. b.—Urosteges not more than 61 (41 to 61); snout not entirely whitish. c.—Whitish cross-bands on body and tail usually fewer than 30, (25 to 40); snout entirely blackish, or yel- lowish at sides; gastrosteges 176 to 212. Utah and eastern Arizona. L. triangulum gentilis.—p.743. c.—Whitish cross-bands on body and tail usually more than 30 (23 to 57; snout blackish; gastrosteges 198 to 222. California. L. zonata.—p. 748. b’.—Urosteges not fewer than 61 (61 to 79); snout en- tirely whitish; gastrosteges 216 to 235. Arizona. L. pyromelana.—p. 746. a.—No red in coloration; white and black or brown. bb.—Color in transverse blotches or rings; no longitudinal markings. cc.—Dark areas uniformly black or brown to gastrosteges, without light markings on lateral scales. d.—Scales of white rings usually without dark edges. L. getulus boylii—p. 752. d’.—Scales of white rings edged with black or brown (except in young). 742 13. COLUBRID e.—Prefrontals less than half white; frontal with- out white or with only a narrow transverse bar at anterior end; no white on parietals; infra- labials usually nine. L. getulus yumensis.—p. 757. e.—Prefrontals more than half white; frontal with prominent white markings or at least a central white spot; each parietal spotted with white; infralabials usually ten. L. getulus conjuncta.—p. 760. cc.—Dark areas not uniformly black or brown to gas- trosteges, the lateral scales having light centers. L. getulus splendida.—p. 763. bb.—A longitudinal dorsal light or dark stripe or band, complete or interrupted. ccc.—Longitudinal dorsal markings, white, yellow or cinnamon, lighter than the dark ground color. dd.—Snout, gastrosteges and urosteges not chiefly or uniformly dark brown or black; light markings white or yellowish. L. californize.—p.765. dd’.—Snout, gastrosteges and urosteges chiefly or uni- formly brownish black, light markings pale brown or cinnamon. L. nitida.—p. 767. ccc.—Longitudinal dorsal band purplish brown like the ground color; lateral scales all with light centers; lower surfaces chiefly black. L. catalinensis.—p. 769. The harmless king snakes, of the genus Lampropeltis, frequently are confused with the poisonous coral snakes of the genus Micrurus or Elaps owing to the fact that both are marked with rings of red, black and white or yellow. It is easy to distinguish the poisonous species from the harm- 34. LAMPROPELTIS 743 less king snakes by coloration alone, since the red is next to the black in the harmless snakes and not in the poisonous species. 165. Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis (Baird & Girard) WESTERN KING SNAKE Ophibolus gentilis Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents 1853, p. 90 (type locality, North Fork, Red River, near Sweet- water Creek, Wheeler County, Texas); Barrp & Grrarp, Marcy’s Rep. Expl. Red River, Ex. Doc. House of Rep., 33rd. Congress, 1853 (1854), p. 229, pl. VIII; Barn, Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Pt. II, No. 1, 1859, pl. XXX, fig. 64; Mozrey, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., Vol. VI, reprint, 1906, p. 35. Lampropeltis doliata Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 256 (part). Lampropeltis multistriata Kennicott, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 328 (type locality, Fort Lookout, South Dakota). Ophibolus multistriatus Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 36; Cops, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891, p. 611. Ophibolus doliatus gentilis Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 36; Yarrow, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 90; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1g0r, p. 75; Cracin, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., Vol. VI, reprint, 1906, p. 118; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, pp- 340, 348, pl. 106, fig. 1; CockErELL, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. VII, No. 2, 1910, p. 131; Exrtis & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 91, pl. IV, fig. 23; Exxis & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Bull., Vol. XV, No. 6, 1915, p. 261; SrreckER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVII, No. 4, 1915, p. 38. Ophibolus doliatus annulatus Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 537; YARRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 90 (part). Ophibolus multistriata Cours & Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terr., Vol. IV, 1878, p. 284; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 909, fig. 225. Ophibolus triangulus var. gentilis Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 66, 155. Lampropeltis multistriata STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1891, p. 502. 744 13. COLUBRIDZ Coronella gentilis BouLteNncerR, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p- 201 (part?). Ophibolus doliatus sysputus Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1893, p- 387 (Hennessy, Oklahoma). Osceola doliata gentilis Corr, Rep. U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p- 894, fig. 218. Lampropeltis pyrrhomelena celenops STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 153 (type locality, Mesilla Valley, New Mexico); Sreynecer & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 89. Lampropeltis do iatus gentilis Branson, Kan-as Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. II, No. 13, 1904, p. 402, figs. 25, 25a. Lampropeltis triangulum gentilis STEJNEGER & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 90; BLancHarp, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, No. 87, 1920, pp. 6, —; BLancHARD Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 114, 1921, p. 165, fig. 72. Description —Top of head slightly flattened posteriorly, curving downward to broad, rounded snout. Rostral plate large, broader than high, hollowed below, and bounded be- hind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a short, broad frontal between two supraoculars, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. Loreal present. One preocular. Two (or rarely one) postoculars. Temporals normally two followed by three. Seven or eight superior and nine, eight or ten in- ferior labials, fifth and sixth superior and fifth inferior usually largest, third and fourth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, anterior larger than posterior. Scales on body smooth, thin, imbricate, usually in 21, or sometimes 23 or 19, rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 176 to 212. Urosteges in two series of from 31 to 53. The snout is blackish, sometimes more or less relieved with gray or white markings. A white spot may be present on the parietal plate anteriorly and the posterior edges of 34. LAMPROPELTIS 745 these plates are involved in a white ring which ring crosses the occiput and includes the posterior temporals and the last labial plate before joining the white of the throat. The rest of the top and sides of the head are blackish, usually mottled with red or white on the snout. Behind the first white ring is one of black, sometimes incomplete below, fol- lowed by one of red, and in turn by others of black, white, black, red, black, white, and so on, the whole body and tail being encircled by from 25 to 40 white or yellowish rings between which are rings of black more or less divided and re- placed by blotches or rings of red or pink. The proportion of black to red varies greatly. Some of the white rings may be incomplete or alternate, and they usually are broader below. In life, the light rings vary from light gray to bright yellow, and the red from brownish or brick red to scarlet. DGery' 2 CIC COMeATL 11S fete ee eat ne DES Merry Gotling © tem tert tear Sn I a ara ee 8 Distribution.—This snake is said to range from south central Texas to South Dakota, thence west to Utah and eastern Arizona. Dr. Garman recorded it from Utah but gave no definite locality. The only Utah specimen I have seen is a young female collected in Cedar City Canyon, Iron County, given to me by Mr. Herbert Pack. Blanchard records it also from Provo, Utah County, Utah. I have seen no specimens from Arizona, but Stejneger and Blanchard record it from “eastern Arizona” and Yar- row’s specimen from Camp Apache represented this sub- species. 746 13. COLUBRIDE 166. Lampropeltis pyromelana (Cope) ARIzoNA KinG SNAKE Plate 79 Ophibolus pyromelanus Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 305 (type locality, Arizona). Ophibolus pyrrhomelas Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 37 (part); Yarrow, Surv. W. sooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 5375 pl. XIX; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 913 Coreg, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, 610 (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 907, fig. 224. Ophibolus pyromelas Cours, Surv. W. 1ooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 619. Ophibolus getulus var. pyromelanus Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 67. Ophibolus getulus var. pyrrhomelas GarMAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 157. Lampropeltis pyrrhomelas CocKERELL, Amer, Nat., Vol. XXX, 1896, p. 326; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. VI, 1896, p. 347. Ophibolus zonatus Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 79 (part); Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, pls. CIII, fig. 6, CVII, fig. 1; Tucker, Danger. Poison. Snakes U. S., 1912, p. 1, pl. I, fig. 1. Lampropeltis pyrrhomelena STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 152; Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p- 231; Van DensurcH & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 415; BrancHarp, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, No. 87, 1920, pp. 7, -; BLancHarp, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 114, 1921, p. 231, fig. 71. Lampropeltis pyromelena pyromelena STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 88. Description.—Top of head slightly flattened posteriorly, curving downward to broad, rounded snout. Rostral plate large, broader than high, hollowed below, and bounded be- hind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a short, broad, irregularly wedge-shaped frontal between two supraoculars, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. A small loreal usually Oc. Papers, Cau. Acap. Sct., Vor. X [Van DensuRGH PLate 79 1920 June, Arizona, Arizona King Snake Lampropeltis pyromelana from Carr Adult female 34. LAMPROPELTIS 747 present. One preocular. Two or three postoculars. Tem- porals normally two followed by three, sometimes 2+4. Seven (rarely eight) superior and nine, 10, 11 or 12 inferior labials, fifth and sixth superior and fifth inferior usually largest, third and fourth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, anterior larger than posterior. Scales on body smooth, thin, imbricate, usually in 23, sometimes 25, rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 216 to 235. Urosteges in two series of from 71 to 79. The snout is yellowish white, unmarked or slightly spotted. The middle third of the head is black. A yellow- ish white band crosses the back of the head, involving the tips of the parietal plates, and joining the white of the throat. Behind this white one is a half ring of black, fol- lowed in turn by another of red. The whole body is similarly marked, being encircled by from 39 to 47 white rings* be- tween which are rings of black more or less divided and replaced by blotches or rings of red or pink. The propor- tion of black to red varies greatly in different specimens, as does also the intensity of the red. The colors of the back and sides are continued, somewhat irregularly, onto the lower surfaces. The white rings are little if at all broader on the sides than on the back. Téength: tonan ise ee ee ie oe 688 830 Tiers grtiis, © fin tay eer ee 147 185 Distribution.—This snake occurs in Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and northern Mexico. It probably is confined to the mountain ranges and coniferous forests. In Utah, it has been taken at Granger, Salt Lake County, and at 7,000 feet in Beaver Canyon, Beaver County. *Not counting the 10 to 16 on the tail. g 743 13. COLUBRIDEA Arizona specimens have been recorded from Mohave (Hualapai Mountains, pine belt at 5,800-6,300 feet), Coco- nino (Oak Creek), Yavapai (Prescott, Fort Whipple), Na- vajo (White River Canyon, Fort Apache), Gila (Carr’s Ranch, Sierra Ancha at 5,410 feet), Pima (pine zone at 7,000 feet in Bear Canyon, on Mount Lemmon, Catalina Mountains, Madera Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains), Gra- ham (Graham Mountains), Cochise (Fort Huachuca, Hua- chuca Mountains at 6,000 feet, and in the pine belt in Ram- sey and Carr Canyons, near the mine at Bisbee, and near Tombstone), Santa Cruz (Harshaw, Patagonia Mountains), counties. Habits—Nothing is known of the habits of this snake. 167. Lampropeltis zonata (Lockington) CaLiForRNIA KiInG SNAKE Plate 80 ? Coluber (Zacholus) zonatus Buaiy, Nouv. Ann. du Mus., Vol. IV, 1835, p. 293 (type locality, California); Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Reptiles, Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p. 153. Ophibolus pyrrhomelas Core, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 37 (part); Core, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 610 (part); Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 907 (part). Bellophis zonatus Locxincton, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. VII, 1877, p- 52 (type locality [Santa Barbara], Northern California). Ophibolus getulus multicinctus YARRow, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. V, 1882, p. 440 (type locality, Fresno, California); Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 94. Ophibolus triangulus var. zonatus Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 156. Coronella multifasciata Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au .Mex., Rept., toe livr., 1886, p. 616, pl. XL, figs. 2-2c (type locality, California). Coronella zonata BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p- 202. Lampropeltis zonata Van Drenpurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 167, fig.; McLain, Critical Notes, 1899, p. 11; MEEK, Field Columb. Mus., Zool. Ser., Vol. VII, No. 1, 1906, p. 15. 34. LAMPROPELTIS 749 Ophibolus zonatus Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 793 Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 357, pl. CII, figs. 7, 10, pl. CVII, fig. 2; Ruruiinc, Copeia, 1915, No. 15. Lampropeltis pyrrhomelena multicincta STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1892, p. 153; GrinneELL & GrinneELL, Throop Institute Bulletin, No. XX XV, 1907, p. 39, fig. 16; GrINNELL, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 5, No. 1, 1908, p. 165; Arsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p. 41. Lampropeltis pyromelana multicincta GRINNELL & Camp, Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 184; Hatt & GrinneELt, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 9, No. 2, 1919, p. 60; CowLes, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64. Lampropeltis pyromelena multicincta STEJNEGER & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 89; SroreR, Copeia, No. 97, 1921, Pp. 44. Lampropeltis multicincta BLancHarD, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool Univ. Michigan, No. 87, 1920, pp. 5,-; BiancHarp, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 114, 1921, p. 222, fig. 75. Description ——Top of head slightly flattened posteriorly, curving downward to broad, rounded snout. Rostral plate large, broader than high, hollowed below, and bounded be- hind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head, a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a short, broad, irregularly wedge-shaped frontal between two supraoculars, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. A small loreal present, but sometimes united with prefrontal. Two post- oculars and one (or rarely two) preocular. Temporals normally two followed by three, sometimes 1+2, 1+3, 2+3 or 2+4. Seven (rarely six or eight) superior and nine (rarely eight or 10) inferior labials, fifth and sixth superior and fifth (or fourth) inferior largest, third and fourth super- ior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, anterior larger than posterior. Scales on body smooth, thin, imbricate, often in 21 usually in 23, 750 13. COLUBRID very rarely in 25 rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 198 to 222. Tail short but slender. Urosteges in two series of from 45 to 61. The snout may be black, white or spotted. The middle third of the head is black. A white band crosses the back of the head, involving the tips of the parietal plates, and joining the white of the throat. Behind this white one is a full or half ring of black, followed in turn by another of red. The whole body is similarly marked, being encircled by from 25 to 43 white rings* between which are rings of black more or less divided and replaced by blotches or rings of red or pink. The proportion of black to red varies greatly in different specimens, as does also the intensity of the red. This color is sometimes present anteriorly only, and is usually absent near the tip of the tail. The colors of the back and sides are continued, somewhat irregularly, onto the lower surfaces. The white areas, and more rarely the red ones also, are sometimes tinged with dull yellowish brown. The white rings are little if at all broader on the sides than on the back. Length to,anuse 288 486 560 607 695 722 Length of ‘tail = 46 7 97 111 118 124 Distribution.—This brilliant snake seems to prefer the moister, cooler portions of California, such as are occupied by coniferous forests. It has been taken in San Diego (vicinity of San Diego), Riverside (Strawberry Valley at 6,000 feet in the San Jacinto Mountains, Banning), San Bernardino (San Bernardino Mountains, Upper Santa Ana at 5,500 feet), Los Angeles (Sierra Madre, vicinity Pasa- dena, San Gabriel Mountains, Placerita Canyon, Little Te- junga Canyon, Arroyo Seco Canyon, Claremont), Ventura (Matilija), Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara), Inyo (Mount *Not counting the 5 to 11 on the tail. 80 PLATI SBURGH | Di [Van » Cau. Acap. Scr., Von. X PAPER Oc: E16 ‘ABIT “BIULOJITVD ‘AVUNOD NOATYSIS ‘UBYRI[VHD Aev9au JIATY 7100g Jo yloy YWNOY, ay uO payal[oo 34. LAMPROPELTIS 751 Whitney at 8,000 feet), Tulare (Hot Springs at 8,000 feet, Heaven’s Gate near Little Kern River Lake), Fresno (Kings River Canyon), Tuolumne (Hodgdon’s), Mariposa (Yosemite Valley), FE] Dorado (Riverton, Fyffe, Kyburz), Plumas (Keddie), Santa Cruz (Soquel, Santa Cruz, Glen- wood, Wrights), Santa Clara (Mt. Hamilton), Napa (Mount St. Helena), and Siskiyou (Callahan), counties, California. Habits.—Very little is known of the habits of this snake. It is rather slow in movement and is perfectly harmless, although popularly believed to be very deadly. When handled roughly it, like most other snakes, will bite, at times almost fiercely, but even when the sharp little teeth enter the skin deeply enough to draw blood no unpleasant complications result. Its bad reputation probably results from its resemblance in coloring to the venomous Coral Snake or Elaps (Micrurus). The pattern of the King Snakes differs from that of the Coral Snakes in having the red separated from the white (or yellow) by black. In the poisonous Coral Snakes the red and white (yellow) bands are side by side. The King Snake is said to destroy many rattlers and other snakes. I have never been able to verify this, although I have tried with captive specimens. Boyle’s Milk Snake sometimes kills and eats snakes, so it is not improb- able that the King Snake may have the same habit. One of my specimens had eaten two Blue-bellied Lizards (Scelo- porus o. occidentalis). 752 13. COLUBRIDZ 168. Lampropeltis getulus boylii (Baird & Girard) Boyvie’s Mitk SNAKE Plates 81 and 82 Ophibolus boylit Barrv & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp. 1853, p. 82 (type locality, El Dorado Co., Cal.); Barrp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, Rept., p. 11, pl. 30, fig. 57; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 305. Coronella balteata HALLOWELL, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. VI, 1853, p. 236; Hattowe t, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, pt. 4, 1857, pp. 14, 24, pl. V (type locality, “El Paso Creek and Benicia; also intermediate places,” California). Lampropeltis boyliit Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 255; Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1873, p. 79; STEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 204; VAN Denzurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. V, 1896, p. 1006; Van DensuRGuH, Occas. Papers, Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 169; McLarn, Critical Notes, 1899, p- 11; Meek, Field Columb. Mus., Zool. Ser., Vol. VII, No. 1, 1905, p. 15; GrinneLL & Grinnett, Throop Inst. Bull., No. XXXV, 1907, p. 41, fig. 17; Grinnett, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 5, No. 1, 1908, p. 165; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1912, p. 150; Van Denzpurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 415; AtsaTt, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p. 413; Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 17, 1916, p. 531; PEmMBerron, Condor, 1916, p. 233; GrinneLt & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 186; Benriey, Copeia, No. 75, 1919, p. 90; Cowes, Journ. Entomol., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66. Coronella getulus var. boylii Jan, Elenco Sist. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 47. Coronella getulus var. pseudogetulus Jan, Elenco Sist. degli Ofidi, 1863, p- 47; Jan, Iconogr. Génér. Ophid., 12e livr., pl. VI, fig. 2. Ophibolus getulus boylit Cope, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 373 Yarrow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 538 (part); Cougs, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 618 (part); Coues & Yar- row, Bull. U. S. Geol. Geog. Surv. Terr., Vol. IV, 1878, p. 283; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 69, 157; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p- 92 (part); Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, pp. 14, 29; TownsEnD, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 10, 1887, p. 239; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 613; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus for 1898, 1900, p. 919 (part); Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. 34. LAMPROPELTIS 753 Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 78; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1917, pp. 341, 363, pls. CIII, fig. 9, CVI, fig; Dirmars, Reptiles World, 1910, p. 271; Rurtuiina, Copeia, 1915, No. 15. Coronella getula BoULENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, pl. 97 (part). Lampropeltis boyhi boylit SreyNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 87. Lampropeltis getulus boylii BLANCHARD, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, No. 87, 1920, pp. 3, -; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 28, 52; Ne son Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, p. 114; BLancHaARD, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 114, 1921, p. 75, fig. 27. Description.—A larger and stouter snake than L. zonata. Top of head slightly flattened posteriorly, curving down- ward to the broad rounded snout. Temporal regions rarely if ever swollen. Rostral plate large, little broader than high, hollowed below, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a short, broad, irregularly wedge-shaped frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of large parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. A small loreal present, but very rarely united with posterior nasal. One preocular and two (rarely one) post- oculars. Temporals normally two followed by three, but may be 2+2, 2+4, or 3+4. Seven or rarely eight superior and nine, rarely eight or 10, inferior labials, fifth and sixth superior and fifth or fourth inferior largest, third and fourth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, anterior much larger than posterior. Scales smooth, thin, imbricate, in 23 or rarely 25 rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges vary- ing in number from 206 to 254. Urosteges in two series of from 41 to 62, a few of the first sometimes undivided. The snout and sides of the head are yellow or white, 754 13. COLUBRIDA more or less spotted or blotched with dark brown along the edges of the plates. The nape and the top of the head be- hind the prefrontal plates are dark brown or black, with a varying number of white or yellow spots, one of which is very constantly present just behind the parietal plates. The body and tail are marked with great blotches or rings of brown or black, separated by narrower rings of yellow or white. These white rings are much broader on the sides than near the middle of the back, and vary in number from 23 to 39 on the body and five to 10 on the tail. The mark- ings of the sides are continued onto the lower surfaces. Length to anus... 317 383 586 733 921 954 Length of tail___________ 44 56 93 129 118 135 Distribution.—Boyle’s Milk Snake is common in almost all parts of California except, perhaps, the deserts and the higher mountains. It has been recorded also from southern Nevada, Utah, northwestern Arizona, and northwestern Lower California. In California, it has been taken in San Diego (San Diego, Campo, La Mesa, Fall Brook, Twin Oaks, Santa Margarita, Vallecito, Poway Corners, San Dieguito Valley, Jacumba Hot Springs, Jarupa Mountains, La Puerta Valley), River- side (San Jacinto Mountains opposite Cabazon and opposite Banning, San Jacinto, Hemet Lake, at 4,400 feet, River- side, Juniper Mountains), San Bernardino (lower Santa Ana Canyon at 2,000 feet, Ontario, Turtle Mountains, Providence Mountains at 4,500 feet, Needles), Los Angeles (Pasadena, Gardena, Tujunga Wash east of San Fernando, San Gabriel Wash near Azusa, Claremont, Lankershim, Los Angeles, Bairdstown, Redondo Beach, mouth of San Gabriel River, Avalon, Catalina Island), Ventura (Piru), Kern (Fort Tejon, Tehachapi Mountains, Kern Valley), Inyo (Farrington Ranch, Laws, Lone Pine, Wild Rose 81 Pratt #16 “BIULOJTITR DE) [ “AVUNO;, “BIULOJILED ) Uday “Sult ayeug XI ‘ 930. The body is rather slender, with short, tapering tail. The head is slightly distinct from the neck, and ends in a narrow snout which projects far beyond the lower jaw. The head plates are normal. The nasal plates rarely unite above the nostril. One (or two) preoculars and two (or three) postoculars are present, as is also a small loreal. Temporals are normally two followed by three. The scales are smooth, in seventeen to twenty-five rows, with apical pits. The anal plate is divided. Urosteges are in one series, 774 13. COLUBRID except usually toward the end of the tail. The eye is of moderate size, with round pupil. Two species are known, the second being Mexican. 176. Rhinocheilus lecontei (Baird & Girard) Lonc-NosED SNAKE Plate 84 Rhinocheilus lecontei Bairv & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p. 120 (type locality, San Diego, California); Barrp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, Pt. III, pl. XXIII, figs. 90; Barro, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, p. 21, pl. XX; Jan, Arch. Zool. Anat. Phys., Vol. II, 1863, p. 217; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 304; Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 36; Jan, Icongr. génér. des Ophid., 48e livr., 1876, pl. II, fig. 1; Locxincton, Amer. Naturalist, 1880, p. 295; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VII, No. 3, 1883, p. 73; Yarrow, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 88; Bocourrt, Miss. Sci. au Mex., 1886, p. 602, pl. XL, figs. 7-7d; Cops, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 606; GinrHer, Biol. Centr.-Amer., Rept., 1893, p- 100; Bouencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. H, 1894, p. 212; Van Densurcy, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 142; CockErELL, American Naturalist, Vol. XXX, April, 1896, p. 326; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 346; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p- 1745 figs; Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 931, fig. 236; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 86; STEJNEGER, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 155; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 551; Branson, Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. II, No. 13, 1904, p. 404, fig. 26; Bartey, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp- 28, 47; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 375; STRECKER, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. XXI, 1908, p. 75; Van DensurcH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1912, p. 154; Hurrer, First Ann. Rep. Laguna Marine Lab., 1912, p. 67; Van DenspurcH & Sevin, Proc. Cal. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 413; ATsatr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p. 42; Ruruuinc, Copeia, No. 21; 1915, p. 32; StRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 40; GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p- 188; SreyNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 91; Cow es, Journ. Entomol. & Zool. Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; SrepHENs, Trans. San Diego 36. RHINOCHEILUS 775 Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 40, 45, 523 Nexson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, I15. Description —Head rounded and snout projecting and pointed. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral plate large, prominent, recurved on top of snout, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head, a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a broad frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of rather short, rounded parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct, but sometimes united above nostril. Loreal small, elongate, sometimes entering orbit. One or rarely two preoculars and two or rarely three, postoculars. Temporals normally two followed by three, rarely 2+2, 1+3, or 2+4. Eight (rarely seven or nine) superior and eight, nine or 10 inferior labials, seventh (or eighth) super- ior and fifth (or sixth) inferior largest, fourth and fifth (or fifth and sixth) superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. One or two pairs of genials, posterior very narrow when present. Scales on body smooth, thin, in 23 or rarely 25 rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 186 to 216. Urosteges in one series, or more often in one series anteriorly and two posteriorly, of from 40 to 55. The snout is yellowish more or less marked with black. Back of this the head is black or brown, often spotted with yellow or white. Across the back is a series of large black or brown blotches; 20 to 34 on the body and 6 to 12 on the tail. These. blotches may be rounded, pointed, or truncate on the sides, and are from one and one-half to three times as long as the intervals which separate them. These inter- vals are brick red, orange, yellow, or white, and usually are continuous with the white or yellow of the lower surfaces. 776 13. COLUBRID The lateral scales which fall within the dark blotches often have light centers, while those in the light intervals are similarly spotted with black or brown. Small black or brown blotches are sometimes present on the sides midway between the larger ones. The lower surfaces are yellow or white, unicolor or marbled with black or brown. Length to anus___.......275 310 490 496 520 800 Length of tail_._.- 43 ot 70 73 83 140 Distribution.—This curiously colored snake ranges from California across Arizona, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico to Kansas and Texas. In Arizona, it has been taken near Topock, Mohave County; Fort Whipple, Camp Verde, Yavapai County; Camp Grant, Graham County; Tucson, Pima County; Nogales and Fort Buchanan, Santa Cruz County; Fort Huachuca, Cochise County; Yuma, Yuma County; and in the Pinal Mountains. In California, it has been found in Mendocino (Mt. Sanhedrin), San Benito (Bear Valley), Madera (five miles south from Madera), Fresno (Fresno), Kings (Tulare Lake), Tulare (White River), San Luis Obispo (Carrizo Plain), Kern (Fort Tejon), Inyo (Independence), Los An- geles (Pasadena, Claremont, Belvedere), San Bernardino (San Bernardino), Riverside (Cabazon at 1,700 feet, Dos Palmos Spring at 3,500 feet in the Santa Rosa Mountains), Orange (Laguna Beach), and San Diego (San Diego), counties. I have received a specimen from St. George, Washing- ton County, Utah. I have also seen a typical specimen in the Hurter collec- tion (now in the U. S. National Museum) which Mr. Hurter assured me had been collected for him at South Range, Glenns Ferry, Elmore County, Idaho. . \ AD. Sx ls VoL. 114 April O J > OO w y jon, ve 36. RHINOCHEILUS—37. FICIMIA 777 Mr. Lockington recorded this snake as having been collected by Mr. W. J. Fisher, “at or to the south of Mag- dalena Bay,” Lower California. The National Museum has specimens from Ensenada and Salt Slough. Genus 37. Ficimia Ficimia Gray, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., 1849, p. 80 (type, olivacea). Gyalopion Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 243 (type, camum). The body is rather stout, with short tail. The head is but little distinct from the neck. The snout is acute and the rostral plate turns up at the tip so that its upper surface is concave. The internasals are very small and are separated by the rostral which extends back to the prefrontals. The nasal and first labial plates usually are united, a groove extending from the nostril to the second labial. There is no loreal. Frontal, supraocular and parietal plates are normal. One preocular. The scales are in seventeen rows, smooth, with pits. The anal is divided. The maxillary teeth are small, equal, not grooved. The eye is of moderate size, with round pupil. 177. Ficimia cana (Cope) PuG-NOsED SNAKE Gyalopion canum Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 243 (type locality, Fort Buchanan, Arizona). Gyalopium canum Cork, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 36; Cougs, Surv. W. 1ooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 624, pl. XVIII, figs. 2, 2a; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 14, 88; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 603; Cope, Amer. Natu- ralist, Vol. XXX, 1896, p. 1014; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 947; Ruruven, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p. 587. Ficimia cana Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, 1883, pp. 83, 161; BouLencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. IT, 1894, p. 272; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 84; 778 13. COLUBRIDE Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 372; StREcKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 40; SrEJNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 93- Description.—Body rather stout, with short tail. Head broad, short, depressed, but little distinct from neck. Snout acute and turned upward at tip. Rostral plate acute, produced forward and upward, its upper surface concave, recurved on top of snout, separating the internasals widely, and broadly in contact with prefrontals. Internasals very small, Anterior nasal merged with first labial. Posterior nasal merged with anterior, or distinct. No loreal, pre- frontal in contact with second labial. Frontal, supraocular and parietal plates normal. One preocular. Two post- oculars. Temporals one followed by two, or 2+3. Supra- labials seven, third and fourth reaching eye. Inferior labials seven to nine, fourth usually largest, the first pair meeting on median line. One or two pairs of genials, posterior very small when present. Scales on body smooth, broad, in 17 or 19 rows. Anal divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 129 to 146. Urosteges in two series of from 28 to 36. The color above is light brownish gray crossed by a series of transverse brown bands or blotches. These blotches may be edged with black. They may extend down to the gastrosteges, becoming narrower on the sides, and may tend to divide into a dorsal and two lateral series of spots anteriorly. On the middle of the body a series of lateral bars may alternate with the dorsal ones. The brown dorsal blotches between head and anus vary from 31 to 40. There are eight or nine similar transverse spots on the tail. The first blotch on the neck is large and is extended forward medially to the parietals. The head is olive gray with a broad brown band across the parietals and including the tip of the frontal. A second band extends between the eyes 37. FICIMIA—38. HYPSIGLENA 779 across the line of meeting of the prefrontal, supraocular, and frontal plates and is continued below the eye to the margin of the mouth, embracing all of the fourth labial. The four anterior infralabials have dark margins. The belly is white or yellowish, without markings. Menthe) tol arse eee eee 117 135 165 293 Wength. of \tarli os 228 20 23 57 Distribution — This snake is known only from five specimens. These are the type from Fort Buchanan in southeastern Arizona, a second specimen labeled merely Southern Arizona, one from El Paso, Texas, one found dead on the shore of Lake Walters at the White Sands, west of Alamogordo, New Mexico, and one secured in Montezuma Canyon, Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County Arizona. Genus 38. Hypsiglena Hypsiglena Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 246 (type, ochrorhynchus). Pseudodipsas Peters, Mon. Berl. Acad., 1860, p. 521. Comastes Jan, Elenco Sist. Ofid., 1863, p. 102. The body is small, with moderate, slender tail. The head is distinct from the neck by reason of the swollen temples, which in old individuals are greatly enlarged. The snout is rounded and rather prominent. The head plates are normal. The nasals rarely unite above the nostril. Two (or three) preoculars and two postoculars are present, as is also a loreal. Temporals are normally one followed by two. The scales are smooth, in 19 or 21 rows, with apical pits. The anal plate is divided. Urosteges are in two rows. The eye is of moderate size or small, with vertically elliptic pupil. 780 13. COLUBRIDE 178. Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus ochrorhynchus SpotreD NiGgHt SNAKE Plate 85 Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 246 (type locality, Cape San Lucas, Lower California, Mex.); Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, pp. 38, 92; Lockincron, Amer. Naturalist, Vol. XIV, 1880, p. 295; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 15, 97; GarMAN Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 80, 161; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, p. 32; Garman, Bull. Essex. Inst., Vol. XVI, No. 1, 1884, p. 30; Cracin, Bull. Washburn Laborat., Vol. 1, 1884, p. 8; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 78; Beupinc, West Am. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, 1887, p. 98; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 617; SrEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7 1893, p. 204; Boutencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 209; Van Densurou, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 145; Van Densurou, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 178, fig; Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. 1, 1899, p. 325; Cope, Report U.S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 953, fig. 245; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 87; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 3, Zool., Vol. 4, No. 5, 1906, p. 65; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 329, pl. CI, fig. 1; GRINNELL, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 5, No. 1, 1908, p. 165; Van Densurcu & SievIN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p- 414; Arsatt, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p- 425 Rurnuinc, Copeia, No. 15, 1915; VAN Densurcu & SLevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, No. 4, 1915, p. 106; GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, p. 188; BENTLEY, Copeia, No. 61, 1918, p. 83; Cow es, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; SrepHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64; NELson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, I15. Hypsiglena chlorophea Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 247 (type locality, Fort Buchanan, Ariz.); Sreynecer, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 205; Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 325; Mocquarp, Miss. Sci. au Mexique, Pt. II, Rept., 1908, p. 869, pl. 69, figs. 1, 1a-d. 38. HYPSIGLENA 781 Hypsiglena ochrorhyncha var. chlorophea Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 304; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 38; Cougs, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 622; Yarrow, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 15, 97; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 161. ? Hypsiglena texana STEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1894, p. 205 (type locality, between Laredo and Camargo, Tex.); STRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 40. Hypsiglena venusta Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 327 (type locality, Santa Rosalia and San Ignacio, Lower California, Mexico). Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus ochrorhynchus StE|NEGER & BarsBour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p.93; Van DensurcH & SLevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 28, 52, 68. 2? Hypsiglena ochrorhynchus texana STEJNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 93. Description.—Head flat-topped or slightly rounded, and snout projecting. Temporal regions usually swollen. Rostral plate large, prominent, recurved on top of snout, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of rather short, rounded parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually distinct, but sometimes united above nostril. Loreal small, but often elongate. Two (or one or three) preoculars, the lower often very small. Two post- oculars. Temporals normally one followed by two, rarely 2+2, or 1+1. Eight (rarely seven or nine) superior and ten (or nine) inferior labials, sixth or seventh superior and fifth or sixth inferior largest, fourth and fifth or fifth and sixth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior equal to or a little larger or smaller than anterior. Scales on body smooth, thin, in 21 or rarely 23 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 160 to 191. Urosteges in two series of from 38 to 66. 782 13. COLUBRID The ground color above is yellowish white so thickly sprinkled with minute brown or black dots as to present an ashy or olivaceous appearance. Along the middle of the back is a single or double series of more or less alternate and confluent blotches of brown or black. On the sides are two or three or four alternating series of small brown or black spots. There are two or three elongate dark blotches on the nape, each lateral one being produced forward as a narrow band across the side of the face. These nuchal blotches often unite to form a dark transverse band or collar. The top of the head, the labials, and the genials are spotted with brown. The gastrosteges are yellowish or white, immaculate. The urosteges are sometimes speckled with gray or brown. length’ to anu¢= = 137 282 284 318 325 447 Length of tail. 21 60 56 47 60 76 Distribution.—This little snake was originally described from specimens collected in Lower California. Since then it has been taken in California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah. Specimens from Texas have been described as H. texana. In Lower California, it has been secured at Cape San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, La Paz, Sierra San Lazaro, and San Francisquito, Sierra Laguna, all in the Cape Region, and at Mulege, San Ignacio, Santa Rosalia, and Puerto Es- condido in the central region, as well as on Tortuga, San Marcos, Carmen and Isla Partida near Angel de la Guardia islands in the Gulf of California. In California, it has been found in San Diego (San Diego Cuyamaca Mountains, Witch Creek), Riverside (San Jacin- to, Strawberry Valley at 5,000 feet), San Bernardino (Santa Ana Canyon at 5,500 feet, Lovic, Hesperia), Los Angeles (near Los Angeles, Claremont, Mt. Wilson), Inyo (Shep- herd Canyon, Argus Range, Alabama Hills three miles west Oc. Papers, Cau. Acap. Sci., Vor. X [Van DENBURGH PLAT! Hy psiglena OL hrorkyne Aus 06 hrorhynchus, Spotted Night Snake 85 1913 September, ‘alifornia, at Hesperia, San Bernardino County, ¢ Collected “ 38. HYPSIGLENA—39. NATRIX 783 from Lone Pine), Santa Clara (Los Gatos), and Contra Costa (near Christy) counties. The only Nevada record is of a specimen from the vicinity of Currant, Nye County. In Utah, two specimens have been taken near Fort Douglas, Salt Lake County. Arizonan records are more numerous, and indicate its presence at Camp Grant, Graham County; Nigger Jim Can- yon, Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County; Fort Buchanan, and Nogales, Santa Cruz County; Fort Whipple, and Pres- cott, Yavapai County; Bright Angel Creek, Coconino Coun- ty; Phoenix and Cave Creek, Maricopa County; and in Pima County near Tucson, Gunsight, and in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains 18 miles north of Tucson. In Sonora, it has been found at Guaymas. Habits—Al|most nothing is known regarding the habits of this little snake. It probably is nocturnal and usually is found under stones. Grinnell mentions one found in a clover patch at about four in the afternoon. Genus 39. Natrix Natrix LauRENTI, Synopsis Reptilium, 1768, p. 73 (type ou/garis=natrix). Tropinotus Kuut, Isis von Oken, 1822, p. 473. Tropidonotus Bote, Isis von Oken, 1826, p. 205 (type, matrix). Rhabdophis Fivzincer, Syst. Rept., 1843, p. 27 (type, sudminiatus). Steirophis FirzincEr, Syst. Rept., 1843, p. 27 (type, chrysargus). Hydrophilophis Scumipt, Abh. Naturw. Ver. Hamburg, Vol .II, Pt. 2. Nerodia Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p- 38 (type, sipedon). Regina Bairp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p- 45 (type, /eberis). Amphiesma Dumerit & Bipron, Erpét. Génér., Vol. VII, 1854, p. 724 (type, stolatum). Bothrodytes Cope, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., Vol. XXIII, 1886, p. 495 (type, subminiatum). 784 13. COLUBRID Ceratophallus Core, Amer. Naturalist, Vol. XXVII, 1893, p. 483 (type, vittata). Diplophallus Core, Amer. Naturalist, XXVII, 1893, p. 483 (type, piscator). The body is not very elongate, fairly thick, with moder- ately long tapering tail, and head large and distinct from neck. The head plates are normal, two internasals, two pre- frontals, a frontal, supraoculars and a pair of parietals being present. Two nasals. Preoculars one, two or rarely three. Postoculars two to four. The temporals usually are 1+2, or 1+3. A loreal is present. The scales are keeled, have two scale-pits, and are arranged in from 19 to 23 rows. The anal plate is divided. Urosteges are in two series. The eye is moderate or large, with round pupil. Maxillary teeth generally longer posteriorly, without grooves. A large num- ber of species are known from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, only one occurs in the area included in this work. 179. Natrix valida (Kennicott ) WeEsTERN WaTER SNAKE Regina valida Kennicott, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 334 (type locality, Durango, Mexico); Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 74. Tropidonotus tephropleura, Cort, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p- 341 (type locality, Cape St. Lucas). Tropidonotus celeno Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci., Phila. 1860, p. 341 (type locality, Cape St. Lucas); Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 298. Tropidonotus validus validus Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 42; Yarrow, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 132; BELp- Inc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, 1887, p. 99. Tropidonotus validus celeno Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, pp- 42, 93; YaRRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 1333 Bexpinc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, 1887, p. 99. Tropidonotus validus tephropleura Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 133; BeLpinc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. IIT, No. 24, 1887, p. 98. 39. NATRIX 785 Tropidonotus leberis validus GARMAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, pp. 28, 143. Regina valida celeno Cops, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 74. Natrix valida valida Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 670; Cops, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 984, figs. 258, 259. Natrix valida celeno Corr, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 670; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 986, fig. 260. Tropidonotus validus BoULENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. 1, 1893, p- 237; Ginruer, Biologia Cent.-Amer., 1894, p. 134; Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., ge Ser.,Vol. I, 1899, p. 329; Dirmars Reptile Book, 1907, p. 245. Natrix valida Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. V, 1895, p. 152; Van Densurcu, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1897, p- 464; STEJNEGER & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 97; VAN DensurcH & Sievin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 52, 68; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114. 115. Natrix celaeno Van DenBurGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. V, 1895, p. 154. Description.—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with rather narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions some- times swollen. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a long frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of large parietals. An- terior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. Preoculars one or two, or very rarely three. Postoculars usually three, sometimes two. Temporals normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+3. Supralabials eight, or very rarely seven, fourth and fifth reaching eye, sixth and seventh largest. Infralabials usually ten, sixth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior longer than anterior. Scales on body in 19 rows, all keeled except occa- sionally in outer row. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 139 to 154. Urosteges in two series of from 65 to 83. 786 13. COLUBRIDA The color above is uniform light grayish, yellowish, or brownish olive, with more or less distinct blackish markings laterally upon the bases of many of the scales of the fourth and fifth, and sometimes of the first and eighth, rows. The lower surfaces are pale grayish yellow, the tips of the gas- trosteges being tinged with the color of the back. A second type of coloration, shown by certain melanistic specimens, has been described (Natrix celeno) but doubt- less is only an individual variation. In it the ground color both above and below is grayish black. A lighter stripe of bluish gray extends along the side from the neck to the tail. Anteriorly this stripe occupies the second, third, and part of the first, rows of scales, and sometimes shows irregular dorsal expansions or vertical bars separated by interspaces of the blackish ground color about one and a half or two scales wide. Posteriorly the lateral stripe usually becomes darker and more indistinct and may or may not involve the scales of the first row. The lower surfaces are grayish black often marbled with lighter. Some specimens are more or less intermediate between the two types of coloration. Some show, more or less dis- tinctly, seven longitudinal stripes, alternating light and dark, from head to tail. Length to anus... 432 540 575 620 682 687 Length of tail__.___ 149 163 183 180 208 250 Distribution —Natrix valida was first described by Robert Kennicott, in 1860, from a specimen collected in Durango, Mexico. It has since been found in other parts of the Mexican mainland. It probably does not occur in the United States. Professor Cope recorded a specimen (U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 4650) as having been collected in Rabeh Valley, Utah, but recent examination shows that this speci- men is a Thamnophis o. vagrans with a divided anal plate. 39. NATRIX—40. THAMNOPHIS 787 In Lower California, it was first secured by Xantus near Cape San Lucas. It appears to be the most abundant snake of the country immediately surrounding San Jose del Cabo, and has been taken also at Miraflores, Agua Caliente, and Santiago, all in the Cape Region. Mr. Belding’s specimens, recorded by Yarrow as taken at La Paz, really came from the San Jose River (Belding MS.). Habits ——This is a true water snake. Individuals had eaten pollywogs and small fish (Mugil brasiliensis). Genus 40. Thamnophis Thamnophis FrrzincEr, Syst. Rept., 1843, p. 26 (type, saurita). Eutainia Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p- 24 (type, saurita). The body is more or less elongate, usually rather slen- der, with moderately long, tapering tail, and head distinct from neck. The cephalic plates are normal. The nasals are not united. One or two (rarely three) preoculars, and one to four, usually three, postoculars are present. The temporals are normally 1+2, but may be 1+1, 1+3, 1+4, 2+2, or 2+3. A loreal normally is present, rarely absent. The scales are keeled, in 17 to 23 rows. The anal plate nor- mally is undivided, but in rare individuals is divided as in the genus Natrix. There are no scale pits. The urosteges are in two series. The eye is moderate or small, with round pupil. Fourteen kinds of garter-snakes from Western North America now are recognized. Although the several species and subspecies may often be distinguished at a glance by one familiar with their several characters, the amount of individual variation is so great that it is quite impossible to make a key which will properly refer all specimens. The following synopsis will, I believe, usually serve its purpose, bat should not be trusted too implicitly. 788 13. COLUBRIDZ Synopsis OF SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES a.—Lateral light stripe anteriorly not involving scales of the fourth row. b.—Lateral stripe anteriorly upon scales of the second and third rows. c.—Supralabials normally seven. d.—Eye large, posterior genials much longer than an- terior, infralabials usually 10, scale-row 19—19— Lie e.—Gastrosteges (146 to 170) and urosteges (66 to 95) average fewer in number (156—166 and 76 to 85). f.—Coloration lighter, with broader light lines. T. sirtalis parietalis.—p. 792. f’.—Coloration usually darker both above and be- low, lines often narrower. T. sirtalis concinnus.—p. 795. e’.—Gastrosteges (156 to 177) and urosteges (74 to 97) average more numerous (163 to 169 and 83 to 90), coloration lighter than in f’. T. sirtalis infernalis.—p. 802. d’.—Eye much smaller, posterior genials about equal to anterior, infralabials usually fewer than 10, scale-rows usually 17—17—15. T. ordinoides ordinoides.—p. 812. c’.—Supralabials normally eight. dd.—Scales usually in not more than 19 rows. ee.—Gastrosteges average more than 160, eye large, posterior genials longer. T. eques.—p. 808. ee .—Gastrosteges average fewer than 160, eye small, genials subequal. T. ordinoides atratus.—p. 817. dd’.—Scales usually in more than 19 rows. 40. THAMNOPHIS 789 eee.—Dorsal line present over most of body. ff.—Dorsal line very distinct with sharply defined borders not invaded by dorsal spots, little dark pigmentation on gastrosteges. T. ordinoides elegans.—p. 824. ff’—Dorsal line with borders invaded by dorsal spots, dark pigmentation of gastrosteges often present. g.—Preocular single, dorsal spots and dark pig- mentation of gastrosteges usually very promi- nent. T. ordinoides vagrans.—p. 829. g.—Usually two preoculars, dorsal spots and pig- mentation of gastrosteges usually less evi- dent. T. ordinoides biscutatus.—p. 834, eee.—Dorsal line usually absent, or short, or in- distinct. fff.—Remnant of dorsal line usually present, pre- ocular single, infralabials often more than 10. T. ordinoides couchii.—p. 838. fff’—No dorsal line, often more than one pre- ocular, infralabials rarely more than 10. gg.—Lateral lines usually present, dorsal spots fewer, or absent. T. ordinoides hammondii.—p. 843. ge’.—Lateral lines usually absent, dorsal spots very numerous and prominent. T. angustirostris.—p. 855. b’.—Lateral stripe anteriorly upon scales of the third row only, light postoral crescents present. ; T. marcianus.—p. 849. a’.—Lateral light stripe anteriorly involving the scales of the fourth row. T. megalops.—p. 852. 790 13. COLUBRID The following facts also will be of aid in the determi- nation of specimens: 1. Any red in the coloration indicates that the speci- men belongs to one of the subspecies of J. sirtalis or to T. 0. ordinoides or T. 0. atratus. 2. Red on the upper surface of the head seems to be peculiar to the subspecies of 7’. sirtalis. 3. Red on the belly or in the dorsal line is distinctive of T. 0. ordinoides and T. o. atratus, or rarely T. s. parietalis. 4. The members of the sirtalis group have a much larger eye and longer posterior genials than are found in the subspecies of 7’. ordinoides, with the possible exception of T. 0. hammondii. 5. The members of the sirtalis group practically always have 19—19—17 rows of scales and a single preocular. 6. In the subspecies of 7’. ordinoides 21 rows of scales are almost always present, except in JT. 0. ordinoides and T. 0. atratus. 7. Two preoculars are most frequent in 7. angustiros- tris and T. o. biscutatus, but are frequent in T. 0. ham- mondii and T. o. ordinoides. 8. Absence of the dorsal stripe occurs only in four of the subspecies of 7. ordinoides—viz., hammondii, couchii, ordinoides, and atratus,—and is usual in only hammondii and couchii. The garter-snakes are the most abundant of our ser- pents. Where conditions are especially favorable they may be found in vast numbers. They are ovoviviparous, and a single female has been known to produce as many as 78 to 80 young or as few as four at a time. Mating occurs in the spring. The young are born in July, August or Sep- tember. They are extruded singly, each coiled within its 40. THAMNOPHIS 791 fetal membrane. After lying quietly for a few seconds, the young snake struggles, thrusts its head through the mem- brane, yawns once or twice, thrusts out its tongue, and crawls off, becoming at once very lively. As soon as the body becomes dry, the skin is shed, exuviation often beginning within 15 minutes after the young snake has been ushered into the world. Occasionally the young snake is unsuc- cessful in rupturing the sac, and smothers. (Ruthven.) These snakes are sometimes found in dry fields, but seldom far from water. One usually encounters them along the edges of streams, ponds or lakes, or in moist meadows. Many are so aquatic as really to deserve the name “water- snake.” They frequently swim on or under the surface of rivers and ponds, and at Buena Vista Lake I have seen them in patches of tules a considerable distance from shore. Their food consists largely of fishes, tadpoles, frogs and toads. Occasionally insects, salamanders, worms, fledgling birds (blackbirds), and very rarely small mammals and snakes are eaten. A specimen of 7. ordinoides couchii had caught a six inch trout. Individual snakes, especially in spring, sometimes are quite aggressive. On one occasion, while I was crossing a small grassy pasture, three or four large Thamnophis sir- talis infernalis came toward me hissing and striking wildly in the air. Their fierce attitude and combined attack evi- dently were intended to frighten me away, but I was unable to discover the cause of their excitement. On another trip I shot a Thamnophis ordinoides couchii in a patch of tules in Buena Vista Lake. This snake was nearly five feet in length and the shot merely stunned it long enough for me to grab the snake by the tail. It instantly recovered, tried to pull away into the tules, and, finding that it could not escape, turned upon me, and, with open mouth and many hisses, came right into the boat. Although I knew, of 492 13. COLUBRIDZ course, that it was a perfectly harmless snake, its sudden aggressiveness combined with its horrid appearance nearly secured its release before I could overcome my instinctive repugnance. 180. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis (Say) PrarRiE GARTER SNAKE Coluber parietalis, Say, Long’s Exped. Rocky Mts., Vol. I, 1823, p. 186 (type locality, West side of the Missouri River three miles above the mouth of Boyer’s River). Eutaenia parietalis Corr, Ann. Rep. U.S. Geol. Surv. Terrs., 1871 (1872), p- 468. Eutaenia ornata Yarrow, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 553. Thamnophis parietalis VAN Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. V, 1897, p. 200 (part); Ertis & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 86, pl. IV, fig. 19; Ertis & Hen- pERSON, Univ. Colorado Bull., Vol. XV, No. 6, 1915, p. 261. Eutaenia sirtalis parietalis Tayuor, Ann. Rep. Nebr. State Board Agric. for 1891, 1892, p. 325; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1077 (part); Branson, Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. H, No. 13, 1904, p. 366, fig. 5; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 237, pl. LX XII, fig. 1 (part). Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis RurHven, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 61, 1908, p. 166 (part); Cockerett, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. VII, No. 2, 1910, p. 131; VAN DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, No. 4, 1915, p. 108; SreyNecER & Bar- 3o0uR, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 103 (part); VAN Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 8, No. 6, 1918, p. 190; RuTHVEN, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, No. 66, 1919, p. 3; VAN DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 40. Description.—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions sometimes swollen. Eye large. Rostral plate large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head, a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. 40. THAMNOPHIS 793 Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One pre- ocular and normally three postoculars. Temporals normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+1, or 1+3. Seven or rare- ly eight superior and nine or 10 inferior labials; the fifth or sixth superior and fifth, sixth or seventh inferior largest; the third and fourth or fourth and fifth superior reaching the eye; the first pair of inferior meeting on the median line. Two pairs of genials, the posterior considerably longer than the anterior. Scales on the body in 19—19—17 rows, all keeled, the outer feebly. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number at least from 157 to 168. Urosteges in two series of from 74 to 87. The ground color above is olive or olive-brown, vary- ing shades of brown, or blackish brown, usually with more or less red on the sides, chiefly on the skin between the scales, but involving the latter to a greater or less extent in different individuals. There are three longitudinal light lines, one on the middle of the back and one along the sec- ond and third rows of scales of each side. These lateral lines sometimes blend with the light coloration of the belly. Dark brown or blackish spots often are present between the dorsal and lateral lines when the ground color is light enough to cause them to show. The dorsal line usually is bluish, but may be yellow. The belly may be bluish, yel- lowish or grayish white or rarely red. The dorsal stripe averages broader and the belly lighter than in T. sirtalis concinnus, resembling in these respects 7’. sirtalis infernalis. Length to anus —-... 276 437 489 597 675 678 Length of tail -......- 90 153 167 178 202 190 Variation.—In twelve specimens from Utah the loreal is 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in all. The post- oculars are 3—3 in all. The temporals are 1+2—1+2 in eight, or 66%; 1+2—1+3 in three, or 25%; and 794 13. COLUBRID 1+1—1+2 in one, or 8%. The supralabials are 7—7 in nine, or 75%; 7—8 in two, or 17%; and 8—8 in one, or 8%. The infralabials are 10—10 in seven, or 58%; 9—9 in four, or 33%; and 9—10 in one, or 8%. The scale-rows are 19—19—17 in all. The gastrosteges vary in number from 157 to 168, males having from 164 to 168, females from 157 to 166; the average in five males is 165.4, in seven females, 161.1. The urosteges vary from 74 to 87, males having from 84 to 87, females from 74 to 79; the average in four males is 85.2, in four females, 76. Distribution—This snake inhabits the great plains, ranging west from Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri, to Utah and perhaps eastern Nevada and southern Idaho. The specimens at hand are insufficient to show the western limits of the range of this subspecies and where and how it meets, or merges with, or is replaced by, 7. sirtalis concin- nus and T. sirtalis infernalis. The last named form ranges east at least to the western edge of Nevada, while T. sirtalis concinnus seems to occur as far east as northern Idaho or, possibly, Montana. Many more specimens are needed from southern Idaho, eastern Oregon, and all parts of Nevada, to throw light on these questions. I have examined Utah specimens from Cache (Bear River at Logan), Davis (Woods Cross), Salt Lake (Fort Douglas), and Utah (Spanish Fork), counties, and it prob- ably is this snake which has been reported from Iron (Rush Lake) and Utah (Provo), counties. I also have specimens from Bear Lake (Bear Lake) County, Idaho. 40. THAMNOPHIS 795 181. Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus (Hallowell) NorTHWESTERN GARTER SNAKE Tropidonotus concinnus HaLLowELt, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. VI, 1852, p. 182 (type locality, Oregon Territory). Eutainia pickeringit Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p. 27 (type locality, Puget Sound); Grrarp, U.S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p. 150, pl. XIII, figs. 14-20; Lorn, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. I, 1866, p. 306 (part). Eutainia concinna Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p- 146; Lorp, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. II, 1866, p- 306. Eutenia sirtalis tetratenia Corr, U. S. Explor. Surv. W. 1ooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 546 (part); Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 664 (Puget Sound, Wash., and Pitt River, Cal.) (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 1080 (part). Eutenia sirtalis concinna Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 664; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1081. Eutenia sirtalis pickeringii Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 665, Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1082; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 238, pl. LX XII, fig. 2. Eutenia sirtalis trilineata Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 665, (“Port Townsend, Oregon and Fort Benton, Mont.”) (part?); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1083 (part?). Thamnophis parietalis pickeringii Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers, Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 204. Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus RuTHVEN, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 173; STEJNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 103; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 8, No. 6, p. 192; SmirH, Copeia, 1920, No. 88, p- 102; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 40, 45. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis BLANncHARD, Copeia, 1921, No. 90, p. 6. Description—Head distinct from neck, flat topped, with narrow, rounded snout. Temporal regions sometimes swol- len in old specimens. Eye large. Rostral plate large, bound- ed behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates, 796 13. COLUBRID Plates on top of head, a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One preocular and normally three, rarely two or four, post- oculars. Temporals normally one followed by two, some- times 1+1 or 1+3. Seven or rarely eight, superior and nine to 11, normally 10, inferior labials, the fifth or sixth superior and fifth, sixth or seventh inferior largest, the third and fourth or fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, the first pair of inferior meeting on the median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior longer than anterior. Scales in 19— 19—17 rows, all keeled except sometimes the first row on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 146 to 170, males having from 150 to 170, females from 146 to 167. Urosteges in two series of from 66 to 95, males having from 70 to 95, females from 66 to 91. This subspecies differs from 7. s. parietalis in darker color only. Some specimens approach the typical form in having red blotches on the sides. The normal coloration is, however, fairly constant. The ground color above is deep blackish brown or black, with three light longitudinal lines. These lines are often very narrow, but may be as wide as in the typical 7. sirtalis parietalis, and may be white, grayish, bluish, greenish, or pale yellow. The median dorsal line may fade out posteriorly, and the lateral lines may be very faint. A narrow black line sometimes runs along the tips of the gastrosteges. The top of the head often is blackish, but may be red; its sides are light. The lower surfaces are bluish black, slate, or greenish, lighter anteriorly, the throat being yellowish white. Length to anus _..._. 165 410 500 540 650 690 Length of tail = sl 125 180 160 190 215 40. THAMNOPHIS 797 Variation.—Two hundred and thirty-six specimens show the following variations: The loreal is 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in two hundred and thirty-six and 2—2 in one. The postoculars are 3—3 in two hundred and fifteen or 92%; 3—4 in thirteen, or 5% 3; 2—3 in four, or 2%; 4-4 in one, and 2—2 in one. The temporals are 1+2—1+2 in two hundred and twenty-one, or 94%; 1+1—1+2 in five, or 2%; 1+2—1+3 in -four, or 2%; 1--1—I-+1 in four, or 2%; and 1+3—1+3 in one. The supralabials are 7—7 in one hundred and eighty-three, or 77 Yo; 7—8 in forty-one, or 17%; and 8—8 in fourteen, or 6%. The infralabials are 10—10 in one hundred and sixty-nine, or 71%; 9—10 in forty-one, or 17%; 9—9 in fifteen, or 6%; 8—9 in eight, or 3%; 8—10 in two, or 1%; and 10—11 in two, or 1%. The scale-rows are 19—17—17 in all specimens. The gastrosteges vary in number from 146 to 170, males having from 150 to 170, females from 146 to 167; the average in ninety-nine males is 164.3, in one hun- dred and eighteen females, 156.4. The urosteges vary from 66 to 95, males having from 70 to 95, females from 66 to 91; the average in eighty males is 84.2, in eighty- eight females, 76.8. While a dark style of coloration with a tendency toward narrow lines is characteristic of this subspecies, this type of coloration is by no means constant. Specimens similar in color to the type of pickeringii seem to be very rare even in the far north. In general, the difference from T. sirtalis parietalis and T. sirtalis infernalis lies in an increase in the dark pigment, both dorsally and ventrally, rather than in a marked narrowing of the lines or a reduction in the amount of red in the coloration. Some specimens from Oregon are no darker than Cali- fornian TJ’. sirtalis infernalis, and show red heads and often much red on the body. Others are quite dark. Upon the 798 13. COLUBRIDE whole, and notwithstanding wide individual variation every- where, it may be said that the coloration becomes lighter toward the south and is gradually changed to that of 7’. sir- talis infernalis. This color change seems to occur more rapidly (1.e., farther north) than the change in number of gastro- steges. Distribution —This northern form of the Pacific Gar- ter Snake inhabits the coast region of British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California south to San Fran- cisco Bay, intergrading toward the south and east in Cali- fornia with T. sirtalis infernalis. In the far north it ranges east to Idaho, or possibly to Montana. I have examined specimens: From British Columbia, collected at Union Bay, Bayne Island, Vancouver Island (Alberni Valley), and Lillooet River Valley. It has been taken at Sumass and Cheluk- weyuk prairies, Bella Coola, Comax Lake, Lund, Gabriola Island, Donald, Kaslo, and Union Bay. From Idaho, from Washington (Weiser), Ada (Boise), Boise (Payette Lake), and Jerome (Blue Lakes) counties. From Washington, from Clallam (Neah Bay, Lake Crescent), Jefferson (Port Townsend), San Juan (San Juan Islands), Whatcom (Glacier), Snohomish (Index, Darring- ton), King (Seattle), Chehalis (Quiniault and Melbourne), Mason (Lake Cushman), Pierce (Steilacoom, Mount Rainier, Longmire), Pacific (Holcomb and South Bend), Lewis (Toledo), Clark (Vancouver), Skamania (Stevenson, Carson), Klickitat (Trout Lake), Yakima (Indian Reserva- tion, North Yakima, Mabton), Chelan (Stekekin, Chelan), Stevens (Springdale), and Whitman (Pullman), counties. From Oregon, from Clatsop (Olney and Gearheart), Tillamook (Garibaldi, Tillamook, Trask River), Yamhill 40. THAMNOPHIS 799 (road to Nestucea between Grand Ronde and Dolph), Lin- coln (road between Chitwood and Siletz River), Benton (road between Pioneer and Siletz River, Alsea River near Alsea), Linn (Albany), Lane (Elmira, June Lake and Siuslaw River, Junction Lake and Deadwood Creek), Coos (South Fork Coos River, Sumner, Coquille, Empire, Myrtle Point), Douglas (Takeneitch Creek, Camas Mountains), Curry (Langlois, Sixes River, Port Orford, Elk Creek, Flores Creek, Rogue River, Harbor), and Jackson (Battle Creek near Eagle Point) counties. From California, from Del Norte (Smith River, Cres- cent City, Requa), Siskiyou (Sisson), Shasta (Burney Creek), Humboldt (Redwood Creek, Orick, Carlotta, Maple Creek, Samoa, Eureka), Mendocino (Covelo, Gar- cia River, Sherwood, Willets, Mendocino, Albion River near Comptche), Sonoma (Kidd Creek, Skaggs Springs), Napa (Napa), and Marin (Inverness, Point Reyes Station, Tocaloma, Willow Camp) counties. It is evident that 7. sirtalis concinnus is not confined to the extreme northwest, but, on the contrary, occupies a strip close to the coast south nearly or quite to San Francisco Bay. In the extreme north 7. sirtalis concinnus ranges east far from the coast, for the specimens from northern Idaho are of this dark race and it is very possibly may be that Cope’s type of trilineata from Fort Benton, Montana, also belongs here. A little farther south, however, concinnus does not range far from the ocean, as is shown by the specimens from Klamath County, Oregon, and Modoc County, California, which represent the race 7. sirtalis infernalis. Remarks.—Although there is much variation in the amount of dark pigment and in the width of the dorsal line, these characters are sufficiently constant to serve for the 800 13. COLUBRIDA recognition of concinnus as a subspecies distinct from parietalis. T. sirtalis concinnus differs from T. sirtalis infernalis in coloration in the same respects as from T. sirtalis parie- talis. It also differs from T. sirtalis infernalis in having a smaller number of gastrosteges and urosteges. As we pass south and east from the range of concinnus in California and southern Oregon we find a definite increase in the number of ventral plates. The snakes from the northwest coast have fewer gastrosteges and urosteges than the snakes from farther south and east in California. The greater difference is in the gastrostege counts, and these might perhaps be used alone, but the combination of gastrostege and urostege counts helps to bury individual variation. In a comparison of this kind it is, of course, necessary to sepa- rate the sexes, for the females have much lower counts than the males. The average count in males from Wash- ington is 245.5, the average in males from central and southern California ranges from 255 to 265; the extremes of variation in the latter area being 251 and 270, while in Washington specimens they are only 239 and 250. Similar differences are found in the counts of female specimens, the Washington average being 230.1, as against central and southern California averages of from 243.7 to 248. Inter- mediate localities show some intermediate counts, but in general it may be seen that the difference is quite great and constant enough to serve well for the separation of a south- western race, 7’. sirtalis infernalis, from the northern sub- species, 7". sirtalis concinnus. This difference in gastrosteges is clearly shown in Figure 1. 40. THAMNOPHIS 801 ISR 150 15% /S¢ 156 /5B /60 /62% _/6% (66 /89 Spo /7L 17% 176 178 to . eae Bocas Sean - . erste oe . . . en > /63 Bese ‘ /s3 Ake oes tn ee + rN ‘ . . + ‘ . . + FR : ‘ . Geren 1g \ Bs Ci ee pose . + ‘ + © \ae5e ¥ od . . . ‘ ‘ . + Mg is Bees ! ji 8 bond (cesentens ° . o pe oie’ + . . + 4 + /0@ \ Froud cond : 3 layed i i Pb Bios Boose ueense geetepe abs = ‘ fa's\ eee acer eset Haeteote ; > 9a F t : a) 5 1 \ eel ' pao tas seenalna ae . + - . . ° ES ne rU ‘ Monod Cys eer os ge ber : 64 ' ; : ' : : P mot : é Sebi 3% : . . + . ihe : met + eons Oe be cee i . t & i SiEisinseirs ibis, Bede os Benace a be vibermegs Fen Heres f : \ H we ’ ‘ « ‘ Doe ar ry - pater steeper ae TM * % a Na ; \ is : Hae? & w H } ae fe oS SC a Si : ' \ iON Pa ; Frc GC HY I Figure 1 Fig. 1, This chart shows the number of gastrosteges in specimens of Thamnophis sirtalis concinnus, represented by a continuous line, and Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis, represented by a broken line. The upper half of the chart shows the counts in males, the lower half the counts in females. The chart shows the percentage of the total number of specimens of each sex having each number of gastrosteges, and brings out clearly the fact that in T. s. infernalis these scutes are more numerous than in T. s. concinnus. T. sirtalis concinnus may be readily distinguished from T. ordinoides ordinoides of the same regions, by its larger eye, and more numerous scales Habits—This snake probably does not differ in habits from its close relatives. 802 13. COLUBRIDE 182. Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis (Blainville) PaciFic GARTER SNAKE Plate 86 Coluber infernalis Buatnvitte, Nouv. Ann. du Mus., Vol. IV, 1835, p. 291, pl. XXVI, figs. 3-3a (type locality, California). Eutainia infernalis Barro & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p. 26; Girarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p. 148, pl. XIV, figs. 11-16; Bocourr, Bull. Soc. Zool. Fr., 1892, p. 40 (part). Eutenia sirtalis tetratenia Corr, U. S. Explor. Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 546 (part) (no locality); Townsenp, Proc. U. S, Nat. Mus., Vol. 10, 1887, p. 240; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 664 (Puget Sound, Wash., and Pitt River, Cal.) (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1080 (part). Eutenia sirtalis parietalis Yarrow & HensHaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. 1ooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 216; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 664 (part); Core, Report U.S. Nat. Mus., 1898, 1900, p. 1077 (part); Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 237 (part). Tropidonotus sirtalis var. parietalis GARMAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 25, 139 (part). Tropidonotus ordinatus var. infernalis BouLeNceR, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 207 (part). Thamnophis parietalis SrejNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 214; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. V, 1897, p- 200 (part); Grinnett & Grinnett, Throop Inst. Bull., No. XXXV, 1907, p. 48. Thamnophis sirtalis parietalis RutHven, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 166 (part); GrinneLt & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, p. 181 (part); Sreynecer & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 103 (part). Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis Van DensurcH & S tevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, 1918, p. 198; Van DENBURGH & Sievin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 29. Description—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow rounded snout, and temporal regions some- times swollen. Eye large. Rostral plate large, bounded 40. THAMNOPHIS 803 behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One or rarely two preoculars and from two to four, normally three, postoculars. Temporals normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+1, 1+3, 2+2 or 2+3. Seven, or rarely eight or nine, superior and eight to 11, normally 10, inferior labials, fifth or sixth superior and fifth, sixth, or seventh inferior usually largest, third and fourth or fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior longer than anterior. Scales on body in 19, or very rarely 21, rows, all keeled except sometimes the first row of each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 156 to 175; males having from 161 to 175, females 156 to 174. Urosteges in two series of from 74 to 97; males having from 82 to 97, females 74 to 93; a few of the anterior rarely undivided. There are three light lines, one on the middle of the back and one along the second and third rows of scales of each side, but the lateral lines not infrequently blend with the color of the belly. The dorsal line usually is bluish, but may be yellow. The belly is bluish or yellowish, or rarely slaty, and may have a black line or series of spots near the tips of the gastrosteges. The head may be brown, olive, or coppery red above, bluish or grayish laterally, yellowish white below. The tail is colored like the back, but less definitely. In some specimens the ground color above is solid black, without a trace of red. In others there are traces of red on the sides, chiefly on the skin between the scales. In several the red is more extensive and forms small irregular blotches on the sides. In a number these blotches are larger, and extend up from the lateral line in definite 804 13. COLUBRIDZA and more or less rectangular figures, between which are similarly shaped prolongations downward of the black ground.* Many show the red blotches spread out and blended above, so that the downward prolongations of the ground color have become detached and form a series of black spots separated by red, from the narrow band of ground color remaining on each side of the light dorsal line. In others these black spots have become united and form a black line, so that on each side of the light dorsal line we have a line of black, one of red, another of black, and the light lateral line.f In one specimen the black is almost entirely replaced by red. These color variations are all individual, none geographical. Length to anus... 185 475.“ $65.— «69S. 71S 870 Length of tail 67 160 190 227 200 2104 Variation—One hundred and thirty-five specimens show the following variations: The loreal is 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in all except one specimen with 1—2 and two with 2—2. The postoculars are 3—3 in ninety-five, or 73%; 3—4 in twenty-five, or 19%; 4—4 in seven, or 5%; 2—3 in three, or 2%; and 2—4 in one, or 1%. The temporals are 1+2—1+2 in one hundred and fourteen, or 88%; 1+2—1+3 in eight, or 6%; 1+1—1+2 in three, or 2%; 1+1—I1-+1 in one, or 1%; 2+2—2+2 in one, or 1%; 1+3—1+3 in one, or 1%; and 1+2—2+2 in one, or 1%. The supralabials are 7-7 in one hundred and four, or 80%; 7—8 in seventeen, or 13%; 8—8 in eight, or 6%; and 9—9 in one, or 1%. The infralabials are 10—10 in one hundred and ten, or 85%; 9—10 in thirteen, or 10%; 9—9 in three, or 2%; 10—11 in two, or 1%; and 9—8 in two, or 1%. The *This and the following are the most common forms. {The Eutenia sirtalis tetratenia of Cope. 86 “FIGT ‘AVI ¢ “$I6L * E ayvug Joyivs) sylorg ‘s17t hd { Ut S4JDJ 41S s1ydouluvy J TILT A> z = Oe, > > LS | eA ce oe tee Ps a Zz = xX Acap. Scr., Vor. Papers, CAL. Oc. 40. THAMNOPHIS 805 scale-rows are 19—-19——17 in one hundred and thirty-four and 19—21—19—17 in one. The gastrosteges vary in number from 156 to 177, males having from 161 to 175, females from 156 to 174; the average in forty-seven males is 168.7, in eighty-one females, 163.7. The urosteges vary from 74 to 97, males having from 82 to 97, females from 74 to 93; the average in thirty-eight males is 89.8, in fifty females, 82.8. There is much variation in color. Certain types of coloration seem to be more frequent in certain localities than elsewhere. Thus, the majority of the snakes from the San Joaquin and Sacramento valleys and the Klamath region differ in appearance from those from Santa Clara County and the southern coast. Much larger series might perhaps throw light upon these conditions, which now are obscure. Some specimens have bright red heads. Others, per- haps of the same lot, have no red, or heads that are partially red. The red-headed snakes are of both sexes, various ages, and all sorts of localities. Distribution—The Pacific Garter-Snake ranges over most of California excepting the desert areas and the north coast of Del Norte, Shasta, Humboldt, Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa and Marin counties. It is abundant in many parts of this range, and has been reported from western Nevada (Nixon, Pyramid Lake), and southern Oregon (Sycan Marsh, Lakeview, Klamath Falls, Fort Klamath). I have examined specimens from Modoc (Alturas, Likely, Goose Lake, Davis Creek, Warner Mountains, Cedarville), Butte (Oroville), Sutter (West Butte), El Dorado (Fyffe, Lake Tahoe), Placer (Lake Tahoe), Mariposa (Dudley, Yosem- ite Valley, Coulterville, Pleasant Valley), Fresno (Fresno), Kern (Isabella, Weldon, Buttonwillow), Merced (Los 806 13. COLUBRID#® Bafios, Gadwall, Snelling), San Joaquin (Banta), Contra Costa (Walnut Creek), Alameda (Berkeley), Santa Clara (Palo Alto, Castro, San Jose, Uvas Creek), Santa Cruz (Glenwood), Monterey (Pacific Grove, Seaside, Carmel, Mt. Mars), San Luis Obispo (Edna), San Bernardino (Ontario, Colton), Los Angeles (Los Angeles, Bixby), and Riverside (Riverside) counties. The following localities are represented each by one specimen. The material being so limited one cannot state positively to which subspecies of sirtalis these specimens should be referred, but it is probable that they belong here. Willow Lake, Tehama County, Susanville, Lassen County, and Fallen Leaf Lake, E] Dorado County, California, and Nixon, Washoe County, Nevada. It probably will prove to be impossible to draw any very definite limits to the areas occupied by this form and by 7. sirtalis concinnus. This must be so, for one gradually changes into the other. The area of intergradation is a broad one, individual variation is great, and opinions may easily differ as to geographical limits. Our own views are expressed in the lists of localities given under each subspecies. These indicate that to T. sirtalis concinnus are referred snakes from Del Norte, Siskiyou, Shasta, Humboldt, Men- docino, Sonoma, Napa, and Marin counties, while those from elsewhere in California are regarded as T. sirtalis infernalis. Remarks.—This subspecies differs from both 7’. sirtalis parietalis and T. sirtalis concinnus in having a greater num- ber of gastrosteges and urosteges. This is clearly shown in the following table of average counts: 40. THAMNOPHIS 807 Gastrosteges: do ) Parietalis. -_.._. Ee ee 165.4 161.1 (Gon crm se 164.3 156.4 inher alispie eee oe 168.7 163.7 Urosteges: ea nret als eee emer ies etd 85.2 76 Conc nm usp — 84.2 76.8 Infernalis 5 =.= ee ee ee 89.8 82.8 Habits—These snakes usually are found in moist places or swimming in fresh water ponds or sluggish sloughs. The food is known to consist of small fish, tad- poles, and insects. One specimen had eaten a full-grown toad. Grinnell and Grinnell state that near Bixby, Los Angeles County, dozens were observed May 22, 1904. Sometimes half-a-dozen were together, in corners of old duck-hunters’ blinds, voluntarily braided into knots. When handled, this snake, like other members of the genus, makes itself obnoxious by the emission of extremely malodorous matter provided by special glands, doubtless as a means of defense. Garter-snakes now (1918) are very rare at Pyramid Lake, Nevada. That they formerly were very abundant there is shown by the following note, which probably per- tains to this subspecies: “Along the shores of the large island in Pyramid Lake vast number of Eutenie are found, comprising this, and, in all probability, several other recognized varieties. Dur- ing the heated part of the day, the mossy tracts in the tepid, shallow water of the little inlets were thronged with them, as they swam in gentle undulations over the smooth surface or idly basked on the heated rocks along the shore. In no other locality have we ever seen them in such numbers. 808 13. COLUBRIDZ When disturbed, they swam boldly out into open water or sought the bottom and hid themselves under the rocks. Though not in the true sense of the word water snakes, the various Euteni@ are all thus quite aquatic in their habits.* 183. Thamnophis eques (Reuss) WHITE-BELLIED GARTER SNAKE Coluber eques Reuss, Mus. Senckenberg. Abh., Vol. I, 1834, p. 152, pl. 8, fig. 2 (type locality, Mexico). Eutainia dorsalis Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p- 31 (type locality, Rio Grande, Texas). Eutenia dorsalis Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 41; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 663. Eutenia ornata Yarrow, Rept. U. S. Expl. Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, pp. 550, 553; YARROW, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 122 (part). Eutenia cyrtopsis Kennicort, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 333 (type localities, Rinconada, Coahuila, Mexico, Durango, Gila River); Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 306; Core, Rept. U. S. Expl. Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p- 546; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 41; Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 17, 1880, p. 23; Cracin, Bull. Wash- burn Laborat., Vol. I, 1884, p. 8; Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 73; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 656; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 1049; Bailey, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp. 35, 48. Thamnophis cyrtopsis var. cyclides Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 299 (type locality, “Cape St. Lucas,” very improbable). Tropidonotus collaris Jan, Arch. Zool. Anat. Phys., Vol. II, 1865, p, 209; JAN, Iconographia degli Ofid., Vol. II, 25, 1867, pl. V, fig. 2. Eutenia cyrtopsis ocellata Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 17, 1880. p- 22 (type locality, Helodes, Texas); Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 657. Eutenia pulchrilatus Cope, Proc. Am. Philos. Soc., 1885, p. 174 (type locality, “uncertain but probably Guanajuato,” Mexico); Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 73; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1062. *Yarrow and Henshaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers, Surv. W. 1ooth Merid., Append, NN, 1878, p. 217. 40. THAMNOPHIS 809 Tropidonotus sirtalis var. collaris GarMAN, Mem. Mus. Comp. Zool., Vol. XIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 25. Eutenia collaris Cope. Proc. Am. Philos. Soc., Vol. XXII, 1884, p. 173; Ducks, La Naturaleza, Ser. 2, Vol. I, 1888, p. 127, pl. XIII, fig. 16. Eutenia cyrtopsis collaris Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 657. Eutenia aurata Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 659 (type locality, Lake Valley, southern New Mexico). Tropidonotus ordinatus var. eques BoULENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 209. Eutenia eques Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1049; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 25; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 230, pls. LXVI, fig. 8, LX-XI, fig. 1. Eutenia eques collaris Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p- 10st. Eutenia eques aurata Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p- 1052. Thamnophis cyrtopsis STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 155. Eutenia sirtalis dorsalis Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p- 1076. Thamnophis eques, RuTHVEN, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p. 588; Rutuven, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 158; Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p. 232; Van DeEn- BURGH & SLEvIN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, p. 419; STeEJNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p- 101; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, 1918, p. 204. Description—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped with narrow, rounded snout. Temporal regions sometimes swollen in old individuals. Eye moderate. Rostral plate large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head, a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals dis- tinct. One loreal. One or rarely two preoculars. Post- oculars normally three, rarely two or four. Temporals 810 13. COLUBRID normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+3 or 2+3. Fight or rarely nine, seven or ten superior, and eight to 11, normally 10, inferior labials; usually the fifth, sixth or seventh superior and fifth, sixth or seventh inferior, largest, the fourth and fifth or third and fourth superior reaching eye, the first pair of inferior meeting on the median line. Two pairs of genials, the posterior usually longer than anterior. Scales in nineteen or very rarely 21 rows, all keeled except sometimes the first row on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 144 to 180; males having from 166 to 180; females from 144 to 171. Urosteges in two series of from 66 to 97, males having from 85 to 97, females from 66 to 88. The ground color above is olive or yellowish or reddish brown. Along the middle of the back runs a yellow light line of varying width but usually restricted to the scales of one or one and two half rows. On the second and third rows of scales of each side is a broader yellow or white line. The dorso-lateral region between the light lines may be nearly unicolor, but usually shows, more or less distinctly, two series of dark spots which may encroach upon the dorsal or lateral lines. These spots sometimes unite to form cross- bands anteriorly or may be restricted to the skin between the scales, or show but little on the edges of the scales. The top of the head is usually light brown or olive, sometimes with a yellow pineal spot. The labials are light with dark edges. There is a pair of large dark nuchal blotches. The gastrosteges and urosteges are almost always uniform greenish or grayish white, but sometimes are clouded with dusky, especially near their anterior edges, and show blackish spots near the tips of the gastrosteges. The chin and throat normally are yellowish white. Length to anus... 309 351 407 470 482 489 Length of tail, _____- 97 103 134 156 173 173 40. THAMNOPHIS 811 Variation.—Twenty-one specimens from Arizona have loreals 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in all, but one, which has 1—2. The postoculars are 3—3 in all but three which have 3—4. The temporals are 1+2—1+2 in fourteen, 1+2—-1+3 in three, 1+3—1+3 in three, and 2+3—2+3 in one. The supralabials are 8—8 in twenty, and 8—9 in one. The infralabials are 10—10 in seven- teen, 11—11 in two, 10—11 in one, and 9—10 in one. The scale-rows are 19—19—17 in all but one, which has 21—19—17. The gastrosteges vary in number from 164 to 175, males having from 166 to 175, females from 164 to 171; the average in thirteen males is 170.6, in seven females, 168. The urosteges vary from 77 to 97, males having from 85 to 97, females from 77 to 88; the average in twelve males is 91.7, in six females, 83.5. Distribution—This snake occurs in the United States in Arizona, New Mexico and western Texas. Thence it ranges south through Mexico to Guatemala. In Arizona it has been found in the plateau region and about the foot- hills of various mountain groups. Ruthven has recorded it from Fort Apache, Fort Huachuca, White River Canyon, Sabino Canyon, and Fort Whipple, Arizona. We have examined specimens from Maricopa (Cave Creek), Coco- nino (Oak Creek), Pima (Catalina Mountains, 18 miles north from Tucson, Sabino Canyon, Catalina Mountains, Sawmill Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains), and Santa Cruz (canyon between Madera and Agua Caliente canyons, Cot- tonwood Canyon, Agua Caliente Canyon, Gardner Canyon, and Stetson’s Dam, all in the Santa Rita Mountains) counties, Arizona. Dr. Stone has recorded this species from Sycamore Canyon, Baboquivari Mountains, Arizona; and Dr. Stejneger from Fort Huachuca, Arizona. 812 13. COLUBRIDZ In Sonora, it has been collected at Guaymas and in Guadalupe Canyon. Remarks.—Specimens from Mexico and Central Amer- ica seem to differ from those from Arizona and New Mex- ico in the frequent reduction in the number of supralabials to seven. Since our material is all from Arizona, we are unable to form an opinion as to whether the snakes from these distant localities are really identical in other respects. 184. Thamnophis ordinoides ordinoides (Baird & Girard) Pucet GarTER SNAKE Plate 87 Tropidonotus ordinoides Bairp & Girarp, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. VI, 1852, p. 176 (type locality, Puget Sound). Eutainia leptocephala Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p- 29 (type locality, Puget Sound); Grrarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p. 151, pl. XIII, figs. 7-13; Lorp, Naturalist Vancouver Island, Vol. II, 1866, p. 306. Eutainia cooperi Kennicort, U. S. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. XII, Pt. I, 1860, p. 296, pl. XV, fig. 1 (localities Cathapoot’l and Willopah Valleys). Thamnophis leptocephala Vax DenBurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. V, 1897, p. 205. Eutenia leptocephala Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 1058. Eutenia sirtalis leptocephala Brown, Proc. Acad. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 295 (part); Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 239 (part). Thamnophis leptocephalus olympia Meek, Field Columbian Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Series, Vol. I, 1899, p. 235 (type locality, Olympic Mountains, Washington). Thamnophis rubristriata Meex, Field Columbian Mus. Nat. Hist., Zool. Series, Vol. I, 1899, p. 235 (type locality, Olympic Mountains, Washington). 40. THAMNOPHIS 813 Thamnophis ordinoides ordinoides Ruruven, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 147 (part); Sreynecer & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 101; GrinneLt & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ., Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 179 (part); Van Den- BURGH & SLEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Series 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, 1918, p. 215, pl. 8. Description —Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions sometimes slightly swollen. Eye small. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal, rarely absent. One or two preoculars and three or rarely two postoculars. Temporals normally two followed by two, sometimes 1+1 or 1+3. Superior labials normally seven, rarely six, eight or five. Inferior labials normally eight, rarely nine, seven, six or five. Usually the fifth or sixth superior and fourth, fifth, or sixth inferior labials largest, third and fourth or fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior longer than anterior. Scales on body in 17 or 19 rows, all keeled except sometimes the first row of each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 136 to 162, males having from 138 to 162, females from 135 to 154. Urosteges in two series of from 50 to 81, males having from 56 to 81, females from 50 to 72. The ground color above is olive or pale blackish brown, dotted and spotted with black along the edges of the scales, and with or without three light longitudinal lines. The lateral lines, when present, are usually grayish or greenish blue, while the dorsal line—which often fades out poster- iorly—may be white, gray, blue, yellow, or brick red. A 814 13. COLUBRIDA blackish streak usually runs back from the eye in specimens light enough to show it. The labials are bluish gray or yellowish. The pineal spot is often present on the suture between the parietal plates. The belly may be yellowish, olive, plumbeous, or slate; the throat is yellowish white; the lower surface of the tail is sometimes brick red. Length to anus __._____ 372 395 420 518 560 585 Length of tail ____. 105 112 115 133 164 138 Variation.—Three specimens have no loreal plates; one has a loreal on one side only; the others have the normal loreal I—1. The preoculars are 1—1 in two hundred and seventy-nine, or 86%; 1—2 in twenty-six, or 8%; and 2—2 in twenty, or 6%. The postoculars are 3—3 in two hundred and eighty-four, or 87%; 2—3 in twenty-four, or 7% 53 2—z2 in sixteen, or 5%; and 1—2 in one. The tem- porals are 1+2—1+2 in two hundred and eighty-nine, or 89% ;1+2—1+1 in eighteen, or 6%; 1+2—1+3 in eight, or 2%; 1+1—1-+1 in four, or 1%; and 3+3—3+3 in three, or 1%. The supralabials are 7—7 in two hundred and eighty-three, or 85%; 7—8 in twenty, or 6%; 7—6 in nine, or 3%; 8—8 in five, or 2%; 6—6 in four, or 1%; 5—5 in one, and 8—6 in one. The infralabials are 8—8 in one hundred and seventy-nine, or 55%; 9—9 in fifty- eight, or 18% ; 8—9 in fifty-four, or 17%; 7—8 in six- teen, or 5%; 7—7 in nine, or 3%; 9—10 in six, or 2%; and 6—7 in two. The scale rows are 17—17—15 or 17—15—15 in two hundred and thirty-six, or 72%; the other 28% all have 19 rows, but the formula may be 1719-17-15 17-1917, 19-9 49, 191 162, females from 135 to 154; the average in 118 males in number from 135 to 162, males having from 138 to 17—19—17, or 17—18—19—17. The gastrosteges vary is 149.2, in 158 females it is 144.8. The urosteges vary Oc . Papers, Car. Acap. Scr., Vor. X [Van DenBurat | 1 PLATE get Garter Snake Pu 87 1916. eS) eft 1ah 40. THAMNOPHIS 815 from 50 to 81, males having from 56-to 81, females from 50 to 72; the average in 96 males is 70.2, in 128 females it is 60.9. Distribution.—This beautiful little snake is the common Garter-Snake in British Columbia and Washington in the vicinity of Puget Sound. It has been noted from Western Oregon and from the northwestern corner of California. I have examined specimens from the following localities: From British Columbia, from Lillooet River Valley, Tahsis Canal and Friendly Cove on Nootka Sound, Golden Eagle Mine on Mount Saunders, Ruppert, Lund, Alberni Valley in Vancouver Island, and Union Bay, Bayne Sound. From Washington, from Clallam (Forks), San Juan, Whatcom (New Whatcom), Skagit (Mount Vernon), Sno- homish (Darrington), King (Seattle), Pierce (Mt. Rain- ier), Kitsap (Port Orchard), Chehalis (Montesano, Mel- bourne, Aberdeen), and Pacific (Lebam, Trapp Creek) counties. From Oregon, from Clatsop (Astoria, Gearheart), Multnomah (Portland), Tillamook (Garibaldi, Trask River, Tillamook, and Nestucea Road), Yamhill (between Grand Ronde and Dolph), Lincoln (Stiletz, Toledo), Ben- ton (Little Elk and Yaquina River, between Chitwood and Siletz River, between Pioneer and Siletz River, Philomath, Alsea), Lane (junction Lake and Deadwood Creek, junc- tion Siuslaw River and Lake Creek, Elmira), Coos (Marsh- field, South Fork Coos River, Sumner, Coquille, South Fork Coquille River 20 miles above Myrtle Point, Myrtle Point), Douglas (Camas Mountains, Cow Creek, Drain), Curry (Sixes River, Port Orford, Elk Creek, Flores Creek, Rogue River, Corbin, Goldbeach, Harbor) counties. From California, from Del Norte (Smith River, Gas- quet, Crescent City, Requa) county. 816 13. COLUBRIDA Remarks.—This is the common garter-snake of the northwest coast. It is of small size. The largest specimen examined measures 590 mm. to base of tail. The head is small, not so distinct from the neck as in other races, and the labials are reduced in number. The coloration is very variable. The dorsal line fre- quently is absent or developed only on the neck. The lateral lines also may be absent. Specimens may be heavily spotted or without any marking, either lines or spots. The dorsal line usually is yellow, but may be red, and there often is red elsewhere in the coloration, as on the gastro- steges. The lower surfaces often are dark, and the colora- tion everywhere may be very dusky. Specimens with heavy spotting and dark pigmentation of the gastrosteges resemble 7. 0. vagrans, but usually may be easily distinguished by their scale characters. Specimens showing no dorsal line resemble 7. 0. couchit, but here again the scale characters are quite different. The closest relationship of this sub-species undoubtedly is with 7. 0. atratus, yet there can be no doubt as to the subspecific distinctness of the two forms. ‘The differences in the number of superior and inferior labials, scale-rows and gastrosteges should be sufficient aid toward their cor- rect determination, and the general appearance usually is quite different. Certain specimens, however, are so nearly intermediate in one or more of their characters that students might differ in opinion as to their identity. Such specimens, as set forth under head of T. 0. atratus, show real geo- graphic intergradation. So far as specimens examined by us show, this intergradation occurs only in Del Norte County, California, where the ranges of the two forms meet and perhaps overlap slightly. Many of the specimens from this county are typical of either one or the other subspecies, —ordinoides or atratus,—and most of the intergrades seem 40. THAMNOPHIS 817 to be nearer to the latter type than to the former. South of Del Norte County no tendency toward T. 0. ordinoides has been observed in 7’. o. atratus, unless it be that the rather frequent absence of the dorsal line in specimens from Hum- boldt and Mendocino counties may be so regarded. Our figures show that 14 per cent only of the specimens have two preoculars on one or both sides of the head. Snakes of the 7. 0. vegrans type occur in portions of the area occupied by TJ. 0. ordinoides, and often have two pre- oculars. There seems to be no good reason for calling them T. 0. ordinoides. It appears much more logical to consider them 7’. o. biscutatus, as was done in 1897, although speci- mens to show the continuity of range from the Klamath Lakes to Puget Sound are not at hand. 185. Thamnophis ordinoides atratus (Kennicott) Coast GARTER-SNAKE Plate 88 Eutainia ordinoides Barrp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, 1853, P- 33 (not of 1852); Girarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p- 153, pl. XIV, figs. 1-4? Eutainia atrata Kennicott, U. S. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. XII, Pt. I, 1860, p. 296 (type locality, California). Eutenia elegans ordinoides Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 654; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898 (1900), p. 1046. Eutenia infernalis infernalis Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 657; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1054 (part). Tropidonotus ordinatus var. infernalis BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 207 (part). Thamnophis infernalis SreJ}NEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 210. Eutenia infernalis vidua Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 658 (type locality, San Francisco, Cal.); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1055. Thamnophis elegans Van Denzurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. V, 1897, p. 207 (part). 818 13. COLUBRID Eutenia elegans elegans Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 288 (part). Eutenia elegans Ditmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 225, pls. LXVI, figs. By b>) Llp LOCUS hips Te Eutenia elegans infernalis Drrmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 227, pl. TOXGEX, figs 2. Thamnophis ordinoides elegans RutTHVEN, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 138 (part); SreyNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 102 (part); GrinneLL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 180 (part). Thamnophis ordinoides atratus Van DenBurGH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, 1918, p. 224, pl. 9. Description —Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with rather narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions some- times swollen. Eye of moderate size. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, supraocular of each side, a frontal, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One or rarely two preoculars and from two to five (normally three) postoculars. Temporals normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+1, 1+3, or 2+2. Eight, or rarely seven, nine, or 10, superior and 10, or rarely eight, nine or 11 inferior labials, fifth or sixth superior and fifth, sixth or seventh inferior usually largest, fourth and fifth or third and fourth superior usually reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior equal to or little longer than anterior. Scales on body in 19 or 21 rows. Anal plate undivided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 140 to 172, males having from 146 to 172, females from 140 to 168. Urosteges in two series of from 52 to 93, males having from 63 to 93, females from 52 to 86. The head is brown or olive above, never red. The labials are yellow or olive. The chin and throat are yellow 88 PLATE [Van Dennurcu| Acap. Scr., Vou. X . PaAPERs, Cau. Oc CLoL “ATONE SRIULOJIPRL) DYVUG JOVIVA) Isvod ‘szyvuyP ‘AVUNOD BivID BURRS ‘ssunldg JOH PION pd sry dou {OILY ARAU Papoa[[O,) 40. THAMNOPHIS 819 or yellowish white. The belly is yellow or olive, sometimes dusky or washed with brick red. The dorsal line is never bluish. There are four distinct types of coloration, each of which might be considered a distinct species if compared with typical specimens of the others, but all of which pass into one another almost imperceptibly when large series are examined, These types are: (a) The ground color brown with three light lines, a pair of dark nuchal blotches and numerous black or dark brown spots along the sides. This style of coloration is seen in young only, but many of the smallest specimens are un- spotted. (b) Brown above with three longitudinal lines; the dorsal line yellow; the lateral lines and more or less of the belly bright brick red. (c) There are three lines, the dorso-lateral region is largely red with dark spots, and the belly often is more or less suffused with bright brick red. (d) Dark olive above with no lateral lines; the dorsal line yellow and very wide, the throat bright yellow, the belly deep olive or slate, with or without a yellow streak along its middle. This is Cope’s E. infernalis vidua. None of these forms occurs alone in any one place, and the series of intergradations is complete, so that these cannot be recognized as geographical races. Nevertheless, the form “qd” without lateral lines seems to occur nowhere else than on the San Francisco peninsula, and the style “c” is most abundant in Marin and San Francisco counties. Length to anus -.__..__175 450 475 510 540 560 engthsors tail) 58 155 130 178 163 pees Variation—Three hundred and sixty-three specimens show variation as follows: The loreal is 1—1 in all specimens. Preoculars are 1—1 820 13. COLUBRIDE in three hundred and thirty-nine, or 93%; 2—2 in fifteen, or 4%; 1—2 in seven, or 1%; and 2—3 in one. Postocu- lars are 3—3 in three hundred and twenty-one, or 88%; 3—4 in fifteen, or 4%; 2—3 in ten, or 2%; 2—2 in eight, or 2% 3 4—4 in six, or 1% 3 4——5 in one, and 1—2 in one. Temporals are 1+2—-1+2 in two hundred and eighty, or 77%; 1+2—1+3 in forty-four, or 12%; 1+3—1+3 in sixteen, or 4%; 1+1—1-+1 in ten, or 2%; 1+1—1+2 in five, or 1%; 1+1—2+2 in two, 1+2—2+2 in two, 1+1—1+3 in one, and 1+3—2+2 in one. The supra- labials are 8—-8 in three hundred and nine, or 85%; 7—7 in twenty-six, or 7%; 7—8 in twenty-five, or 6%; 8—9 in one, and 9—9 in one. The infralabials are 10—10 in two hundred and seventy-two, or 75%; 9-10 in forty-four, or 12%; 9-9 in thirty-two, or 8%; 10-11 in five, or 1%; 8—9 in three, 8—10 in three, 11—11 in two, and 8—8 in one. The scale-rows are 19—19—17 in two hundred and fifty-five, or 71%; 19—-21—17 in twenty-seven, or 7%; 21—21—17 in twenty-two, or 6%; 19—21—19 in twenty- one, or 6%; 21—21—19 in nine, or 2%; 21—19—17 in six, or 1%; 17—19—17 in four, or 1%; 19—19—19 in three, 19—20—19 in three, 20—-21—19 in one, 17—18— 17 in one, 19—19—15 in one, and 20—-21—17 in one. The gastrosteges vary in number from 140 to 172, males having from 146 to 172, females from 140 to 168; the average in one hundred and fifty males is 158, in two hundred and four females, 153. The urosteges vary from 52 to 93, males having from 63 to 93, females from 52 to 86; the average in 131 males is 81, in 168 females, 74. It now is well known that variation in the coloration of the snakes of this subspecies is very great. Certain types of coloration may be pointed out as occurring in groups of specimens. The best known of these color types, perhaps, is that in which the general color is dark olive, lateral lines 40. THAMNOPHIS 821 absent, dorsal line yellow and very broad, throat bright yellow, and belly deep olive or slate with or without a median yellow streak. This is the coloration of the types of this subspecies, which types Cope redescribed as Eut@nia infernalis vidua. It is not a common style of coloration in this subspecies since we find it more or less well marked in only twenty-nine of three hundred and sixty-three specimens, or 8%. All of these specimens are from the San Fran- cisco peninsula, that is to say from San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey counties. They, however, share this area with snakes of various other styles of coloration, and all sorts of intermediate specimens are to be found, so that this seems to be merely a peculiar color phase, although restricted geographically to a small portion of the range of the subspecies. In certain specimens the dorsal line is lacking, or very faint or short. This is found most frequently in specimens from Humboldt and Mendocino counties. Specimens from San Francisco and Marin counties usually may be recognized as such by their coloration, which is of a style not peculiar to these areas, but certainly most frequent there. There are three lines, the dorso-lateral region is largely red with dark spots, and the belly often is more or less suffused with bright brick red. Perhaps the most frequent style of coloration is that which shows three light lines on a brown or olive ground, with the belly yellow or olive. But, as we have said, indi- vidual variation in color is enormous. Distribution —The coast garter-snake occupies the coast region of California from Del Norte to Santa Barbara coun- ties. So far as known, the area inhabited by it includes the coast ranges and their valleys, but not the great interior valleys of the state. It occurs in both Transition and Upper 822 13. COLUBRID Sonoran zones. I have examined specimens from Oregon, taken near Siskiyou, Jackson County, and from California, from Shasta (Anderson), Del Norte (Gasquet, Requa), Humboldt (Trinidad, Eureka, Ferndale, Alton, Carlotta, Cuddeback, White Thorn, Garberville), Mendocino (Bald Hill, Irishes, Cahto, Covelo, Ten Mile River, Laytonville, Sherwood, Mendocino, Big River, Comptche, Albion River, Roberts Creek near Ukiah, Garcia River, Point Arena, Pieta, Gualala), Lake (Middleton), Yolo (Rumsey), Sonoma (Wheatfield Fork Gualala River, Skaggs Springs, Cazadero, Duncan Mills, Austin Creek, Kidd Creek, Guerne- ville, Freestone), Napa (Berryessa Creek, St. Helena), Solano (Vacaville), Marin (Inverness, Point Reyes, Tocal- oma, Olema, Mill Valley, San Rafael, Sausalito), Contra Costa (Mt. Diablo, Walnut Creek), Alameda (Berkeley, Oakland, San Leandro, Calaveras Valley), San Francisco (Golden Gate Park, Union Square, Presidio), San Mateo (San Bruno, Portola, Woodside, Searsville, Corte Madera Creek, Butano Basin, La Honda, Pescadero), Santa Clara (Stanford University, Palo Alto, Corte Madera Canyon, Stevens Creek, Los Gatos, Santa Clara, San Jose, Smith Creek, Mt. Hamilton, Uvas Creek, Coyote Creek, Gilroy Hot Springs), Santa Cruz (Waddell Creek, Swanton, Fel- ton, Glenwood, Soquel), Monterey (Salinas River near Blanco, Seaside, Pacific Grove, Carmel, San Macento, Garapatos Creek, Mill Creek, Little Sur River, Partington Canyon), San Luis Obispo (Morro, Oceano), and Santa Barbara (Santa Ynez River) counties. Remarks.—This subspecies formerly was confused with T. ordinoides elegans by me and with T. ordinoides ordi- noides by Brown and Ruthven. It differs from 7. ordi- noides elegans in the smaller average number of its scale- rows and ventral plates, as well as in coloration. The dorsal 40. THAMNOPHIS 823 line usually is wider than in 7’. o. elegans and there often is more or less red in the coloration, which, so far as we know, is not the case in the mountain snakes. T. o. atratus differs from T. 0. ordinoides in being of larger size and in usually having a greater number of upper and lower labials, scale-rows, and gastrosteges. The colora- tion also is different, although a wide range in pattern and shade is to be seen in both subspecies, and both often show some red coloring. As regards scale characters, T. 0. atratus may be con- sidered intermediate between T. 0. ordinoides and T. o. elegans. The two specimens from Siskiyou, Jackson County, Ore- gon, and two others from Anderson, Shasta County, Cali- fornia, probably might best be regarded as showing inter- gradation between this coast form and the T. o. elegans of the Sierra Nevada, since they all have 21 rows of scales and somewhat intermediate coloration. The material is inadequate to make this conclusion a positive one, but it is in this region that one would expect to find these subspecies merging. Certain specimens from Coos County, Oregon, seem to show intergradation between this subspecies and T.. ordi- noides biscutatus. Others from Requa and Crescent City in Del Norte County, California, are intermediate between T. ordinoides ordinoides and T. ordinoides atratus. Habits——This small snake usually is found near water but seldom in it. On cool days it may be discovered under stones or wood. It is unobtrusive and, aside from its malo- dorous excretion, quite inoffensive. As in other members of the genus, the young are born fully developed. Their number varies greatly in different broods. The food of this subspecies probably consists in the main of small frogs, toads, fish, tadpoles, slugs, small mammals, and an occa- 824 13. COLUBRID sional snake. Perhaps insects also are eaten. One male, caught at Berkeley, contained a Western Racer. This is the only instance I recall of a snake having been eaten by a garter-snake. 186. Thamnophis ordinoides elegans (Baird & Girard) Mountain GarTER-SNAKE Eutainia elegans Bairp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p- 34 (type locality, El Dorado County, California). Eu'enia elegans Yarrow & HensHaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 116. Tropidonotus trivitta‘us HaLLowe Lt, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. VI, 1853, p. 237 (Cosumnes River, Cal.). Eutenia elegans brunnea Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 654 (type locality, Fort Bidwell, Cal.); Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1037. Eutenia elegans lineolata Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 655 (part), (no type); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1038 (part). Thamnophis elegans Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., No. V, 1897, p. 207 (part); GrinneLt, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 5, No. 1, 1908, p. 167. Eutenia elegans elegans Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p- 288 (part); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1036. Thamnophis ordinoides elegans RutTHvEN, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 138 (part); SreyNeGeR & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 102 (part); GRInNELL & Camp, Unie. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 180 (part); Van Den- BuRGH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, 1918, p. 235; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 29, 37- Description—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions some- times swollen. Eye moderate. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: A pair of internasals, a pair of pre- 40. THAMNOPHIS 825 frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, a pair of parie- tals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One or rarely two preoculars. Two to four, normally three, postoculars. Temporals normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+3 or 1+1. Eight (rarely seven, nine or six), superior and ten (rarely eight, nine or 11), inferior labials, usually the sixth in each series largest, the fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior equal to or shorter than anterior. Scales on body in 21 or 19 rows, all keeled. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 151 to 179, males having from 159 to 179, females from 151 to 175. Urosteges in two series of from 70 to 101, males having from 78 to 101, females from 70 to 88. The back is dark brown or blackish, with no, or but little, evident spotting. Dorsal and lateral light stripes are pres- ent. The dorsal stripe is narrow, usually about the width of one or one and two half scales, and has well defined straight edges. The gular region and the lower surfaces of body and tail are yellowish or greenish white, rarely much clouded with darker. A specimen showing the colors in life is described by Dr. Grinnell as follows: “Ventrally the snake is pale green- ish blue, the distal margins of the gastrosteges becoming pinkish. The throat, sides of head, and snout, are dull pinkish. Dorsally the snake is almost black, more exactly, perhaps, sooty sepia. A conspicuous median dorsal straw- yellow line runs from the nape to the tip of the tail, though on top of the tail it becomes narrow and faint. This stripe involves the median scale row, and part of the one on either side, especially anteriorly. A small spot of yellow marks the top of the head, involving the median margins of the two parietal plates. Along each side of the snake its 826 13. COLUBRIDE whole length and continuous with the light-colored sides of the head is a pale lemon-yellow stripe, brightest anter- iorly and becoming dusky and merging with the ventral color-tract posteriorly. This stripe involves the second and part of the third scale rows above the gastrosteges on either side. The sides of the head exhibit several vertical dusky markings; and the otherwise dark brown back is faintly flecked, along either side of the median stripe and just above the lateral stripes, with whitish scale edgings. There is not a trace of red anywhere. The bright yellow median dorsal stripe is a conspicuous feature in the colora- tion of this snake.” Length to anus —.....__.354 395 420 477 492 570 Wenathvotetatles se -= 156 125 133 162 161 132 V ariation.—Ninety-seven specimens show the following variations: The loreal is 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in eighty-nine, or 93%; 1—2 in five, or 5% 3 and 2—2 in two, or 2%. The postoculars are 3—3 in ninety-two, or 95%; 3—4 in four, or 4%; 2—3 in one, or 1%. The temporals are 1+2—1+2 in seventy-one, or 75%; 1+2— 1+3 in sixteen, or 17%; 1+3—1+3 in seven, or 7%; and 1+1—1-+1 in one, or 1%. The supralabials are 8—8 in ninety-one, or 94%; 7—8 in two, or 2%; 8—9 in one, or 1%; 9—9 in one, or 1%; and 7—6 in one, or 1%. The infralabials are 10—10 in eighty-two, or 85%; 9—10 in ten, or 10% 3 9—9 in two, or 2% 3 8—10 in one, or 1%; 10—11 in one, or 1%3 and 11—11 in one, or 1%. The scale-rows are 19—19—17 in twenty-two, or 23%; all the others (77%) have 21 rows of scales, but the formula varies, being 19—-21—19—17 in thirty, 21—19—17 in seventeen, 21—21—17 in twelve, 19—21—17 in twelve, and 20—-21—17 in two. The gastrosteges vary from 151 40. THAMNOPHIS 827 to 179, males having from 159 to 179, females from 151 to 175; the average in fifty males is 171, in forty-six females, 163.4. The urosteges vary from 70 to 101, males having from 78 to 101, females from 70 to 88, the average in forty males is 86.4, in thirty females, 78.5. Distribution.—This subspecies is a mountain form which seems to be confined to the Sierra Nevada and San Ber- nardino Mountains. In the Sierra Nevada it has been taken on both the east and west slopes. It seems not to occur at the lower levels. I have examined specimens from the following localities: In California, from Butte (Oroville), Yuba (Straw- berry Valley), Placer (Soda Springs Station 6,500 feet), El Dorado (Fyffe), Tuolumne (Tuolumne Meadows), Mariposa (Tamarack Flat, Yosemite Valley, Yosemite National Park at 7,700 feet), Fresno (Kings River at 5,000 feet), Tulare (Jackass Meadow at 7,750 feet, Monache Meadow at 8,000 feet), Sierra (Sierraville), El Dorado (Fallen Leaf Lake, Tallac, Lake Tahoe), Mono (Farring- ton’s), San Bernardino (San Bernardino Mountains at from 5,000 to 6,700 feet altitude, Seven Oaks, Santa Ana River, Fish Creek, Bear Lake, Sugar Loaf Mountains, West Fork Deep Creek), counties. In Nevada, from Glenbrook, Douglas County. Remarks.—Thamnophis ordinoides elegans is a dark, distinctly striped form with no, or but little, evident spot- ting, and usually without dark pigmentation of the gastros- teges. It is closely related to T. 0. vagrans and to T. o. couchti, agrees closely with both in most scale characters, and, at certain points, intergrades with both. Thus, some of the specimens from the Warner Mountains, Modoc County, California, approach the elegans type of coloration 828 13. COLUBRIDA in varying degrees, while others are fairly typical of vagrans, under which heading they are listed. Apparently the type of Cope’s Eutenia elegans brunnea from Fort Bid- well, Modoc County, was such an intermediate specimen. Specimens from Grasshopper and Eagle lakes, Lassen County, California, have characters of both elegans and biscutatus in varying degree. Certain specimens from the Yosemite Valley, Kings River, and Jackass Meadow, are more or less intermediate between 7. 0. elegans and T. o. couchii. A few of the specimens from the east slope of the Sierra Nevada also seem to be intergrades. However, the snakesfrom the higher altitudes in the Sierra Nevada seem to be constantly true to type. Those from the San Bernardino Mountains also show no departure from this type, although their range is in part overlapped by that of 7. 0. hammondii. No one could question the validity of this race as it occurs in these southern mountains, and the fact that intergrades between it and other races occur in the more northern por- tion of its range should not cause us to refuse it recognition. We formerly confused this form and the striped race from the coast of California, describing both as T. elegans. Although they are rather similar in appearance, they differ in a number of respects. The mountain form usually has twenty-one rows of scales, while the coast subspecies usually has nineteen. The average number of gastrosteges in T. o. elegans also is greater, the dorsal line is narrower, and we have never seen any red in the coloration of 7. 0. elegans. Just where and how these two forms meet has yet to be worked out. So far as we now know the one is confined to the interior mountains and the other to the coast region. Between them lies the area occupied by T. 0. couchii in the north and 7. 0. hammondii in the south. T. 0. couchii and T. 0. hammondii are mainly to be found in the Lower and 40. THAMNOPHIS 829 Upper Sonoran zones, while the striped snakes are more characteristic of the cooler zones of the mountains and coast. 187. Thamnophis ordinoides vagrans (Baird & Girard) WANDERING GARTER-SNAKE Plate 89 Eutainia vagrans Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serp., 1853, p. 35 (type locality, California); Grrarp, U. S. Explor. Exped., Herp., 1858, p. 154, pl. XIV, figs. 5-10; Cope, Ann. Rep. U. S. Geol. Surv. Terrs., 1871 (1872), p. 467. Eutenia vagrans vagrans Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 41; Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, p. 551. Eutenia Henshawi Yarrow, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. VI, 1883, p. ¥A 152 (type locality, Ft. Walla Walla, Wash.). Eutenia elegans lineolata Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 655 (part). Eutenia elegans vagrans Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 656; Core, Report U.S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1039 (part); Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 228, pl. LXX, fig. 1. Eutenia sirtalis vagrans Taytor, Ann. Rep. Nebr. State Board Agric. for 1891, 1892, p. 325. Tropidonotus vagrans BouLenceER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 202. Thamnophis vagrans SteJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 213 (part); Van Densurcu, Bull. U. S. Fish Com. for 1894, p. 57; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. V, 1897, p. 210 (part); Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. II, 1912, p. 158; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1913, p. 419; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. V, No. IV, 1915, p. 108. Natrix valida valida Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, pp. 984, 986 (part). Eutenia elegans vagrans Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p- 290; Branson, Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. IJ, No. 13, 1904, p- 364, figs. 4, 4a; Cary, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 33, 1911, pp. 27, 40, 45. Thamnophis ordinotdes elegans RutHven, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 138 (part); RurHven & Gace, Occas. Papers Mus. Zool. Univ., Mich., No. 8, 1915, p. 32; GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. 830 13. COLUBRID Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 180 (part); STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 102 (part); Biancuarb, Copeia, 1921, No. go, p. 6. Thamnophis elegans CocKERELL, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. VII, No. 2, 1910, p. 131; Exzis & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 88; Extis & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Bull., Vol. XV, No. 6, 1915, p. 261; Dice, Univ. Cal. Publs. Zool., Vol. 16, No. 17, 1916, pp. 303, 304, 310, 319, 321. Thamnophis ordinoides vagrans VAN DenBURGH & SLEviN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, 1918, p. 240, pl. 10; Van Den- BURGH & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 29, 37, 40, 46, 52. Description—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow rounded snout. Temporal regions sometimes swollen in old specimens. Eye moderate. Rostral plate large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: A pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals dis- tinct. One loreal. One preocular, rarely two or three. Postoculars normally three, rarely two or four. Temporals normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+3. Eight, or rarely seven, superior and eight to eleven, normally ten, inferior labials, usually the fifth, sixth or seventh superior, and fifth, sixth or seventh inferior largest, the fourth and fifth or third and fourth superior reaching eye, the first pair of inferior meeting on the median line. Two pairs of genials, the posterior equal to or shorter than anterior. Scales in 21 or very rarely 19 rows, all keeled except some- times, the first row on each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 148 to 182, males having 159 to 182, females from 148 to 177. Urosteges in two series of from 67 to 95, males having from 79 to 95, females from 67 to 83. PiareE 89 S16T ‘oung “YURI ‘AyUNOD YorrseAA ‘SUTBJUNOT YoueESRAL ‘UOKUBD OAOAT UL pazoaT[OD ayeUg Toqive) SuULIOp ur AA “SUDAB DA SIPIOULPAO s1ydoumvy J, [Van Densurcu | X Acab. SCI. Vou. Papers, CAL. Oc: 40. THAMNOPHIS 831 The ground color above is olive or greenish-yellow or brown. Along the middle of the back runs a yellow line of varying width. On the second and third rows of scales of each side is a similar yellow line. Any or all of these lines may be very indistinct or even absent. On each side of the back are two series of alternating black spots, the upper of which encroach upon the dorsal line. These spots sometimes unite to form a zigzag band along each side, or may be obscured by the darkening of the ground color. The top of the head is usually light brown, with a yellow pineal spot. There is a pair of large dark nuchal blotches. The gastrosteges and urosteges are almost always more or less marbled with black or slate, especially near their anterior edges and along the middle of the belly. The chin and throat normally are yellowish white. Length to anus _______. 295 342 485 520 525 535 Eength of tail’ 2 = 97 117 175 150 160 155, Variation—In one hundred snakes of this subspecies the loreal is 1—1 in all specimens. Preoculars 1—1 in eighty-one, or 81%; 2—2 in thirteen, or 13% ; 1—2 in five, or 5%; and 2—3 in one, or 1%. Postoculars are 3—3 in eighty-eight, or 88%; 2—3 in four, or 4%; 3—4 in four, or 4%; 44 in three, or 3%; and 2—2 in one, or 1%. Temporals are 1+2—1+2 in sixty-seven, or 67%; 1+2—1+3 in twenty, or 20%; and 1+3—1+3 in thir- teen, or 13%. The supralabials are 8—8 in eighty-nine, or 89%; 7—8 in eight, or 8%; and 7—7 in three, or 3%. The infralabials are 10—10 in eighty-six, or 86%; 9—10 in seven, or 7%; 10—11 in four, or 4%; 9—8 in one, or 1% and 11—11 in one, or 1%. The scale-rows are 21— 21—17 in fifty-five, or 55%; 21—19—17 in thirty-three, or 33%; 19—21—19—17 in four, or 4%3 19—21—17 832 13. COLUBRID in three, or 3%; 19—19—17 in one, or 1%; 20—21— 19—17 in one, or 1%; and 20—21—17—17 in one, or 1%. The gastrosteges vary in number from 148 to 182, males having from 159 to 182, females from 148 to 177; the average in fifty-three males is 174.2, in forty-seven females, 169. The urosteges vary from 67 to 95, males having from 79 to 95, females from 67 to 83; the average in forty-four males is 86, in thirty-five females, 76. Distribution.—This subspecies, in typical form, is found over eastern Washington and Oregon, ranging thence east across Idaho to Utah, south across Nevada to eastern Cali- fornia in the vicinity of Mono Lake, and to northern Arizona. Positively identified specimens have been taken as follows: In Washington, in Stevens (Diamond Lake, Spring- dale), Walla Walla (Prescott, Wallulla), and Columbia (Humpeg Falls) counties. In Oregon, in Lake (Walker Lake, Buck Creek, Bridge Creek), Harney (Silver Creek, Burns), Malheur (River- side), Umatilla (Umatilla, Meacham), and Wallowa (Wal- lowa), counties. In Idaho, in Bonner (Sand Point, Hope), Kootenai, Shoshone (Wardner), Nez Perce (vic. Lewiston), Lemhi (Salmon Mountains), Washington (Weiser), Valley (Pay- ette Lakes), Custer (Challis Valley), Ada (Boise), Camas (Malad River Canyon), Blaine (Ketchum, Guyer Hot Springs), Butte (Arco), Jerome (Shoshone Falls), Twin Falls (Snake River near Salmon Falls), Cassia (Cotton- wood Creek, Albion), Bingham (Fort Hall), Oneida (Malad), and Bear Lake (Bear Lake), counties. In Utah, in Cache (Logan), Davis ( Woods Cross), Salt Lake (Fort Douglas), Wasatch (Provo Canyon), Utah 40. THAMNOPHIS 833 (Provo), Piute (Marysvale), Beaver (Camp Beaver, Indian Creek Canyon in the Tushar Mountains) and Iron (Rush Lake), counties, and at North Creek, Kobeh Valley, and Juab. In Nevada, in Humboldt (Pine Forest Mountains, Quinn River Crossing, Virgin Valley), Washoe (Winne- mucca Lake, Little High Rock Creek), Nye (Smoky Val- ley), Churchill (Fallon), Lander (Battle Mountain), Eureka (Palisade), and Elko (Elko, Deeth), counties, and at Snake Valley and Pyrmont. In California, in Mono (Mono Lake, Walker Lake). In Arizona, in Coconino (Grand Canyon, San Francisco Mountain, Oak Creek, Winslow), and Yavapai (Prescott, Fort Whipple, Fort Verde), counties. In Lower California, two specimens have been taken in the San Pedro Martir Mountains. This subspecies remains remarkably true to its peculiar color characters throughout the vast area which constitutes the greater portion of its range. It is only along the west- ern edge of this area that much variation occurs. Specimens from western Nevada and from eastern California vary towards T. o. biscutatus, T. 0. couchii and T. o. elegans, so that it may be said that intergradation with all the forms occurs. Thus, specimens from Humboldt County, Nevada, frequently have two preoculars as in T. 0. discutatus, and certain specimens from near Lake Tahoe leave one in doubt as to whether they might best be referred to as T. 0. vagrans, T. 0. couchii, or even T. 0. elegans. The two specimens from the San Pedro Martir Moun- tains in northern Lower California, which formerly were referred to T. hammondii, are very typical vagrans in coloration, but have low labial and gastrostege counts. They constitute by far the most southern record for this subspecies 834 13. COLUBRIDE and offer an interesting problem in distribution, for T. o. vagrans has never been taken in southern California. Habits —The snakes taken at Elko, Nevada, had been feeding on the larve of Rana pipiens. Ruthven and Gaige, who observed this snake in Elko County, Nevada, state: “The species is quite aquatic in its habits. It is generally found in the immediate vicinity of water, and often in the streams or ponds. From the stom- achs examined it would appear that most of the food is secured in the water. One specimen had eaten a small toad, and five others had captured fish and tadpoles. It is a voracious feeder. The stomach of one individual contained eight large tadpoles, that of another five fish, and one had eaten a fish 141 mm. in length besides a smaller one. Three pregnant females brought back alive gave birth to eight, ten and 12 young on August 25, September 2 and Sep- tember 10.” 188. Thamnophis ordinoides biscutatus (Cope) KLAMATH GARTER-SNAKE Plate 90 Eutenia biscutata Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1883, p. 21 (type locality, Klamath Lake, Oregon); Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 651. Thamnophis vagrans biscutata VAN DenBuRGH, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 212; Van Densureu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1912, p. 158. Eutenia elegans biscutata Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p- 291; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 229. Thamnophis ordinoides elerans RuTHVEN, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 138 (part). Thamnophis ordinoides biscutatus VAN DeNBURGH & SteEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad: Sci:, Ser: 4, Vol Vill, 1918, p. 245, ‘pli 12. 40. THAMNOPHIS 835 Description —Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions some- times slightly swollen. Eye of moderate size. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: A pair of inter- nasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. Preoculars usually two, sometimes one, very rarely three. Postoculars normally three, some- times four, very rarely two or one. Temporals normally one, followed by two, sometimes 1+ 3. Superior labials normally eight, rarely seven. Inferior labials normally ten, rarely nine, 11 or eight. Usually the fifth, sixth or seventh superior and inferior labials largest, the fourth and fifth or third and fourth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior about equal in length to anterior. Scales on body in 21 or very rarely, 19 or 23 rows, all keeled except some- times the first row of each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 151 to 183, males having from 157 to 183, females from 151 to 176. Uros- teges in two series of from 63 to 97, males having from 76 to 97, females from 63 to 91. The coloration usually is not different from that of typical Thamnophis ordinoides vagrans, except that the dorso-lateral regions usually are much darker. Because of this, the spots are less evident, but they may usually be made out. The upper lateral spots invade the edges of the dorsal line as in T. 0. vagrans. As in that subspecies also the gastrosteges are often marked basally and centrally with black or slate. The dorsal and lateral lines usually are quite distinct. Some specimens, however, are so dark as to conceal the dorsal spots, and one is black everywhere excepting the chin, throat, and a few bits of skin between 836 13. COLUBRIDZA the scales, no lines being evident. Some dark specimens resemble, in coloration, certain examples of T. ordinoides atratus. Length to anus _________. 375 455 500 503 550 620 Length of tail __ eat! 132 135 155 175 175 75 Variation.—The loreal is 1—1 in all specimens exam- ined. Preoculars are 2—2 in one hundred and fifty-nine, or 63%; 1—2 in twenty-five, or 10%; 1—1 in sixty-three, or 25% 3 and 2—3 in one. Postoculars are 3—3 in two hundred and thirteen, or 80%; 3—4 in twenty-six, or 10%; 44 in five, or 2%; 2—3 in three, or 1%; and 4—1 in one. Temporals are 1+2—1+2 in one hundred and ninety, or 77% 3; 1+3—1+3 in sixteen, or 6%; 1+2—1-++3 in thirty-nine, or 15%. The supralabials are 8—8 in two hundred and thirty-two, or 92%; 7—8 in eleven, or 4%; and 7—7 in four, or 1%. The infralabials are 10—10 in two hundred and twenty-two, or 88%; 9—10 in thirteen, or 5%; 9—9 in eight, or 3%; 10—11 in two, and 8—8 in one. The scale-rows are 21—21—17 in two hundred and sixteen, or 87%; 2i—19—17 in nine, or 3%; 21—23—17 in six, or 2%; 21—17—17 in three, or 1%; 19—17—17 in three, or 1%; 19—19—17 in two, 19—17—15 in two, 23—19—17 in two, 23—21—19 in one, 17—17—17 in one, and 20—-21—-17 in one. The gastrosteges vary in number from 151 to 183, males hav- ing from 157 to 183, females from 151 to 176; the aver- age in one hundred and twenty males is 171, in one hun- dred and twenty-three females, 166. The urosteges vary from 63 to 97, males having from 76 to 97, females from 63 to 91; the average in one hundred and twelve males is 84, in one hundred and three females, 77. Distribution.—This snake was first described from speci- 90) PLATE SI6T ‘aun *U 1 ‘Ajuno,) yVewuRpy ‘s ayeug Jayivs yieurpy ‘s7r7 I YeUyy 7B JAA YUVT uo pax URGH | [Van Dent X Acab. Sci., VoL. Papers, Ca. Oc. 40. THAMNOPHIS 837 mens collected at Klamath Lake in southern Oregon. 1 have examined specimens from Vancouver Island, from Lillooet River Valley, British Columbia, the San Juan Islands and King County, Washington, the South Fork of the Coquille River, twenty miles above Myrtle Point, Coos County, Oregon, the Rogue River near Grants Pass, Josephine County, Oregon, Klamath Falls, Klamath Coun- ty, and Lakeview, Lake County, Oregon, Gasquet, Del Norte County, California, Lower Klamath Lake, Siskiyou County, California, and Davis Creek and Goose Lake, Modoc County, California. Specimens from northwestern Nevada, as those from the Pine Forest Mountains, Virgin Valley, and Quinn River Crossing, in Humboldt County, appear to be inter- mediate between this form and true T. 0. vagrans, the color- ation being typical of the latter, while a tendency toward an increase in the number of preoculars is still present. These are listed with T. 0. vagrans. Specimens from Grasshopper and Eagle lakes, Lassen County, California, are intermediate between this subspecies and T. o. elegans. Remarks.—These snakes from the Klamath region are very similar to T. 0. vagrans, but the ground color of the dorso-lateral regions usually is much darker. For this reason the dark spots usually are inconspicuous. Occasional specimens show the spots very distinctly, and in most speci- mens they may be seen when looked for. These spots invade the dorsal line just as they do in typical T. 0. vag- rans. The chief point of distinction between T. 0. biscutatus and T. o. vagrans is the increase in the number of preocu- lars. Less than twenty-five per cent of the Klamath speci- mens do not show this increase on at least one side of the head, so that it must be regarded as a perfectly good sub- 838 13. COLUBRIDE specific character. A small number of the specimens also show an increased number of body scale-rows. In the region of Puget Sound snakes of the vagrans type, 2 majority of which have two preoculars, are again encountered. We can see no reason for not including them here. It seems best to include here also the snakes from Del Norte County, California, and from Josephine and Coos Counties, Oregon, although the number of specimens from these localities is so small as to leave one in doubt as to the usual number of preoculars, and the coloration 1s more like that of T. 0. couchii. Perhaps nowhere else in the world are snakes so abund- ant as formerly near Klamath Falls. We counted 180 on a small rock about a yard in diameter in Link River, and, at another point on the same river, caught 14 with one grab with both hands. They feed upon small fish and toads. Most of these snakes are of this subspecies, but a few are Thamnophis sirtalis infernalis. 189. Thamnophis ordinoides couchii (Kennicott ) GIANT GarTER-SNAKE Plate 91 Eutenia couchi Kennicott, U. S. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Pt. IV, 1859, p. 10 (type locality, Pitt River, California). Thamnophis hammondit SrE]NEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 212; Van DensBurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 212 (part). Thamnophis vagrans SrEJNEGER, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 7, 1893, p. 213 (part); Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p- 210 (part). Eutenia elegans couchii Cort, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p- 1042 (part). Eutenia hammondi Coorer, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1870, p. 71; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 295 (part); Town- SEND, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 10, 1887, p. 240 (?). 40. THAMNOPHIS 839 Thamnophis ordinoides elegans RutHveN, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 138 (part); GrinneLL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 180 (part); Sreywecer & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 102 (part). Thamnophis ordinoides hammondii Grinne.t & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 181 (part). Thamnophis ordinoides couchii Van DenspurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, p. 251, pl. 12; Van DensurcH & Sevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 29, 38. Description —Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow rounded snout, and temporal regions some- times swollen. Eye moderate. Rostral plate large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One, or rarely two, preoculars, and three, or rarely two, postoculars. Temporals normally one, followed by two, sometimes 1+3, or 1+4. Eight or rarely nine, superior and 10 or 11, rarely nine, inferior labials, usually the sixth superior and fifth, sixth, or seventh inferior largest, the fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, the first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior equal to or longer than anterior. Scales on body in 21 or very rarely 19 or 23 rows, all keeled except some- times the first row of each side. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 153 to 181, males having from 160 to 181, females from 153 to 177. Uros- teges in two series of from 65 to 99, males having from 77 to 99, females from 65 to 88. The ground color is grayish, brown or olive, sometimes without any markings, but usually with a dorsal light line on at least a portion of the neck. This line may be very short (a half inch), or may be continued the whole length of the 840 13. COLUBRID back, but often is very indistinct. Dorsal spots are present in some specimens and may invade the edges of the dorsal line, if present, or may resemble those of J. ordinoides hammondii. The lower surfaces are usually yellowish or greenish gray sometimes more or less uniformly clouded with slate or with dark markings similar to those of JT. ordin- oides vagrans. Length to anus -_._..___357 684 740 827 1095 1096 Length of tail = = 119 1.0 9) nee 242 280 311 V ariation.—The loreal is 1—1 in oe -seven specimens. Preoculars 1—1 in fifty-two, or 819%; 2—2 in eleven, or 17%; and 1—2 in one, or 2%; Postoculars 3—3 in fi six, or 89%; 2—3 in six, or 9%; and 2—2 in one, or 2%. Temporals 1+2—1+2 in thirty-eight, or 60%; 1+3—1+3 in thirteen, or 20%; 1+2—1+3 in eleven, or 17%; and 1+3—1+4 in one, or 2%. The supralabials are 8—8 in sixty-two, or 95%; and 8—9 in three, or 5%. The infra- labials are 10—10 in forty, or 61%; 11—11 in twelve, or 18%; 9—10 in six, or 9% ; 10—11 in five, or 8%; 11—9 in one, or 2%; and 9—9 in one, or 2%. The scale-rows are 21—19—17 in thirty-one, or 48%; 21—21—17 in twenty- four, or 38%; 19—21—19—17 in six, or 9% 3 19—19—17 in two, or 3%; and 23—21—17 in two, or 3%. The gas- trosteges vary from 153 to 181, males having from 160 to 181, females from 153 to 177; the average in twenty-two males is 172.3, in forty-three fae 167. The urosteges vary from 65 to 99, males having from 77 to 99, females from 65 to 88; the average in fourteen males is 88.4, in thirty-eight females, 81.7. Distribution —This subspecies is the common water- snake of the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys of Cali- fornia from Shasta to Kern counties. It ranges west into 91 PLATE [Van DeNnBuRGH | X Acap. Sci., Vou. . Papers, CAL. Orc SI6L ‘ABI “BLUTOJITED ‘AVUNOD paowal ‘[PRMper 1B paza[[oOD ayeug Joyive) JuPRIL) “UY, NOD Saplaoulpso sty dOumry | PD a ct Ci a ite i AD A RD Hee pie \ 40. THAMNOPHIS 841 Monterey County, where it has been taken in the valleys of the Carmel River and San Antonio and Nacimiento creeks. It ascends the valley of the Kern River to an alti- tude of some 6,000 feet, and, doubtless, crosses through Walker Pass to the east side of the Sierra Nevada where it occurs in Owens Valley and about Pyramid Lake and Lake Tahoe. Its range lies chiefly in the Lower and Upper Sonoran zones. I have examined specimens as follows: From California, Monterey (Carmel Valley, San An- tonio Creek near Mission San Antonio, Nacimiento Creek), Shasta (Cottonwood, Long’s Ranch Battle Creek), Glenn (Orland, Stoney Creek), Yuba (Strawberry Valley), Placer (Red Point), El Dorado (Fyffe, Riverton), Tuolumne (Priest Hill), Mariposa (Pleasant Valley, Yosemite Valley), Merced (Los Bafios, Gadwall), Madera (Raymond), Fresno (Hume, Fresno), Tulare (Trout Meadows, Little Kern River Lake, Trout Creek at 6,000 feet, Cannell Meadows), Kern (Buena Vista Lake, Kern River near Bodfish, Walker’s Basin), Inyo (Owen’s Valley, Laws), El Dorado (Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, Mt. Tallac), and Placer (Tahoe City) counties. From Nevada, from Douglas (Glenbrook), and Washoe (Wadsworth, Pyramid Lake), counties. Remarks.—Certain specimens resemble 7. 0. hammondii rather closely, but the presence of a dorsal line on at least a portion of the neck will usually serve to distinguish them from that form. Sometimes the line is continued along the back, but it often is very indistinct. The gastrosteges seem to be somewhat more numerous than in 7. 0. ham- mondit, and a similar tendency is apparent in the infralabials, which often are eleven instead of 10. On the other hand, two preoculars are found much less frequently than in T. o. 842 13. COLUBRID hammondii. Intergradation between these two subspecies is shown by certain specimens from the San Joaquin Valley, but it seems to be individual rather than geographic. It doubtless will become more evidently geographic when specimens are secured from the proper areas. The relationship of T. 0. couchii to T. 0. vagrans is still closer than to T. 0. hammondii. This is shown by the character of the spotting adjacent to the dorsal line when present, the frequent occurrence of more or less dark pig- ment on the gastrosteges, and the fact that in many of the specimens of 7. 0. couchii some indication of a dorsal line is present. In typical T. 0. vagrans, as it occurs in Idaho, Utah and eastern Nevada, the dorsal line is well marked, the dorsal spots are very evident and invade the edges of the dorsal line, and the gastrosteges almost always are rather heavily pigmented. T. 0. couchii differs from this type of colora- tion in the shortness of or indistinctness of its dorsal line, which may be only a half-inch in length, in the less frequent and less extensive pigmentation of the gastrosteges, and in the absence, indefiniteness, or less characteristic arrangement of the dorsal spots. Intergradation between T. 0. couchii and T .o. vagrans is to be looked for in western Nevada. The relationship between T. 0. couchii and T. o. elegans also is very close. Typical T. 0. elegans seems to occur only at considerable elevations in the Sierra Nevada and in the mountains of southern California. T. 0. couchii occupies the lower levels, but extends its range up in the Sierra Nevada so far, at certain points, that it overlaps that of T. o. elegans, just as the range of T. 0. hammondii overlaps that of 7. o. elegans in the San Bernardino Mountains of southern California. But, while 7. 0. hammondii and T. o. elegans seem to remain perfectly distinct and true to charac- ter at the places where their ranges meet, specimens showing 40. THAMNOPHIS 843 intermediate characters are found at the points where T. o. couchii and T. o. elegans come in contact, as at Jackass Mea- dows, 7,750 feet, Tulare County, and in the Yosemite Val- ley. At other places, as at Fallen Leaf Lake, E] Dorado County, and at Glenbrook, Nevada, snakes of both types have been taken but no intermediate specimens have been secured, One specimen had eaten a young blackbird. Another had caught a six-inch trout. Where conditions are favorable these snakes often attain enormous size. One measures 55.5 inches, of which 12.25 inches represent the tail. Another has the same measure- ment to anus, but the tail is 1.25 inches shorter. These snakes were secured at Buena Vista Lake, where they live in patches of tules out in the lake and doubtless eat fish. Although they may be seen in considerable numbers sunning themselves on the broken-down tules, they are hard to shoot, for they are very shy and slide into the water at the least alarm. Several were seen which appeared to be larger than any secured by us. The largest specimens sometimes show no lateral lines or other markings. Specimens of similar size occur in the marshes near Los Bafios. 190. Thamnophis ordinoides hammondii (Kennicott) CALIFORNIA GARTER-SNAKE Plate 92 Eutainia hammondit Kennicotr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p- 332 (type localities, San Diego, Fort Tejon, Cal.); Corr, U. S. Explor. Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol V, 1875, pp. 545, 549. Eutenia Couchit, Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1870, p. 68. Eutenia hammondii Yarrow & HENsHAW, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 215 (part); Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 295. Eutenia marciana Yarrow & HensHaw, Ann. Rep. Chief of Engineers for 1878, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Appendix NN, 1878, p. 216. 844 13. COLUBRIDZ Eutenia elegans couchii Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 656; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1042 (part). Tropidonotus ordinatus var. hammondii BouLenGeR, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 210. Thamnophis hammondii Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. V, 1896, p. 1008; Van Densurou, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. V, 1897, p. 212 (part); McLain, Critical Notes, 1899, p- 12 (part); GrinneLtL & GRINNELL, Throop Inst. Bull., No. XXXV, 1907, p. 49; GRINNELL, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 5, No. 1, 1908, p. 167; Ruruven, Bull., U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p. 133 (part); Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1912, pp. 149, 150, 151, 152; Hurrer, First Ann. Rep. Laguna Marine Lab., 1912, p. 67; Arsarr, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 3, 1913, p- 43; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 101 (part). Tropidonotus digueti Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. du Museum d’Hist. Naturelle, Ser. IV, Vol. I, 1899, p. 327 (type localities, Mulege & San Ignacio, Lower California, Mexico). Thamnophis ordinoides hammondii Grinnevt & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 181 (part); Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, 1918, p. 256, pl. 13; Cowxgs, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66; StepHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 63; Van Denpurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 52; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 130. Description —Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions not infre- quently swollen. Eye large. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One or two or three preoculars, and three (rarely four or two) post- oculars. Temporals one followed by two or three. Eight (rarely nine) superior and ten (rarely nine or 11) inferior labials, sixth in each series largest, fourth and fifth superior 40. THAMNOPHIS 845 reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, the posterior usually much longer than anterior. Scales on body in 21, or very rarely 19, rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 156 to 173, males having from 163 to 173, females from 156 to 171. Urosteges in two series of from 67 to 88, males having from 69 to 88, females from 67 to 82. The ground color is grayish brown or olive marked, in young specimens, with numerous black spots which usual- ly disappear with age. The dorsal line is always absent, or represented by a yellow spot on the neck. The lateral lines are either distinct or blended with the color of the belly. Black spots are frequently present on the first row of scales and tips of the gastrosteges. The top of the head is olive, with a yellow pineal spot on the line between the parietal plates. Dark nuchal blotches are present. The lower sur- faces are whitish or grayish yellow. A specimen showing the colors in life is described by Dr. Grinnell as follows: Ventrally the snake is dusky yel- low anteriorly, becoming dusky posteriorly, finely mottled with slate; there is a pinkish tinge down the middle of the belly. Dorsally the snake is uniformly dark sepia, without any median dorsal stripe; but on each side involving the second row of scales dorsally from the gastrosteges, a dusky yellowish line runs from the yellowish side of the head back to the region of the vent, where it becomes so dusky as to merge with the uniformly sordid color clear around. Along each side, above the lateral stripes, are flecks of whit- ish between the scales which show when the skin is stretched a little so as to separate the scales. There are also flecks of black, mostly further down the sides, which likewise show clearest when the scales are parted. On the nape of the neck is a dusky yellow dab, which looks as though it might be the remnant of a median dorsal stripe; also there is a 846 13. COLUBRID faint occipital spot. The sides of the head are dusky yel- lowish, with vertical blackish marginings to the supralabials. Length to anus.___._____.. 304 382 440 500 670 870 Length of tail... 93 109 120 143 180 275 V ariation.—The loreal in seventy-five specimens is 1—1 in all. Preoculars 2—2 in thirty-one, or 42%; 1—1 in twenty-seven, or 36%; 2—1 in thirteen, or 18%; 3—3 in two, or 3% 3 and 2—3 in one, or 1%. Postoculars 3—3 in sixty-six, or 92%; 3—4 in three, or 4%; 4—4 in two, or 3%; and 3—2 in one, or 1%. Temporals 1+2—1+2 in forty-two, or 56%; 1+2—1+3 in twenty-one, or 28%; 1+3—1-+3 in twelve, or 16%. The supralabials are 8—8 in all except one specimen which has 8—9. The infralabials are 10—10 in sixty-nine, or 92%; 10—9 in three, or 4%; 9—9 in two, or 3% 3 and 10—11 in one, or 1%. The scale- rows are 21—21—17 in sixty-two, or 83%; 21—19—17 in eleven, or 15%; 19—21—17 in one, or 1%; and 19— 19—17 in one, or 1%. The gastrosteges vary from 156 to 173, males having from 163 to 173, females from 156 to 171; the average in thirty-seven males is 168.1, in thirty- four females, 162.6. The urosteges vary from 67 to 88, males having from 69 to 88, females from 67 to 82; the average in twenty-five males is 81.2, in twenty-one females, Te Distribution——This subspecies is the common water- snake of southern California west of the deserts. Where streams run from the western mountains down onto the desert this snake may follow them for some distance, as, to Victorville on the Mohave River, and Palm Canyon at the eastern base of the San Jacinto Mountains. It ranges at least from sea level to an altitude of 8,000 feet. The most northern locality from which we have seen a typical 92 Prati [Van Denpurcu | \c AD, Se1., Von. x >, Papers, Cat. On HLVAO SITY E OMY | 40. THAMNOPHIS 847 specimen is Oceano, San Luis Obispo County. It occurs also in Santa Barbara, Ventura, Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego counties, and northwestern Lower California. Its range is chiefly in the Upper Sonoran Zone but extends into the Lower Sonoran and Transition zones. I have examined specimens from San Luis Obispo (Oceano), Santa Barbara (Santa Inez River), Ventura (San- ta Paula), Los Angeles (West Fork San Gabriel River, Pasadena, Los Angeles, Claremont, Rock Creek), San Ber- nardino (Victorville, Santa Ana Canyon and River, San Ber- nardino Mts., Ontario, Chino), Riverside (Riverside, San Jacinto Valley, Keen Camp, Hemet Lake, Base of San Jacin- to Mts. near Cabazon, Palm Canyon at 800 feet, Tahquitz Valley at 8,000 feet), Orange (Laguna Beach), and San Diego (Agua Caliente, Oak Grove, Carlsbad, Santa Ysabel Valley, Witch Creek, Cuyamaca Mts., Sweet Water Dam, Dulzura, Campo) counties, California. This snake has been recorded also from northern and central Lower California, Mexico (Comondu, La Guilla, San Antonio, Mulege, San Ignacio, Ensenada, and the mountains near Hanson’s Laguna). Remarks.—T hamnophis ordinoides hammondii is a well differentiated subspecies. The dorsal line is completely lacking in all specimens we have examined—even the young- est ones—which had been taken in southern California. Some specimens show a nuchal spot, but none even a short line. Specimens from this area also show little or no black on the belly. The name hammondii often has been applied to snakes collected farther north, as in the San Joaquin Val- ley and the Sierra Nevada. These northern snakes, how- ever, almost invariably have at least some trace of a dorsal line, and often show more or less black on the belly scutes, as in vagrans. Their status is discussed in this paper under 848 13. COLUBRIDA the name T. ordinoides couchii. T. 0. hammondi often (62%) has two preoculars on at least one side of the head, while 7. 0. couchii shows no such tendency. T. 0. ham- mondii, however, shows no tendency toward an increase in the number of infralabials, while 7. 0. couchii does. The specimens from San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties are perfectly typical hammondii. The localities where intergradation with couchii occurs cannot yet be defined. They are, doubtless, in southern Kern County. Individual variation, in a very few specimens from the San Joaquin Valley, almost bridges the space between the char- acters of typical couchii and hammondii. In the San Bernardino Mountains T. 0. hammondii occurs with 7’. o. elegans at altitudes of 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Here the two forms seem to remain true to type, for no inter- mediate specimens have been taken. 7. 0. elegans seems to be a mountain form while JT. 0. hammondii occupies the lower country as well as higher elevations. The snakes which formerly were recorded as T. ham- mondiit from San Pedro Martir Mountains, on re-examina- tion, prove to be 7. 9. vagrans. T. 0. hammondii has been recorded by others from San Antonio and La Guilla, Lower California. So far as is known the ranges of T. 0. hammondii and T. marcianus do not meet. This snake feeds on tadpoles, frogs and fish. Captive individuals sometimes change the intensity of their pigmentation very quickly, in accordance with the lightness or darkness of the objects upon which they rest. 40. THAMNOPHIS 849 191. Thamnophis marcianus (Baird & Girard) Marcy’s GARTER-SNAKE Plate 93 Eutainia marciana Bairpv & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, 1853, p- 36 (type locality, “Red River, Arkansas”= near Cache Creek, Oklahoma). Eutenia marciana Bairp, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. I, Rept., 1859, p. 17; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 41; Yar- row, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 118 (part). Eutenia nigrolateralis Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1889, p. 421 (type locality, Tucson, Arizona). Tropidonotus ordinatus var. marcianus BouLeNnGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 210. Eutenia elegans marciana Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., 1898 (1900), p- 1044; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1g01, p. 24; BaILey, N. Amer, Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp. 28, 48; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 229, pls. LXVI, figs. 2, 7, LXX, fig. 2. Thamnophis marciana RuTHVEN, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p. 589. Thamnophis marcianus RutTHvEN, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p- 58; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1912, p. 154; Van DenBurcH & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. ITI, 1913, p. 420; GrinnELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 179; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 101; Van DenBurcH & Sevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, No. 6, 1918, p. 261, pl. 14. Description—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions some- times swollen. Eye moderate. Rostral large, bounded be- hind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One or rarely two preoculars. Three or four postoculars. Temporals normally one followed by two or three, some- times 2+3. Eight, (rarely seven) superior and 10 (rarely 850 13. COLUBRIDE 11) inferior labials, usually the sixth in éach series largest, the fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior usually longer than anterior. Scales on body in 21 or rarely 23 rows, all keeled. Anal plate not divided. Gas- trosteges varying in number from 149 to 163, males having from 157 to 163, females from 149 to 159. Urosteges in two series of from 63 to 79, males having from 77 to 79, females from 63 to 67. The ground color above is light brownish, yellowish or grayish with alternating black spots and large nuchal blotches. Dorsal and lateral light lines are present. The dorsal line is narrow, usually about the width of one or one and two half scales, and may have well defined, straight edges or may be somewhat invaded by the dark dorsal spots. The lateral line is on the scales of the third row only anteriorly, but involves those of both second and third rows posteriorly. The scales of the rows below the lateral line are light in color, often heavily spotted with black, these spots alternat- ing with the two series above. The side of the head is dark with a light patch below and partly surrounding the eye and a yellowish or whitish crescentic mark about the posterior edge of the temporal region. The anterior border of this light crescent usually is narrowly edged with black or dark brown. Blackish marks radiate from the orbit occupying the posterior edges of the superior labial plates. Occasion- ally all of the superior labials have dark posterior edges and the inferior labials may be similarly marked. There is a light pineal spot margined with black. The lower surfaces are greenish or yellowish white, each gastrostege usually with a blackish spot externally near its anterior edge. Ibengethito; anus 266 387 389 574 Bength vot tail eee 71 122 100 154 93 PLATE [Van Densurcu | X Acap. Sc1., Vou. Papers, CAL. Oc. Glol Ysnany ‘RUOZLIY ‘AJUNOD ASTYOO) “YURGQIUIBY TB pajos<[[oo ‘GeLes ayeug dovirg) s {IVA “SHUOIIADIM sry OUUIY J, ON IS pRroy Te, 40. THAMNOPHIS 851 V ariation.—Eight specimens have the loreal 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in all. The postoculars are 3—3 in two, 3—4 in two, and 4—4 in two. The temporals are 1+3—1+3 in four, 1+2—1+2 in three, and 1+3—2+3 in one. The supralabials are 8—8 in twelve, 7—8 in one. The infralabials are 10—11 in four, and 10—10 in two. The scale rows are 21—19—17 in ten, 21—21—17 in one, 23—23— 17 in one, and 21—26 in one. The gastrosteges vary in num- ber from 149 to 162, males having from 157 to 162, females from 149 to 159; the average in six males is 160.5, in eight females, 154.9. The urosteges vary from 63 to 79, males having from 77 to 79, females from 63 to 67; the average in two males is 78, in four females, 64.7. Distribution —This_ garter-snake ranges north from Mexico into the United States. It has been found in Sono- ra and Arizona, and in California along the Colorado River. It extends its range through Texas to Oklahoma. The details of its distribution through this area are yet to be worked out. As regards Arizona, authentic specimens have been recorded from the vicinity of Tucson and Yuma. At Yuma it occurs on both banks of the Colorado River, and the westernmost limits of its known range are along the banks of this river from Yuma north to Riverside Moun- tain in Riverside County, California. We have examined specimens from Fairbank, Cochise County, Tucson, Pima County, Gila Bend, Maricopa Coun- ty, Yuma, Yuma County, Arizona, Colorado River eight miles east from Picacho, Imperial County, California, and Riverside Mountain, Colorado River, Riverside County, California. Ruthven examined other specimens with definite locali- ties as follows: Fort Yuma, Imperial County, California; Tucson, Arizona; White Horse Springs and Fort Supply, 852 13. COLUBRIDE Oklahoma; Brownsville, San Diego, Point Isabelle, Reuters- ville, Cameron County, San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Pecos, San Angelo, Helodes, Jeff Davis County, “South of Claren- don,” Kerrville, Texas; and Matamoras and Charco Escon- dido, Tamaulipas, and Ojo del Diable, Chihuahua, Mexico. Remarks.—Marcy’s Garter-snake may usually be dis- tinguished at a glance by its postoral crescents and the posi- tion of its lateral line. The dorsal spots of certain speci- mens resemble those of certain specimens of TJ’. 0. vagrans, but usually are larger. The gastrosteges ordinarily lack the dark markings which are so constant in J. 0. vagrans, but frequently are marked with black laterally. The posterior genials usually are longer than the anterior. Our specimens from Tucson were caught in mud puddles on the desert a mile or more from the river. 192. Thamnophis megalops (Kennicott) Mexican GARTER-SNAKE Plate 94 Eutenia megalops Kennicott, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 330 (type locality, Tucson and Sta. Magdalena, Arizona); Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1025; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 21; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, ps 221. Eutenia macrostemma Kennicort, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860 Pp- 331 (type locality, City of Mexico); Cope, Report U. S. Nat- Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1029. Eutenia flavilabris Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 306 (type locality, tableland or southern mountains of Mexico); Cope, Proc. Am. Philos. Soc., 1884 (1885), p. 173. Eutenia insigniarum Cope, Proc. Am. Philos. Soc., 1884 (1885), p. 172 (type locality, Chapultepec, Mexico). Tropidonotus ordinatus var. macrostemma BouLeNGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus;,; Vol. 15.1893, p. 212. 40. THAMNOPHIS 853 Thamnophis megalops Rutuven, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, 1908, p- 44; Van Densurcu & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. II, 1913, p. 421; Sreynecer & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 101; Van DensurcH & S Evin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, 1918, p. 283, pl. 15. Description—Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with narrow, rounded snout, and temporal regions not in- frequently swollen. Eye large. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. One preocular, and three or four postoculars. Tem- porals one followed by two or three. Eight (rarely nine) superior and 10 (rarely nine or 11) inferior labials, sixth in each series usually largest, fourth and fifth superior reach- ing eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, the posterior usually longer than anterior. Scales on body in 21, or rarely 23, rows. Anal plate not divided. Gastrosteges in Arizonan specimens varying in number from 154 to 165. Urosteges in two series of from 72 to 77. The color above is olive or brown with three more or less distinct longitudinal light lines. The dorsal line varies considerably in width. The lateral line is on the scales of the third and fourth rows anteriorly, of the third or second and third posteriorly. Specimens with a light ground color show, more or less definitely, two series of dark spots between the dorsal and lateral lines, the spots of the upper series rather more indefinite than those of the lower, with which they alternate. In dark specimens these may be obscured. The longitudinal lines are yellow or yellowish white. Dark nuchal blotches are present. The labials are light olive or yellow with dark posterior edges. A light postoral crescent 854 13. COLUBRID extends up behind the labials and temporals. The chin and throat are yellow or whitish. The belly is greenish yellow. A specimen from Tucson, Arizona, was colored in life as follows: The head above is clear olive. The supra- labials are straw yellow, the anterior and posterior ones tinged with olive, and all showing posterior edgings of black. The oculars are yellowish olive. The dorsal line is bright ochre anteriorly, becoming dull yellow on the posterior half of the body. The lateral lines are olive yellow on the neck, but posteriorly become grayish yellow and then cream or grayish white. Nuchal blotches are blackish, but are not very evident. The area between the dorsal and lateral lines is clear olive brown, with two rows of nearly concealed black- ish blotches separated by concealed light greenish white areas on the skin between the scales. The lower laterals and tips of the gastrosteges are olive brown, a little lighter than the area between the stripes. The lower surfaces are yellowish white on head and neck, grayish or olive white elsewhere, the gastrosteges with concealed black markings laterally. Men pthito vanes es oe 468 512 572 588 590 enpthy of ital 152 152 184 168 Variation.—In six specimens from Arizona the loreal is 1—1 in all. The preoculars are 1—1 in all. The post- oculars are 3—4 in three, 3—3 in two, and 4—4 in one. The temporals are 1+2—1+2 in three, 1+3—1+3 in two, and 1+2—1+3 in one. The supralabials are 8—8 in four and 8—9 in two. The infralabials are 10—10 in all six. The scale-rows are 21—19—17 in five, 21—23—21—19 in one. The gastrosteges vary in number from 154 to 162; the average in five females is 158.8. The urosteges vary from 72 to 77; the average in four females is 74.5. 94 Piatt [Van Densurcu | X Papers, Cau. Acapb. Sci., Vou. Oc. Glol Ysnsny ee ban eete! eB 40. THAMNOPHIS 855 Distribution—The range of this snake apparently ex- tends over most of the Mexican plateau region and north into southern Arizona and New Mexico. In Arizona, authentic specimens have been taken near Tucson, Pima County, and Hereford, Lewis Springs and Fairbank, Cochise County. The species has been recorded also from Yuma, and Fort Whipple, but these records need confirmation. In New Mexico it has been taken at Duck Creek. Remarks.—Ruthven has shown that specimens from the southern part of the Mexican plateau exhibit a decided tend- ency toward a decrease in the number of scale-rows, uro- steges, etc. Notwithstanding this he regards them all as belonging to the same species as Arizonan specimens. This opinion is followed here, as may be seen by reference to the synonymy, but I feel that it may have to be revised later when more material is at hand. 193. Thamnophis angustirostris (Kennicott) BrROWN-SPOTTED GARTER-SNAKE Eutenta angustirostris Kennicotr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, Pp. 332 (type locality, Parras, Coahuila, Mexico). Chilopoma rufipunctatum Cope, in Yarrow, Rept. U. S. Expl. Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 544 (type locality, Southern Arizona). Atomarchus multimaculatus Corr, Amer. Nat., 1883, p. 1300 (type locality, San Francisco River, New Mexico, near Arizona boundary.) Stypocemus rufopunctatus Core, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc. 1885, p. 387. Eutenia multimaculata Core, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1885, p. 284; Cope, Proc. U.S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 665; Cope, Report U.S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1087; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 31. Tropidonotus multimaculatus BouLencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 214. Tropidonotus rufopunctatus BouLtencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. I, 1893, p. 214. 856 13. COLUBRIDE Eutenia rufopunctata Core, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 666; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1089; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 31; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 240. Thamnophis angustirostris RurHven, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 61, p- 120; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, p. 422; Sreywecer & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 100; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. VIII, 1918, p. 264. Description.—-Head distinct from neck, flat-topped, with very narrow, elongate, rounded snout. Eye of moderate size. Rostral large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head: a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, supraocular of each side, a frontal, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. One loreal. Two or rarely three preoculars and three or four postoculars. Temporals normally one followed by one, sometimes 1+2. Eight, or rarely seven or nine, superior and 10, or nine, inferior labials, fifth or sixth superior and sixth or seventh inferior usually largest, fourth or fifth or fourth and fifth superior usually reaching eye, first pair of inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, posterior equal to or longer than anterior. Scales on body in 21 or rarely 23 rows. Anal plate undivided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 161 to 177, males having from 165 to 177, females from 161 to 170. Uro- steges in two series of from 69 to 87, males having from 80 to 87, females from 69 to 82; the anterior urosteges often undivided. The color above is dark olive or brown with several rows of dark brown spots. These spots are very distinct in young specimens but become less evident with age. There usually are no longitudinal light lines, but lateral lines may show faintly on the second and third rows of scales and a trace of the dorsal line may be present anteriorly. The head is 40. THAMNOPHIS 857 unicolor above in adults, mottled in young. Each superior and inferior labial with a marginal patch of brown with a darker border. No postoral crescents. Throat yellow. Lower surfaces greenish or bluish gray, with numerous small black- ish spots, gastrosteges sometimes with basal dark markings which may form more or less definite dark stripes. Length to anus 254 339 347 389 408 428 Length of tail... 69 107 110 120 125 146 Variation——In eighteen specimens from Arizona the loreals are 1—1 in seventeen and 1—2 in one. The preocu- lars are 2—2 in sixteen, or 89%; 2—3 in two, or 11%. The postoculars are 3—3 in ten, or 56%; and 3—4 in eight, or 44%. The temporals are 1-+-1—1-+1 in nine, or 50% 3 1+1—1-+2 in eight, or 44%; and 1+2—2-+2 in one, or 6%. The supralabials are 8—8 in thirteen, or 72%; 7--8 in two, or 11%¢; 8—9 in two, or 11%; and 7—7 in one, or 6%. The infralabials are 10—10 in nine, or 53%; 9—10 in four, or 24%; and 9—9 in four, or 24%. The scale rows are 21—19—17 in all. The gastrosteges vary in number from 161 to 177, males having from 165 to 177, females from 161 to 170; the average in eleven males is 171.3, in seven females, 164.9. The urosteges vary from 69 to 87, males having from 80 to 87, females from 69 to 82; the average in eleven males is 84.2, in seven females, Ved « Distribution.—This species occurs in the northern part of the Mexican plateau south to Coahuila and Durango and north to portions of southwestern New Mexico and southern and central Arizona. The original Arizonan specimen was labeled merely “Southern Arizona,” and no definite locality in that state was recorded until our specimens were secured 858 13. COLUBRIDZ at Oak Creek, Coconino County, Arizona. The National Museum has it from Tonto Creek at 6,000 feet, Gila Coun- ty, Arizona. Habits —Oak Creek is a mountain stream running through a deep canyon with many oak trees. Perhaps a thousand feet above the stream is the pine forest of the plateau of central Arizona. These snakes were found in the stream, either on rocks or in the water. Their general appearance is very different from that of most garter-snakes. The absence of lines, the heavy spotting, and the long, narrow head are not suggestive of Thamnophis. Genus 41. Sonora Sonora Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p- 117 (type, semiannulata). Lamprosoma Hattowe tt, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, p. 310 (type, occipitale). Chionactis Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 241 (type, occi- pitale). The body is small but not very slender, with short taper- ing tail, and little if any constriction at neck. The snout is long, rounded, and depressed. The head plates are normal except in the union of the anterior and posterior nasals. One preocular, two postoculars, and a loreal are present. Tem- porals are normally 1+2. The scales are smooth, in fifteen rows. The anal plate is divided, and the urosteges are in two series. The eye is rather small with round pupil. It is stated that grooved teeth are present. Synopsis OF SPECIES a.—Snout very much depressed, pointed in profile; rostral plate projecting far beyond lower jaw; back with trans- verse bars or annuli, S. occipitalis.—p. 859. 41. SONORA 859 a.—Snout less depressed, rounded in profile; rostral plate projecting less beyond lower jaw. b.—Back with a series of transverse or dark brown bars. S. semiannulata.—p. 863. b.—No transverse dark bars; sides with longitudinal lines made up of dark dashes on the centers of the scales. S. episcopa.—p. 866. 194. Sonora occipitalis (Hallowell) Tricotor GrounD SNAKE Plate 95 Rhinostoma occipitale HavttoweE.L, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., Vol. VII, 1854, p. 95 (type locality, Mojave Desert). Lamprosoma occipitale HaLtowE.1, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, p. 110; Barrp, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. H, 1859, Rept., p. 21, pl. 21, fig. 1; Barrp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Pt. IIT, 1859, p. 16, pl. XXXV, figs. 6, 7; HattoweLt, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Pt. IV, No. 1, 1859, p. 15, pl. IV, figs. 2a-c; Bo- court, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Rept., 1883, p. 558, pl. XXXIV, fig. 6. Lamprosoma annulatum Bairp, U.S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, Rept., p. 22 (type locality, Colorado Desert). Chionactis occipitalis Corre, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 241; Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. XIV, 1870, p. 66; Cope, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 35; YARRow, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 86; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 605; Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 160; Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 941; Meek, Field Columbian Mus., Zool. Ser., Vol. VII, No. 1, 1906, p- 15; RicHarpson, Science, N. S., Vol. XXXII, No. 820, 1910, p- 383. Chionactis occipitalis annulata Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 36; YARRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 86. Contia occipitalis Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 91, 164; Boutencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 266; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 68; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 332. Contia occipitalis var. annulata Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 91, 164. 860 13. COLUBRIDA Sonora occipitalis Van DenspurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p- 412; Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 17, p. 531; GRrinneLL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 7, No. 10, 1917, p. 182; SreyNEGER & Bargour, Check List N. Amer. Rept., 1917, p. 92; STEPHENS, Copeia, No. 54, 1918, p. 343 Cow es, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 65; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 64; Van Densurcu & SteEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Scis, cer. 45 Vol, oeljirg2T ip. 62. Description—Head but little wider than neck, de- pressed, temporal regions not much swollen. Snout rather broad, greatly depressed, pointed in profile, produced far beyond lower jaw. Rostral large, broad, low, projecting far beyond mental, very concave below, considerably re- curved on top of snout, and bounded behind by internasal, nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supra- ocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals united into a single plate. Loreal usually elongate, often quite small, very rarely absent. One pre- ocular. Two postoculars. Temporals one followed by two. Supralabials usually seven, rarely six, third and fourth reach- ing eye, fourth or sixth largest. Infralabials usually eight, sometimes seven, fourth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, the posterior much smaller. Scales on body smooth, polished, in 15 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 151, to 174. Urosteges in two series of from 34 to 53. In alcoholic specimens, the ground color 1s white, or grayish white. On the head is a more or less crescentic dark brown or black blotch the central portion of which occupies part or all of the parietal plates, and often a portion (none to three-fourths) of the frontal, while the extremities ex- tend to the eyes. On the body between the head and the 7H [Van Densure Acab. Sct, Car. PapERs, Oc. “CTGL ‘Youeyy ‘Buoziiy ‘AjunoODyD BuIng ‘“KUINK JB pajoo[]oo !uaeuttoods OTPOYOo |W @ ‘Sly SL6r ‘RBLULOJITRD ‘Aqunop oulpleuleg ue “PST9E ON ‘IDS ‘pBoV “18D ‘TI 41. SONORA 861 anus are from 21 to 33 transverse bars or rings of black or dark brown. These black markings do not reach the gas- trosteges anteriorly, but become complete rings posteriorly at a distance in front of the anus which varies greatly in different specimens and is not dependent upon age or locality. On the tail are from six to 10 similar dark rings. On the dorsal surface of the body the dark bars or rings usually are much narrower than the intervals which separate them, but in some specimens the interspaces are little or no greater than the black areas. In specimens which have been long in alcohol these intervals are white, but in fresher specimens approximately the middle two-fourths of each interspace is occupied by a transverse orange or yellow or pinkish bar which extends down on the sides to about the second or third row of scales. The ventral surfaces are white, unmarked anteriorly, but posteriorly, at a varying distance from the head, showing blackish spots, bars or rings corresponding to or actually part of the dorsal dark markings. These ventral black marks may begin at a point corresponding to the second dorsal black bar, or may first appear only three or four bars in front of the anus. The lower surface of the tail is crossed by the black caudal rings. The colors in life of a specimen captured near Yuma, Arizona, March 19, were as follows: The dark rings were pure black, and between each pair of black rings was a transverse bar or half ring of cadmium orange, of about the same width on the midline as the black rings, and separated from them by a nearly equal space, which was pale lemon yellow., This lemon tint extended down onto the sides, and the lower surfaces were a paler lemon. Richardson describes a fresh specimen as creamy white in color the dorsal surface being slightly tinged with olive, and crossed by numerous bands of an intense brownish black, 862 13. COLUBRIDZA each space between the bands having a large, oval, trans- verse spot of bright reddish orange. The head was green- ish blue above with a median reddish orange stripe on the edges of the internasals and prefrontals. Length to anus...-.......- 122 225° 225 229 “268. <280 = 314 Length of tail__... Saez) 43 60 56 65 74 61 Distribution.—This beautiful little snake was originally described from a specimen secured in the Mohave Desert. A few years later it was recorded from the Colorado Desert. In more recent years it has been collected, in California, in San Diego (La Puerta Valley and Carrizo Creek), Imperial (Calexico, Holtville, Meloland, Imperial, Pilot Knob), Riverside (Blythe Junction, grass fields between Blythe and Mecca), San Bernardino (Barstow), and Inyo (Owens Lake), counties. In Arizona it has been collected at Camp Mohave, Mo- have County, and Yuma and Chrystoval, Yuma County. Habits——Several specimens have been dug out from about one or two feet below the surface of desert sand dunes. This fact and the shape of the snout indicate burrowing habits. Beyond this nothing is known. It seems remark- able that a species which seems to spend its life underground should be so beautifully colored. Mr. Cowles notes a specimen found “traveling out in the open and in the heat of the noon sun, April 3, 1920. It was found on a gravel wash and when approached it struck in all directions, though apparently it did not open its mouth upon striking the hand. It appeared to be blinded by the sun and unable to tell from which direction it was menaced.” 41. SONORA 863 195. Sonora semiannulata Baird & Girard BicoLor GROUND SNAKE Plate 96 Sonora semiannulata Bairp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p. 117 (type locality, Sonora, Mexico); Barrp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Pt. III, 1859, p. 15, pl. XX XIII, fig. 88; Barro, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, Rept., p. 21, pl. 19, fig. 3; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 36; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 87; Van Den- BURGH & S.evin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, p. 411; VAN DensurcuH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 5, No. 4, 1915, p. 100; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 92; Van DenBurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 29, 38. Contia semiannulata Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 90, 164. Contia isozona Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 304 (type locality, Arizona); Corr, Bull, U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 36; Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 537, pl. 18, fig. 1; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 92, 164; BouLenGcer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 266. Contia episcopa isozona Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 17, 1880, p. 21; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 87; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 601; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 67; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 553; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 331; STRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 37. Chionactis episcopus isozonus Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 939, fig. 239; Branson, Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. II, No. 13, 1904, p. 416, fig. 34; Batty, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp. 35, 47; Exvtis & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol.2X;No. 25 1913,.p. Ir. Chionactis isozonus RicHarpson, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. 48, 1915, p- 426. Description —Head but little wider than neck, rather flat-topped, temporal regions not much swollen. Snout rounded, not greatly depressed, not pointed in profile, pro- 864 13. COLUBRID& duced moderately beyond lower jaw. Rostral large, broad, not very low, projecting beyond mental much less than in S. occipitalis, somewhat recurved on top of snout, and bounded behind by internasal, nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals united into a single plate. Loreal usually longer than high, sometimes small, merged with nasal on one side of one specimen. One pre- ocular. Two postoculars. Temporals one followed by two, or 1+1. Supralabials normally seven, sometimes six, third and fourth reaching eye, next to last largest. Infralabials usually seven, sometimes six or eight, fourth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, the post- erior much smaller. Scales on body smooth, in 15 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 149 to 176. Urosteges in two series of from 45 to 53. The head is light yellowish olive, or pinkish, or orange- red above, with a black or dark brown crescentic blotch on the parietal and frontal plates, extending to the eye as in S. occipitalis. In some specimens this blotch is nearly obsolete. On the body between the head and anus are from 23 to 39 transverse black bars. There are from six to 11 similar black bars or rings on the tail. The bars on the body usually do not quite reach the gastrosteges, but may involve their tips. The lateral scales which lie within these black bars have light edges, while the lateral scales in the interspaces often have central or basal dark markings, producing a linear effect similar to that seen on the lateral regions in S. episcopa. The interspaces between the black bars usually are but little greater than the bars themselves, but may be much more, even twice as long on the midline. These interspaces dorsal- ly are reddish orange or rose pink in alcoholic specimens, fading to white laterally. The lower surfaces are yellowish ‘Ayunoy OF L.LV'T HOU an . ) d N {(] NV \| x TOA “log “ay IY “AVS “su TLV ef <7 @) 41. SONORA 865 or greenish white, unmarked except on the tail, where the dorsal dark markings may be extended across the urosteges more or less obsoletely. Weeneth. to) anus oe 171 194 228 230 260 Héenpthwiot tal 44 44 54 56 Remarks.—In coloration this snake is more or Jess inter- mediate between S. episcopa and S. occipitalis. Its trans- verse black bars cause it to resemble the latter, while the tendency toward lateral lines recall the former species. The snout is very different from that of S. occipitalis but is like that of S. episcopa. S. semiannulata may be said to be prac- tically S. episcopa with black dorsal cross-bars. Its colora- tion reminds one in many ways of that of Rhinocheilus lecontei. Distridution—Originally described from Sonora, this little snake has since been taken in Texas, Kansas, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada. Arizona specimens have been recorded by Cope from Fort Whipple, Fort Verde, Prescott, and Fort Mohave, and I have seen others from the Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County, and Cave Creek, Maricopa County. In Utah, it has been taken at Rockville, Kane County, and near St. George, Washington County. In Nevada, one was captured at Pyramid Lake, Washoe County, and one at Rhyolite, Nye County. Flabits—Nothing is known concerning the habits of this little snake. The specimen from Pyramid Lake was found under a rock on a rise above the southwest shore of the Lake. 866 13. COLUBRID 196. Sonora episcopa (Kennicott) STRIPED GROUND SNAKE Lamprosoma episcopum Kewnnicott, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, Rept., p. 22, pl. 8, fig. 2 (type locality, Eagle Pass and San Antonio to Rio Grande, Texas); Bocourt, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Rept., 1883, p. 559, pl. XXXIV, fig. 4. Contia episcopa Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 251; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 36; Copr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 17, 1880, p. 20; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 94, 164, pl. VI, fig. 2; Bou- LENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 265; Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 319; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 331; SrRecKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p- 37- Homalosoma episcopum Jan, Arch. Zool. Anat. Phys., Vol. II, 1862, p. 35; Jan, Iconogr. Génér. Ophid., 13e livr., 1865, pl. IV, fig. 2. Contia episcopa episcopa Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 17, 1880, p- 21; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 87; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 601; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 67; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 553. Contia episcopa torquata Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 17, 1880, p- 21 (type locality, Northwestern Texas); Corr, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 601. Contia torquata BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 266. Chionactis episcopus episcopus Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 938. Chionactis episcopus torquatus Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 939. Chionactis episcopus Van DensBurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol; ILE 1912;."p> 158: Sonora episcopa VAN DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 412; Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 12, No. 17, 1916, p. $30; GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 183; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 92; VAN DensBurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 52. 41. SONORA 867 Description—Head wide, with flattened top and rather narrow but not greatly depressed snout. Temporal regions not swollen, but head a little wider than neck. Rostral prominent, broad, high, rounded in profile, projecting con- siderably beyond lower jaw, hollowed below, not much re- verted on top of snout, and bounded behind by internasal, nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supra- ocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals usually united into a single plate. Loreal often quite small. One preocular. Two postoculars. Tem- porals one followed by two, rarely 1+1. Supralabials normally seven, sometimes six, third and fourth reaching eye, sixth largest. Inferior labials six or seven, second small, fourth largest, first pair meeting on median line be- hind the small triagonal mental. Genials in two pairs, the posterior very small. Scales on body smooth, in fifteen rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges in western specimens vary- ing in number from 157 to 183. Urosteges in two series of from 44 to 57. The head is pale yellowish brown or orange, with or without a definite or indistinct large dark brown blotch on the parietal and frontal plates. A light vinaceous rufus, pink, or orange band extends along the back from the occi- put to the tip of the tail. This band is about four or five scales wide on the body, and two or three on the tail. The scales of the central two or three rows usually show only very faint darker markings, but those of the more lateral rows are marked each with a central dash of dark hair brown, while their margins are whitish. These dark dashes there- fore appear as a brown line along the middle of each row of scales, with the exception of a few of the dorsal rows, while the ground color is reddish or pink dorsally and white laterally. The reddish dorsal band may be rendered less 868 13. COLUBRIDZ distinct by the presence on the dorsal scales of central dark markings similar to those of the lateral scales. Tenpthiito,ran Ushi 2 270 322 340 371 Length. of stall ee 35 59 73 75 86 Distribution—Originally described from Texas, this little snake has since been found to range west to southeastern California and Lower California. In California, it has been taken near Heber, Imperial County, and four miles north of Blythe Junction, San Ber- nardino County. In Arizona, it has been secured at Yuma, Yuma Coun- ty. [he National Museum is said to have specimens from Kingman, Prescott, Phoenix, and the Santa Catalina Moun- tains. In Lower California, it has been found at Santa Rosalia. Habits—Practically unknown. Camp reports a speci- men found on June 8 at six P. M., coiled beside a stone in front of a hole, into which it abruptly disappeared when approached. The red colors were conspicuous in the living snake from the moment it was discovered. This specimen was caught on a rocky hillside at an elevation of 1,500 feet, four miles north of Blythe Junction. Genus 42. Chilomeniscus Chilomeniscus Copr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 339 (type, stramineus). Bergenia STEINDACHNER, Voyage of the Novara, Vol. V, 1876, p. 92. The body is stout and cylindrical, with short tail, and without constriction at neck. The snout protrudes far be- yond the lower jaw, and is rounded, greatly depressed, and pointed in profile. The internasal is merged in the anterior nasal which, therefore, extends onto the top of the snout. 42. CHILOMENISCUS 869 There is a small posterior nasal, sometimes merged with the anterior. The loreal plate normally is absent, rarely present. The scales are in 13 rows, smooth and with apical pits. The anal plate is divided, and the urosteges are in two series. The eye is small, with round pupil. Maxillary teeth grooved, the last two larger. Our three snakes of this genus may be distinguished by the following. Synopsis OF SPECIES Back crossed by a series of dark bands or rings. b.—Scales of white dorsal area without central dark spots. C. cinctus.—p. 869. a. b.—Scales of dorsal white interspaces each with a central dark spot. C. punctatissimus.—p. 872. a.—No transverse dark bands or rings; brownish or yellow- ish with brown dots on individual scales. C. stramineus.—p. 874. 197. Chilomeniscus cinctus Cope BanDED BurROWING SNAKE Chilomeniscus cinctus Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 303 (type locality, Guaymas, Gulf of Cal fornia, Mexico); Corr, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 35; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 86; BeLtpinc, West Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, p. 98; Cope Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p- 82; Cope Report U.S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p- 952; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 85; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 373; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci. Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 410; GrinneLt & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 182; Van Denspurcu & SLeEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp. 52, 70. Chilomeniscus ephippicus Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1867, p. 85 (type locality, Owen’s Valley, California); Covers, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 625, pl. XVIII, figs. 3, 3a; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p- 35; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. 870 13. COLUBRID Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 86; Copg, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 594; Boutencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 273; Wan Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 159; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898 (1900), p. 950; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 85; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 372; SteEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 93. Carphophis cincta Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 100, 166. Chilomeniscus stramineus cinctus Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 594. Chilomeniscus stramineus fasciatus Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 595 (type locality, La Paz, Lower California). Chilomeniscus stramineus BoULENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 273 (part). Chilomeniscus fasciatus Van DenBuRGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 139; Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 317; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus., for 1898, 1900, p. 951; Meek, Field Columbian Mus., Zool. Ser., Vol. VII, No. 1, 1906, p. 14; SreEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 94; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, IIS. Description.—Head rather wide, little distinct from neck. Snout rather broad, rounded, greatly depressed, pointed in profile. Rostral plate very large, broad, prominent, exten- sively reverted on upper surface of snout, often reaching prefrontals, and otherwise bounded behind by two plates on each side of head, these being a large plate, corresponding to the internasal and nasals merged, and the first supralabial. Plates on top of head are the naso-internasals, a pair of pre- frontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of rather short parietals. Posterior nasal small, sometimes merged with anterior nasal and internasal, rarely distinct. A small loreal very rarely present, normally none. One preocular. Two postoculars. Temporals one followed by one. Supralabials seven, third and fourth reaching eye, second, third and fourth high. Inferior labials usually 42. CHILOMENISCUS 871 eight, sometimes nine, seven or six, second smallest, fourth or fifth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior much smaller. Scales on body smooth, in 13 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 108 to 125. Urosteges in two series of from Zl to 29. The color above is reddish orange, soon fading to white in alcohol, crossed by black or dark brown bars, bands or rings. These dark markings may or may not reach or cross the gastrosteges. They number from 18 to 28 on the body and from three to five on the tail. On the tail they usually are complete rings. The interspaces between the dark mark- ings do not differ much from the dark markings in measure- ment along the middorsal line. The posterior portion of the head above, including the parietal, frontal and the upper portions of the posterior supralabials are dark brown or black. The lower surfaces are white; where not involved by the dark bars or rings. Wren pthistovan iste sesame oe oe ee 104 202 225 Weer c thie crtym tert) eee ee see es 16 33 26 Distribution.—This little burrowing snake probably is confined to the Lower Sonoran Zone. It has been secured in California, Arizona, and Lower California. In California, it has been found only twice; in Owen’s Valley, Inyo County, and near Fort Yuma, Imperial Coun- ty. It probably occupies most of the intervening desert areas. In Arizona, it is fairly common in Pima County where it has been collected near Tucson, in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains, and in the Cabali Mountains. It has been secured also at Cave Creek, Maricopa County, and on the Yuma desert near Monument 200 of the Mexican Boundary, and six miles west of Gila Bend. In Sonora, it has been secured at Guaymas. 872 13. COLUBRIDA In Lower California, it has been taken at La Paz and Todos Santos, in the Cape Region, and, farther north, on Magdalena Island and at Santa Rosalia, Mulege, Ballenas Bay, San Fernando, San Quentin, and San Antonio. Remarks.—One specimen from Ventana Canyon in the Catalina Mountains, Pima County, Arizona, has a well developed loreal on each side of the head, but in other respects is quite typical. The prefrontal plate may or may not reach the labials. The dark dorsal markings may not extend down to the gastrosteges, may involve them slightly, or may cross them as complete rings. For these reasons I am unable to recognize C. ephippicus and C. fasciatus as dis- tinct from C. cinctus. Habits—Al\most nothing has been recorded regarding the habits of this little snake. It is said to burrow in the ground and live on the larve of ants. 198. Chilomeniscus punctatissimus Van Denburgh & Slevin IstaND BuRROWING SNAKE Chilomeniscus punctatissimus VAN DENBURGH & SLEVIN, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, No. 6, 1921, p. 98 (type locality, Isla Partida, Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of California, Mexico). Description —Head rather wide, little distinct from neck. Snout rather broad, rounded, greatly depressed, point- ed in profile. Rostral plate very large, broad, prominent, extensively reverted on upper surface of snout, bounded behind by two plates on each side of head, these being a large plate, corresponding to the internasal and_nasals merged, and the first supralabial. Plates on top of head are the naso-internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supra- ocular of each side, and a pair of rather short parietals. Post- erior nasal small. No loreal. One preocular. Two post- 42. CHILOMENISCUS 873 oculars. Temporals one followed by one. Supralabials seven, third and fourth reaching eye, second, third and fourth high. Inferior labials eight, second smallest, fourth largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, Posterior much smaller. Scales on body smooth, in 13 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges 121. Urosteges 23, in two series. The color above is creamy white, crossed by dark brown bands, most of which are edged with black. These dark markings extend onto the tips of the gastrosteges. They number 32 on the body and seven on the tail. The dark markings on the upper surface of the tail are as distinct as on the body. On the lower surface of the tail very faint continuations of the dark markings complete the rings. The interspaces between the dark bands do not differ much from the dark markings in measurement along the middorsal line. These interspaces are white, each scale marked with a central spot of grayish brown. The posterior portion of the upper surface and sides of the head, including the parietal, the posterior tip of the frontal, the oculars, and most of the supralabials are blackish brown. The lower surfaces are white except where the dark bars involve the tips of the gastrosteges, or appear faintly on the urosteges. Wenipthmtopantis ese: ea even estes es 8 Wenoth@ote tale 2mm ire Sn de 8 Remarks.—This little snake resemblés C. cinctus, but lacks the reddish orange dorsal suffusion seen in that species, and the white cross-bands, instead of being unmarked, have each scale spotted centrally with dark brown. Distribution—This species is known from one specimen secured on Isla Partida, Espiritu Santo Island, Gulf of Cali- fornia, Mexico. 874 13. COLUBRID 199. Chilomeniscus stramineus (Cope) Dotrrep BuRROWING SNAKE Chilomeniscus stramineus Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 339 (type locality, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California, Mexico); Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 302; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, pp. 35, 92; Yarrow, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 13, 86; Cope, Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p-. 81; Bexpinc, West. Amer. Scientist, Vol. III, No. 24, p. 98; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 594 (part); Bov- LENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. II, 1894, p. 573 (part); VAN Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. §, 1895, p. 138; Mocauarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Ser. 4, Vol. 1, 1899, p- 316; Cope, Report U.S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 949; STEJ- NEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p- 94, Wan DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 52; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115; Terron, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, p. 164. Carphophis straminea Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 99, 166; Garman, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol; XVI; Now1,\p. 32: Chilomeniscus stramineus stramineus Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1902, p. 595. Description ——Head rather wide, little distinct from neck. Snout broad, rounded, greatly depressed, pointed in profile. Rostral plate very large, broad, prominent, exten- sively reverted on upper surface of snout, usually not reach- ing prefrontals, bounded behind by the first supralabial and a large plate corresponding to the internasal and _nasals merged. Plates on top of head are the naso-internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of rather small parietals. Posterior nasal small, some- times merged with anterior nasal and internasal. No loreal. One preocular. Two postoculars. Temporals one followed by one or two. Supralabials seven, third and fourth reach- ing eye. Inferior labials usually eight, sometimes seven, 42. CHILOMENISCUS—43. TANTILLA 87 way fourth often largest, first pair meeting on median line. Genials in two pairs, posterior much smaller. Scales on body smooth, in 13 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges vary- ing in number from 112 to 117. Urosteges in two series of from 21 to 26. The top of the head is grayish dotted with brown. The ground color of the upper surfaces of the body and tail in adult specimens varies from brownish drab to bright yellowish cinnamon. It is cream buff in a younger individual. Dark brown spots are present near the tips of the scales in all specimens, but do not appear upon the first row of scales. They are present rarely upon the scales of the second row, but constantly upon those of the third. The first, second and half of the third rows of scales are yellowish white or straw-color, as are also the gastrosteges. Lengthito-anusi = 22s 195 196 197 207 237 Isength, of tale 28 30 26 29 35 Distribution.—This beautiful little snake has been found only in the southern part of Lower California. It has been collected at Cape San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Miraflores, San Marthe, and La Paz. Genus 43. Tantilla Tantilla Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 1853, p. 131 (type, coronata). : Homalocranion DumERiL, Mem. Ac. Sci. Paris, Vol. XXIII, 1853, p. 490. The body is very slender, with tail of moderate length and no constriction at neck. The snout protrudes a little beyond the lower jaw. The head is very low, and very flat above. Its plates are normal, except that there is no loreal. One preocular and one or two postoculars are present. The scales are smooth, arranged in 15 (or 13) 876 13. COLUBRIDA rows. The anal plate is divided, and the urosteges are in two series. The eye is small, with round pupil. KrY TO THE SPECIES OF TANTILLA a.—Gastrosteges more than 165. T. eiseni—p. 876. a.—Gastrosteges fewer than 160. b.—Nuchal light collar crossing behind the parietal plates; gastrosteges 135 to 148. c.—Nuchal collar one to three rows of scales behind the parietal plates. T. nigriceps.—p. 878. c.—Nuchal collar on sixth and seventh rows of scales behind the parietals. T. planiceps.—p. 880. b'.—Nuchal light collar involving the parietal plates, gastrosteges 148 to 157. T. wilcoxi.—p. 882. 200. Tantilla eiseni Stejneger CALIFORNIA TANTILLA Plate 97 Tantilla nigriceps YaRRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 85 (part); Cope, Report U.S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1113 (part); Tantilla eiseni STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XVIII, 1896, p- 117 (type locality, Fresno, California); Van Densurcu, Occas. Papers Cal. Acad. Sci., V, 1897, p. 177; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 93; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 3913 Van DensurcH & Sievin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. III, 1913, p. 424; RutHiinc, Copeia, No. 15, 1915; GRINNELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 194; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Rept., 1917, p. 105; STEPHENS, Copeia, No. 54, 1918, p. 34; STEPHENS, Trans. San Diego Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. III, No. 4, 1921, p. 65; Van DenspurcH & SLEvin, Proc, Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XU, 1921, p. $2: 97 Pari DENBURGH | | Van X Acab. Sct., Vou. . Papers, Cau. Oc “CI6L Url, PIUIOF I uvsg D Masta vyyisue 9 Aveu poi 43. TANTILLA 877 Description.—Head rounded in outline, very flat above rather broad across temporal region, but little distinct from neck. Eyes small. Rostral rather large, broader than high, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of small inter- nasals, a pair of prefrontals which are nearly twice as large, a frontal, the supraocular of each side, and a pair of long parietals. Posterior nasal in contact with preocular. No loreal. One preocular. Two postoculars. Temporals elong- ate, 1+1 or 1+2. Supralabials seven, the last largest, the third and fourth reaching eye. Infralabials seven or rarely six, the first pair not meeting on the midline. Scales smooth, in 15 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 167 to 181. Urosteges in two series of from 53 to 68. The ground color is pale brownish gray or grayish brown, above, the edges of the scales being lighter. The top and sides of the head and the neck for a distance of about two or three scale-lengths behind the parietal plates is dark grayish or blackish brown. Behind this area a narrow whitish transverse band or collar about one scale wide crosses the nape. This may be bordered behind by a few dark dots. The labials and lower surfaces of the head and neck are grayish white. The rest of the lower surfaces are coral red, fading to grayish white in alcohol. Menothitovantise = ae ct 207 233 256 283 Menptiig(Otgitatlee eens eee 28 63 74 58 82 Distribution.—Seven specimens of this little snake were collected by Dr. Gustav Eisen near Fresno, Fresno County, California, in 1879. It has since been taken near Mohave, Kern County, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and Witch Creek and Campo in San Diego County. Witch Creek is on 878 13. COLUBRID the western slope of the Cuyamaca Mountains at an altitude of 2,800 feet and in the Upper Sonoran Zone. Remarks.—Tantilla eiseni has more gastrosteges than any other of our species of Tantilla. It differs from 7. planiceps and T. wilcoxi in the position of the white collar. FHlabits—Al|most nothing is known regarding the habits of this snake. One was found by Mr. Frank Stephens in the fireplace of his home at Witch Creek. He says it prob- ably had worked its way up along the brick foundation of the fireplace during the night. 201. Tantilla nigriceps Kennicott SONORAN TANTILLA Tantilla nigriceps KeNNicott, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 328 (type locality, Fort Bliss, New Mexico, and Indianola to Nueces, Texas); Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 35; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus. No. 24, 1883, p. 85 (part); Gar- MAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 88; Corr, Proc. U. 8. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 598; CockeRELL, American Naturalist, Vol. XXX, April, 1896, p. 326; Mc Lain, Critical Notes, 1899, p. 11; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1113 (part); Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 93; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1903, p. 5513 Branson, Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., Vol. II, No. 13, 1904, p. 414, fig. 33; Cracin, Trans, Kansas Acad. Sci., Vol. VII, reprint, 1906, p- 118; Drrmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 391; Evtis & HENDERSON, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 106, pl. VII, fig. 34; Van Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p- 423; Exits & Henperson, Univ. Colorado Bull., Vol. XV, No. 6, 1915, p. 263. Scolecophis fumiceps Corr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 371. Homalocranion planiceps BouLenGeER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. III, 1896, p. 226 (part). Tantilla planiceps StEJNEGER & Barpour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 105 (part). Description.—Head rounded in outline, very flat above, 43. TANTILLA 879 rather broad across temporal region, little distinct from neck. Eye small. Rostral rather large, broader than high, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of small internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, the supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Posterior nasal in contact with pre- ocular. No loreal. One preocular. Two, or rarely one, postoculars. Temporals elongate, 1+1. Supra- labials seven, the last largest, the third and fourth reaching eye. Infralabials seven, the first pair not meeting on the midline. Anterior genials longer than posterior. Scales smooth, in 15 rows. Anal divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 135 to 148. Urosteges in two series of from 51 to 64. The general color above is pale brownish or yellowish gray, unicolor. The upper surface of the head is dark brownish gray becoming blackish brown posteriorly. All of the specimens show a more or less well marked whitish nuchal collar from one to three rows of scales behind the parietals. This collar is from one to one and a half rows of scales wide and is not edged with darker posteriorly. The lower surfaces are coral red, becoming grayish white in alcohol. In a living specimen the upper surfaces, except of the head, were unicolor, light yellowish hair-brown or brownish straw. The upper surface of the head was dark olive, be- coming blackish brown posteriorly. The labials, lower sur- face of head, and neck to the sixth gastrostege, the tips of all the gastrosteges, and two or three rows of lateral scales on each side, were grayish white. The rest of the lower surfaces from the sixth gastrostege to the tip of the tail were bright coral red. Icength’ ‘toanus._._- 104 130 138 149 160 168 Tenpthicofstail 2) 3 33 50 44 55 49 55 880 13. COLUBRIDA Distribution.—This beautiful little snake ranges from Kansas and Texas west to Arizona. In the latter state it has been taken in Pima County, where we found it under stones on the banks of the Santa Cruz River near Tucson, and in Ventana Canyon near the base of the Catalina Mountains. McLain records a specimen taken in the mountains near Tempe, Maricopa County. I have received a specimen from St. George, Washing- ton County, Utah. Remarks.—This Tantilla is readily distinguished from the Californian 7. eiseni by its fewer gastrosteges (135 to 148 as against 167 to 181). Tantilla planiceps of Lower California has only 138 to 140 gastrosteges, but its nuchal collar is on the sixth and seventh rows of scales behind the parietals. 7. wilcox? has a larger number of gastrosteges (148 to 157) and the white collar crosses the parietals. 202. Tantilla planiceps (Blainville) Lower CaALiFoRNIA TANTILLA Coluber planiceps Buatnvitte, Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat., Vol. IV, 1835, p- 294, pl. 27, figs. 3-3b (type locality, California); Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents, 1853, p. 154. Homalocranion planiceps Dumérit, Mem. Acad. Sci. Paris, Vol. XXIII, 1852, p. 490; Dumerit et Bisron, Erpétologie Générale, Vol. VII, 1854, p. 857; Jan, Arch. Zool. Anat. Phys., Vol. II, 1862, Pp- 51, 55; JAN, Elenco syst. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 40; Jan & SorvELu, Iconogr. génér. des Ophid., 15e livr., 1866, pl. H, fig. 2; Bocourr, Miss. Sci. Mex., 1883, p. 581, pl. XXXVI, figs. 7-7d; BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. III, 1896, p. 226 (part); Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Ser. 4, Vol. 1, 1899, p. 316. Tantilla planiceps Cops, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 74; Cope, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1875, p. 143; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 13, 190; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 89, 163; Garman, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. XVI, 1884, p. 31; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., 43. TANTILLA 881 No. 32, 1887, p. 84; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p- 598; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 140; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1896, p- 1008; Corr, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1113; Van DensurcH & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p- 424; SrEJNEGER & Barzour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 105 (part); Van DenspurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, p. 52; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, 115; TERRon, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, p. 164. Description —Head rounded in outline, very flat above and rather broad across temporal regions, but little distinct from neck. Eye small. Snout prolonged beyond the lower jaw. Rostral rather large and somewhat recurved on top of snout, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of small internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, the supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Posterior nasal united with anterior above nostril, usually in contact with preocular. No loreal. One preocular. Two or rarely one, postoculars. Temporals elongate, 1+1. Supralabials seven, the last largest, the third and fourth reaching eye. Infralabials six, or seven, the first pair in contact on the midline. Scales smooth, in 15 rows. Anal divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 138 to 141. Urosteges in two series of from 49 to 6l. The top of the head, the temporal regions, and the first five transverse rows of scales on the neck are brown, chang- ing gradually from hair brown on the snout to deep clove brown posteriorly. On the sixth and seventh rows of scales of the neck is a transverse whitish collar about as wide as the length of one scale. The rest of the upper surface is light broccoli brown, slightly vinaceous on the tail. The posterior three-fourths of the ventral surface are coral red, 882 13. COLUBRID brightest just in front of the anus. One specimen had the entire lower surface coral red, becoming grayish or yellow- ish white in alcohol. Length to anus__-.____ 161 162 167 187 188 193 Length of tail.____ 58 58 Sve 64 63 67 Distribution.—This species is known only from Lower California, Mexico, where it has been collected in the Cape Region near San Jose del Cabo and in the Sierra de la La- guna. It also has been taken north of the Cape Region near Santa Rosalia and San Ignacio. Remarks.—Tanitilla planiceps resembles T. nigriceps in the number of its gastrosteges, but its nuchal collar is placed farther from the parietal plates. Habits—Mocquard states: “Cet ophidien vit dans le sol, ott on le rencontre surtout en pratiquant des terrassements.” 203. Tantilla wilcoxi Stejneger ARIZONA TANTILLA Tantilla nigriceps Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1113 (part). Tantilla coronata VAN DeNBURGH, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 346. Tantilla wilcoxi STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p- 156 (type locality, Fort Huachuca, Arizona); Van DenburGH & Sievin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 424; STEJ- NEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p- 107. Description —Head rounded in outline, very flat above, rather broad across temporal region, but little distinct from neck. Eye moderate. Rostral rather large, broader than high, and bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of small 43. TANTILLA 883 internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, the supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Posterior nasal in con- tact with preocular. No loreal. One preocular. Two post- oculars. Temporals elongate, 1+1. Supralabials seven, the last largest, the third and fourth reaching eye. Infralabials seven or six, the first pair not, or but just meeting on the midline. Anterior genials elongate, posterior much shorter. Scales smooth, in fifteen rows. Anal divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 148 to 157. Urosteges in two series of about 58. The general color above is pale brownish gray or hair brown. The top and sides of the head are dark brownish gray or slate, the labials being light in color. A whitish transverse collar crosses the nape, involving the posterior portion of the parietals and about two rows of scales on the neck. It is about as wide as the length of two or three scales, and is bordered behind by a dark band of brownish gray about the width of one or one and a half scales, and may be edged with dark brown anteriorly. The color below is coral red, becoming grayish white in alcohol. Mhenpthntopamus setae oe ee AS 22; Wenpthyofmtatlas scm woroe ee nes tee eee ee 5 Distribution —This snake is known only from three specimens from the Huachuca Mountains, Cochise County, and one from Mowry, Patagonia Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona. Remarks.—Nothing is known regarding the habits of this snake. The single specimen in the collection of the California Academy of Sciences was removed from the stomach of a Diadophis regalis caught in Ramsey Canyon late in the afternoon of July 29, 1912. This snake may be distinguished from the other members of the genus which 884 13. COLUBRIDAE occur within the area under consideration by the number of its gastrosteges and the position of the light nuchal collar. The gastrosteges are more numerous than in 7. nigriceps and T'.. planiceps but fewer than in T. eiseni. The collar does not involve the parietal plates in any of those species. Genus 44. Trimorphodon Trimorphodon Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 297 (type, T. lyrophanes); Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1101. The body is not much elongate, with tail of moderate length. The head is wide, more or less triangular, and very distinct from the slender neck. The snout is more or less truncate. The head plates are normal. The nasals are distinct. There are two loreals, one in front of the other. The preoculars and temporals are numerous. The scales are smooth, in 20 to 27 rows; often in an even number. Posterior maxillary tooth elongate, grooved; anterior teeth elongate; intermediate teeth shorter. The eye is large with vertically elliptic pupil. This genus includes a number of Mexican species, only one of which occurs within our geographic limits. 204. Trimorphodon lyrophanes Cope Lyre SNAKE Lycodon lyrophanes Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, p. 343 (type locality, Cape St. Lucas, Lower California). Tr:morphodon lyrophanes Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p- 297; Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 38; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 15, 98; Cope, Proc. Amer. Philos. Soc., 1886, p. 286; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 68; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 679; Van Densurcy, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 5, 1895, p. 1553 Mocauarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 330; Core, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 19900, p. 1102; 44. TRIMORPHODON 885 Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p. 91; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 157; Mocquarp, Miss. Sci. au Mexique, Pt. III, Rept., 1908, p. 909, pl. 74, fig. 1, 1a-b; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 389; Van Densurcu & SLeEvin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 423; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 104; VAN DensurcuH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. XI, 1921, pp- 52, 70; Netson, Mem. Nat. Acad. Sci., Vol. XVI, 1921, pp. 114, rss Description —Head very distinct from neck, the tem- poral regions being swollen. Snout rather short, rounded, somewhat projecting. Rostral plate large, broader than high, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of rather short parictals. Two loreals placed one in front of the other. Often a small subloreal in the notch between the second and third supralabials, below the poster- ior loreal, and in front of the inferior preoculars. Preocu- lars three or two. Postoculars three. Temporals normally three followed by four, sometimes 2+3. Usually nine (rarely seven) superior labials, the sixth or seventh largest, the fourth and fifth reaching eye. About 12 (sometimes 10 or 11) inferior labials, the first pair meeting on the median line. Genials in two pairs, the anterior much larger. Scales on body smooth, in 20, 21, 22, or 23 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number at least from 231 to 236. Urosteges in two series of about 70 to 74. The ground color above is gray. The head is crossed by a more or less indistinct grayish band which involves the anterior part of the prefrontals. The posterior half of these plates and the anterior portion of the supraoculars are crossed by a brown band with very concave posterior border. This band is continued upon the inferior postocular and the sixth supralabial. A broad band begins on each side of the center 886 13. COLUBRIDAE of the frontal plate, crosses the supraocular and parietal plates, passes out over the temporal region, and becomes narrower and parallel with its fellow upon the neck. On the parietal plates is a brown spot, elongated posteriorly. The dorsal region is occupied by a series of dark brown, paired blotches, of which there are from 21 to 28 between the head and anus. There is an irregular series of dark lateral spots, alternating, and sometimes confluent, with the dorsal blotches. Anteriorly these lateral spots may form a narrow interrupted band. There are nine or 10 confluent pairs of dark spots on the upper surface of the tail. The entire lower surface is whitish, except that a series of spots involves the tips of certain of the gastrosteges, the spotted scutes be- ing separated by from two to five unmarked ones. Beneth towan tise ne or eee 588 588 600 835 Mength totwtatl =e eee ee 110 108 110 155 Distribution.—This species of Trimorphodon has been found only in southern Arizona and in Lower California. In Arizona, it has been secured in the Cayetano Mountains near Calabasas and at Fort Buchanan, Santa Cruz County, at Fort Huachuca, Cochise County, and in the Tucson Range and near Rosemont, Pima County. Lower Californian specimens have been collected at Cape San Lucas, La Paz, San José del Cabo, Sierra San Lazaro, Santa Anita, and Santa Rosalia. Remarks.—Professor Cope described the teeth as fol- lows: Seven teeth upon the superior maxillary bone, of which one posterior is elongate and grooved, three central, small and recurved, and three anterior, very long, the first longest and least recurved. The central three are not separated from those anterior and posterior to them by spaces wider 44. TRIMORPHODON 887 than those existing between themselves. Palatine teeth six, the anterior three the longest, all longer than the pterygoids. The three anterior mandibular teeth longer and more widely spaced than the posterior. Habits—Nothing is known of the habits of this snake. A specimen which I kept alive for a time was very pugna- cious and would strike wildly when anyone approached its cage. A large female secured at San Jose del Cabo, March 16, 1892, contained eggs which measured 9x21 mm. One of these snakes was found in the thatched roof of a house, at San Jose del Cabo, late in the afternoon as it crawled over the rafters. Family 14. ELAPID The snakes of this family are similar in appearance to those of the Colubride@, from which, however, they differ by their possession of a well developed poison apparatus. The poison fangs are situated, on the maxillary bone, near the front of the mouth, and are so folded as to form a tube for the conduction of the venom into the wound. This apparatus they have in common with the closely related sea- snakes of the family Hydride. With the latter highly specialized family they form the group Proteroglypha. The Elapide occur in Africa, Asia, Australia, and both Americas. The family includes the most deadly of all serpents, such as the cobra and its relatives. Many species are said to be viviparous. Only one genus occurs in America. 888 14. ELAPIDA Genus 45. Micrurus Elaps ScuneiveER, Hist. Amphib., Vol. II, 1801, p. 289 (part); GUNTHER, Proc. Zool. Soc. London, 1859, p. 48; Boutencer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. IL!, 1896, p. 411. Micrurus WacLER, in Spix, Serp. Brasil., 1824, p. 48 (type, spixiz). The body is cylindrical, elongate, with rather short cylin- dro-conic tail. The head is small and not distinct from the neck. The snout is short and rounded. The head plates are normal. The nasal plates are distinct. There is no loreal. Preocular, postocular and temporal plates are present. The scales on the body are smooth, in fifteen rows, without pits. The anal plate usually is divided. The uro- steges are in two series throughout or in part. The eye is small, with vertically elliptic or subelliptic pupil. The maxil- lary bone is very short, and carries no teeth behind the large, anterior, poison fangs. The numerous species of this genus all are American, and occur from the United States to Brazil and Bolivia. Two species have been found in this country, but only one of these has been secured within the geographical limits of this work. Most of the species are brightly colored, with red and black and yellow rings. “The functional fang in Elaps fulvius is followed by reserve fangs of the same structure as the functional one, but successively smaller. The functional fang is solidly united to the maxillary bone, being directed backward at a permanent angle of about 45 degrees with the latter. Al- though comparatively smaller than the fangs in the crotalid snakes, that of Elaps is large enough to distinguish it at the first glance as different from the solid teeth of the palate and of the lower jaws. In front, at the base of the fang, the opening of the canal is distinctly visible, and on the convex, or anterior, surface of the fang is a shallow groove. The 45. MICRURUS 889 terminal slit, being the lower opening of the canal, 1s situated slightly on the outer side of the fang.” The species of this genus are mostly rather small, retir- ing in habit, living largely underground, are of rather gentle and amiable temperament, and have rather small mouths and fangs. They seldom are a source of danger to man, although serious effects and even death have resulted from their bites. The harmless king snakes frequently are confused with the snakes of this genus, owing to the fact that both are marked with rings of red, black and white or yellow. It is easy to distinguish the poisonous species of this genus from the harmless King Snakes by coloration alone, since the red is next to the white (or yellow) rings in the poisonous snakes, while in the harmless species the red is next the black. 205. Micrurus euryxanthus (Kennicott) SONORAN CoRAL SNAKE Elaps euryxanthus Kennicotr, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1860, P- 337 (type locality, Sonora); Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 296; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 307; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 34; Coues, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 611; Srreers, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 7, 1877, p. 40; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VII, No. 3, 1883, pp. 107, 169; Yarrow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 82; Cracin, Bull. Washburn Col. Laborat., Vol. 1, 1884, p. 8; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 86; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 681; STEJNEGER, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1893, 1895, p. 362, pl. 2; BouLENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. III, 1896, p. 415; Cope, Amer. Natu- ralist, Vol. XXX, 1896, p. 1014; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1125; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, P- 95; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 157; Ruruven, Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p. 589; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 401, pls. CXVII, figs. 3, 4, CXX, fig. 2; Mocquarp, Miss. Sci. au Mexique, Pt. HI, Rept., 1908, p- 921; Stone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci Phila., rg11, p. 232; VAN 890 14. ELAPIDZ Densurcu & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 425; Van Densurcu & Srevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 4, 1914, p. 147; Voruies, Univ. Ariz., Agric. Exper. Station Bull. No. 83, 1917, p. 364. Micrurus euryxanthus StEJNEGER & Barspour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 106. Description—Head small, with flat top and high, broadly rounded snout. Temporal regions not much wider than neck. Eye very small. Rostral plate large, nearly as high as broad, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal, and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a rather small frontal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of parietals. Anterior and posterior nasals distinct. No loreal. One preocular. Two postoculars. Temporals one followed by two. Supra- labials seven, third and fourth reaching eye, seventh small. Infralabials seven, or six, the fourth usually largest, the first pair meeting on midline. Genials in two pairs, very short. Scales on body smooth, in fifteen rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 215 to 241. Urosteges in two series of from 21 to 29. The entire head is black, with the exception of the post- erior extremities of the parietals which are involved in a narrow white or yellow ring around the neck. Behind this white ring is a broad red ring involving about 11 scales, more or less. This is followed by another narrow white or yellow ring, some three or four scales wide, and then a black ring about eight scales in width. The whole body and tail are covered with similar broad red and black rings separated by narrow white or yellow ones. These rings of color encircle the body, and are without spots either above or below. The number of black rings on the body and tail varies from nine to 14. 45. MICRURUS 891 Teenpthy toa ws 25s 367 Tuength, of, «tail 22 oe a jth oat 24433 Distribution—This species has been found north to southern Utah and south in Mexico to Batopilas, in Chihua- hua, and Guaymas, in Sonora. It has been taken on Tiburon Island, in the Gulf of California. In the United States, it has been secured in southern Utah, in Saint George Canyon, near the Arizona line. In Arizona, specimens have been collected in Cochise (Fort Bowie, Fort Huachuca), Santa Cruz (Nogales), Pima (Tucson, Mineral Hill, Rosemont, Sabino Canyon in the Catalina Mountains), Gila (San Carlos), Yavapai (Fort Whipple, Date Creek), and Mohave (Signal), counties, and at Warsaw Mill on the Mexican boundary line. Although it seems to be restricted to the Lower Sonoran Zone, its range in Arizona extends up to an altitude of at least 5,000 feet. Habits —Unknown. Family 15. HYDRIDE This family comprises a number of genera of poisonous snakes which are closely related to the Elapide but are high- ly specialized in adaptation to their marine life. Only one genus, with a single species, occurs in American waters. The tail is flattened from side to side, short and paddle-shaped. The head plates are large. Both jaws are toothed. The per- manently erect poison-fangs are near the front of the mouth, as in the Elapide. There are no rudiments of limbs or pelvis. The eyes are small. The sea-snakes all are vivipar- ous. Most of the species and genera are found in the tropi- cal or semitropical portions of the Indian and western Paci- fic oceans. 892 18. AYDRIDA Genus 46. Hydrus Hydrus ScHNEIDER, Hist. Amph., Vol. I, 1799, p. 233 (type, 4ico/or). Hydrophis Larrei.xe, Hist. Nat. Rept., Vol. IV, 1802, p. 193. Pelamis Daupin, Hist. Nat. Rept., Vol. VII, 1803, p. 357. Pelamys Wac.er, Syst. Amph., 1830, p. 166. Elaphrodytes Gistet, Naturg. Thierr., 1848, p. IX. The body is rather short, somewhat compressed, with strongly compressed, short, oar-shaped tail. The head is rather narrow and much depressed with long, broadly round- ed snout. The nostrils open upward in the large nasal plates on top of the snout. The head plates are large. There are no internasals. The scales on the body are hexagonal or quadrate, juxtaposed. There are no enlarged gastrosteges. The eyes are small with round pupils. 206. Hydrus platurus (Linnzus) Brcotor SEA-SNAKE Anguts platura Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., 12ed., Vol. 1 1766, p. 391 (no type locality). Hydrus bicolor Scuneiwer, Hist. Amph., Vol. I, 1799, p. 242 (no type locality). Pelamis bicolor Daupin, Hist. Nat. Rept., Vol. VII, 1803, p. 366; Core, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 32, 1887, p. 87. Hydrus platurus Bou.encer, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. III, 1896, p. 267; Sreynecer, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 58, 1907, p. 4393 Mc Lain, Contributions to Neotropical Herpetology, 1899, p. 53 Mocquarp, Nouv. Arch. Mus. Hist. Nat., Paris, Ser. 4, Vol. I, 1899, p. 330; Mocquarp, Miss. Sci. au Mex., Pt. III, Rept., 1908, P- 930. _ Description —Head depressed, flat-topped with long broad snout. Temporal regions not swollen. Rostral plate large, somewhat broader than high, bounded behind by nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of very large nasals, a pair of prefrontals, a large fron- tal, supraocular of each side, and a pair of large, long parie- 46. HYDRUS 893 tals. Nostrils open upward in large nasal plates. No inter- nasals. Lorea] present or absent. Ocular plates variable. Seven to 11 supralabials. Anterior genials sometimes present. Scales on body smooth, hexagonal, juxtaposed, in from 45 to 61 rows. No large gastrosteges or urosteges. Tail short, high and thin, paddle-shaped. In males the scales have central tubercles. The color above is dark brown or bluish black on about 15 or 17 rows of scales, changing abruptly, along a more or less straight line, to the light yellow, brownish yellow, or yellowish brown of the sides and lower surfaces. The tail is light yellow with dark blotches. Jkengthe to) anise eS ee Length of tail Distribution—This snake occurs nearly everywhere along the coasts and islands of the Indian and warmer por- tions of the Pacific oceans. It has been found in the Hawaiian and Galapagos islands and is common along the coast of Central America. Mocquard records two specimens captured in the Gulf of California near Espiritu Santo Island. Cope mentions it from “Pacific coast Guaymas?” Habits—This is a marine species, and probably eats fish. Family 16. CROTALIDAE The Crotalide or Pit Vipers are represented in western North America by fifteen kinds of rattlesnakes. These are our only poisonous serpents, except the little coral snake (Elaps or Micrurus), and may be distinguished from the harmless forms by their possession of a pit in the side of the face between the eye and the nostril, and a horny, segment- 894 16. CROTALIDA ed rattle at the tip of the tail. They are provided with large plates along the belly, and the head is covered with large plates or small scales. The eye is well developed, with vertical pupil. These are no rudiments of limbs. Both jaws bear teeth, and near the front of the upper jaw are large, perforate, erectile poison-fangs. The two genera which occur in western North America may be distinguished by the following Synopsis OF GENERA a.—Top of head covered by large plates which include a frontal and a pair of parietals. Sistrurus.—p. 905. a.—Top of head covered by small scales except sometimes on snout; no large frontal or parietals. Crotalus.—p. 908. Tue Porson Apparatus “Tt may not be out of place to refer in this connection to the interesting mechanism of the poison apparatus, as it is a matter not very generally known as yet, though clearly set forth by the researches of specialists, notably Dr. S. Weir Mitchell. The venomous fluid to be injected into a wound made by the teeth has nothing to do with the ordinary saliva, as popularly supposed; nor does the forked tongue or any of the numerous small teeth of the mouth take part in the infliction of the wound. The tongue and smaller teeth are essentially the same as in any harmless serpent. The active instruments are a pair of fangs, one on each side of the upper jaw, rooted in the maxillary bones, which bear no other teeth. The fangs vary in size, being sometimes half an inch long. They are somewhat conical and scythe- shaped, with an extremely fine point; the convexity looks forward, the point downward and backward. The fang is POISON APPARATUS 895 hollow, for transmission of the venom; but the construction of the tube is not as if a hole had been bored through a solid tooth. It is in effect a flat tooth with the edges rolled over together till they meet, converting an exterior surface, first into a groove, finally into a tube. This is shown, on micro- scopic examination of a section of the tooth, by the arrange- ment of the dentine. Unlike an ordinary tooth, the fang is movable, and was formerly supposed to be hinged in its socket, since it is susceptible of erection and depression. But the tooth is firmly socketed, and the source of this move- ment is the maxillary bone itself, which rocks to and fro by a singular contrivance. The maxillary is a small, stout, tri- angular bone, movably articulated above with a smaller one, the lachrymal, which is itself hinged upon the frontal. Be- hind, the maxillary articulates with the palatal and pterygoid, both of which are of rod-like shape, and are acted upon by the spheno-pterygoid muscle, the contraction of which pushes them forward. This forward impulse of the palatal and pterygoid is communicated to the maxillary, against which they abut, causing the latter to rotate upon the lachrymal. In this rocking forward of the maxillary, the socket of the fang, and with it the tooth itself, rotates in such manner that the apex of the tooth describes the arc of a circle, and finally points downward instead of backward. This pro- trusion of the fang is not an automatic motion, consequent upon mere opening of the mouth, as formerly supposed, but a volitional act, as the reverse motion, namely, the folding back of the tooth, also is; so that, in simply feeding, the fangs are not erected. The folding back is accomplished by the ecto-pterygoid and spheno-palatine muscles, which, arising from the skull behind as a fixed point of action, in contracting draw upon the jaw-bones in such a way that the maxillary, and with it of course the fang, are retracted, when the tooth is folded back with an action comparable to the 896 16. CROTALIDA shutting of the blade of a pocket-knife. All the motions of the fangs are controlled by these two sets of antagonistic muscles, one of which prepares the fangs for action, while the other stows them away when not wanted. “The fangs, when not in use, are further protected by a contrivance for sheathing them, so that they rest like a sword in its scabbard. This is a fold of mucous membrane, the vagina deutis, which envelopes the tooth like a hood, enwrapping its base, and slipping down over its length, partly as a consequence of its elastic texture, partly on account ot its connections. Erection of the fang causes the sheath to slip off, like the finger of a glove, and gather in folds around the base of the tooth. This arrangement can be readily examined without dissection. “The poisonous fluid is secreted in a gland which lies against the side of the skull, below and behind the eye, of a flattened oval shape, obtuse behind, tapering in front to a duct that runs to the base of the tooth. Without going into the minute anatomy of the gland, it may be described as a sac, or reservoir, in the walls of which the numerous secretory follicles are imbedded; it is invested with two layers of dense, white, fibrous tissue, the outer of which gives off three strong ligaments that hold it in place. Ina large snake, the entire gland may be nearly an inch long and one- fourth as wide, weighing, empty, 10 or 12 grains, and having a capacity of 10 or 15 drops of fluid. There is no special reservoir for the venom, other than the central cavity of the gland. A certain dilatation of one portion of the duct, form- erly supposed to be such store-house, is due to thickening of its walls, without corresponding increase of capacity, result- ing from muscular fibres which serve as a sphincter to com- press the canal and prevent wasteful flow of the contents. There is further provision to this same end. When the tooth is folded back, the duct attached to its root is submitted to Hlead Figs li; Gatos, Santa Clara Fic. 2. Cror Skull San Fie. 3. ‘Cro from side, life size San GC? County California WSEWHSIS, aa del Cabo, Li a heatt imen POISON APPARATUS 897 some strain, which pushes it against a shoulder of the maxi]- lary bone, and tends to shut off the communication. “The injection of the venom, though to all appearance instantaneous, is a complicated process of several rapidly consecutive steps. Forcible voluntary closure of the jaws may always be, if desired, accompanied by a gush of the venom, owing to the arrangement of the muscles which effect such movement of the under jaw. These are the temporals, one of the three of which is situated in such relation to the poison-sac that its swelling in contraction presses upon the receptacle and squeezes out the fluid. The force of ejection is seen when the serpent, striking wildly, misses its aim; under such circumstances, the stream has been seen to spurt five or six feet. A blow given in anger is always accompanied by the spurt of venom, even when the fang fails to engage from whatever cause. But since this result does not follow upon mere closure of the mouth, it is probable that the two posterior temporals ordinarily effect this end, the more powerful action of the anterior temporal (the one which presses upon the poison-sac) being reserved for its special purpose. There is one very curious piece of mechanism to be noted here. Since the serpent always snaps its jaws together in delivering a blow, the points of the erected fangs would penetrate the under jaw itself in case they failed to engage with the object aimed at, were there no contrivance for pre- venting such disaster to the snake.- But there is a certain movement among the loose bones of the skull, perhaps not well made out, the result of which is to spread the points of the fangs apart in closure of the mouth, so that they clear the sides of the under jaw, instead of impinging upon it. “The complicated mechanism of the act of striking may be thus described:—The snake prepares for action by throw- ing itself into a number of superimposed coils, upon the mass of which the neck and a few inches more lie loosely curved, 898 16. CROTALIDEA the head elevated, the tail projecting and rapidly vibrating. At the approach of the intended victim, the serpent, by sudden contraction of the muscles upon the convexity of the curves, straightens out the anterior portion of the body, and thus darts forward the head. At this instant, the jaws are widely separated, and the back of the head fixed firmly upon the neck. With the opening of the mouth, the spheno-pala- tines contract, and the fangs spring into position, throwing off the sheath as they leap forward. With delivery of the blow and penetration of the fangs, the lower jaw closes forcibly, the muscle that executes this movement causing simultaneously a gush of venom through the tubular tooth into the wound. There are also some secondary actions, though all occur at nearly the same instant. The mouth, fixed at the wound, drags upon it with the whole weight of the snake’s body. This dragging motion is accompanied by contraction of the ectopterygoid and spheno-palatine muscles, which ordinarily fold back the tooth; but the fang being at this moment engaged in the flesh, the action of the muscles only causes it to bury itself deeper, and thus enlarge the puncture. The train of action seems to be, the reaching of the object, the blow, the penetration, the injection of the poison, and the enlargement of the wound. These actions completed, the serpent loosens its hold by opening the jaws, and disengages itself, sometimes not without difficulty, especially when the bitten part is small and the numerous small teeth have caught. The head is withdrawn, the fangs folded, the mouth closed, and the former coiled attitude of passive defense is resumed. “While the venomous properties of these reptiles, not easily overrated, should suffice to ensure due caution in cap- turing or killing them, it is as well to remember that the utmost range of a rattlesnake’s blow is less than its own length. They may readily be captured alive by pinning down Oc. Papers, Cau. Acap. Sc1., Vou. X [Van Denpurcu PuaTE 99 Fic. 1. Crotalus molossus, Black-tailed Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen collected at Cave Creek, Maricopa County, Arizona, April, 1910 Fic. 2. Crotalus exsul, Red Diamond Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen collected at Ensenada, Lower California, Mexico, February, 190s ty NATURE AND ACTION OF VENOM 899 the neck with a forked stick, and may be handled with im- punity, when not too large and powerful, if seized immedi- ately behind the head. In case of a strong snake, however, the power of constriction is sufficient to paralyze the muscles of both arms, as in the case of a person we knew who had seized two of these reptiles by the back of the neck. He had to be relieved by a bystander. A method employed in the South to capture the C. adamanteus is perhaps worthy of mention. A silk handkerchief is fastened to the end of a pole, which is held toward the reptile, which strikes fiercely at it, the fangs and teeth become engaged in the fibre of the silk, and a dexterous movement of the stick readily pulls out the fangs, and the reptile can be approached with safety.” (Coues and Yarrow). Tue Nature AND ACTION OF VENOM Snake venom is a yellowish or colorless fluid, clear or slightly cloudy, odorless and tasteless. It is readily soluble in water, and if exposed to the action of putrefactive bacteria loses its toxicity within a few days. Dried or preserved in alcohol or glycerine it retains its poisonous qualities in- definitely, or at least for more than 20 years. Snake venoms are complex poisons composed of a number of toxic sub- stances of a proteid nature. The symptoms caused by the bites of different kinds of poisonous snakes vary with the nature and proportions of these toxic proteids which constitute their venoms. Thus, the bite of an elapine snake, such as our Coral Snake or its relative the cobra, is followed by but slight local changes about the part bitten, while great swell- ing and local discoloration from capillary haemorrhages ordinarily follow the bite of a rattlesnake. The more dangerous, systemic, effects of snake bites occur after the venom has found its way into the blood. 900 16. CROTALIDA The severity of the symptoms which follow a snake bite vary with the nature of the poison, the amount of the poison, the size of the person or animal bitten, and the rapid- ity with which the poison enters the circulating blood. The nature of the poison varies with the kind of snake. In western North America, however, Coral Snakes are small and quite rare and occur only in Sonora, Arizona and south- ern Utah. Practically, our only dangerous snakes are the rattlesnakes. The amount of poison thrown into the wound depends on a number of factors. Among these are the size of the snake, its activity at the time, its condition of health and nourishment, the condition of its fangs and whether both cause wounds, the extent to which the snake has depleted its supply of venom by recent use of its poison apparatus, and the protection afforded by clothing, hair, or the resistance of the part bitten. With any given quantity of venom thrown into the wound the relative size of the dose depends, of course, on the weight of the victim. Therefore, the danger is greatest when small children are bitten. The rapidity with which the poison enters the circulating blood is perhaps the most important factor of all. If it so happened that the fang entered a vein and the venom was thrown directly into the blood, dangerous or fatal effects would follow almost immediately. Fortunately, this almost never occurs. Usually the venom is injected into the sub- cutaneous tissues, and whether its entrance into the blood is rapid or slow depends largely upon whether the bitten part is richly or poorly supplied with blood vessels. Ordinarily some minutes elapse before the onset of symptoms. The pain and swelling which follow the bite of a rattle- snake often are very great, and later a blackish or purplish discoloration of the skin about the wound appears, as a re- ye Papi R a Serer wae ad ry er ‘ fy g CHAS Sat Pee 3 " V4 $ i CAL: oa Ae col ted near Tuc ncasensis, San I [Van Dennurcit son, Pima County, 4s atrox, Desert Diamond Rattlesnak« Arizona sucan Diamond Ratth collected at San Jose del Cabo, Lower ¢ * ® ry a Aud April, 191 Me TREATMENT OF SNAKE BITE 901 sult of small haemorrhages. There may be considerable excitement and dread, and dizziness or faintness may be followed by drowsiness or torpor. The nerve centers which control arterial tension and respiration are profoundly affect- ed. There is a great lowering of blood pressure, due to vascular dilatation, with abdominal venous congestion. Respiration and pulse usually become more rapid. Death may result from paralysis of respiration, paralysis of the heart, small haemorrhages into important parts of the brain or other organs, and probably from other changes, for these complex poisons act in many ways. Death, however, follows rattlesnake bite in probably not more than 10 per cent of all cases, and most of these fatal cases are in children. Where death does not supervene recovery may be quite rapid. Often there is considerable sloughing about the wound. Resistance to bacterial invasion is reduced and serious infection may follow. There is some reason to believe that venom is removed from the blood and destroyed in the liver. TREATMENT OF SNAKE BITE A considerable number of chemical substances will destroy venom, but they also destroy and are destroyed by the tissues and fluids of the body, which chemically are similar to venom, and, therefore, their use is restricted to the area immediately about the bite. The ideal method of treatment would seem to be with an antitoxic serum. Such serum has been prepared and seems to have been of use in certain cases, but seldom can be available for use where needed. From what has been said it may be seen that treatment should be directed toward four ends. These are: 902 16. CROTALIDA 1.—To prevent as much poison as possible from reaching the circulating blood. This resolves itself into: a.—Attempts to remove venom from the bitten part by sucking or cupping. b.—Attempts to destroy venom in the fang punctures and in the tissues about them by the injection of chemicals. This involves the use of a hypodermic syringe. The chemi- cals ordinarily used are one per cent solutions in water of either potassium permanganate or chromic acid. c.—The stopping of the flow of blood into and from the bitten part by means of a tourniquet or tight bandage. This, of course, cannot be done if the bite is on the head or body. The danger of gangrene resulting from the prolonged application of the tourniquet probably has been much over- estimated. Dr. William S. Halsted informs me that in his surgical service at Johns Hopkins Hospital the blood-flow in a limb has been shut off for six hours without gangrene. 2.—To permit that portion of the venom which cannot be removed from the wound, or locally destroyed, to enter the circulating blood in small amounts and at safe intervals. This must be done by loosening the tourniquet from time to time for a few seconds only, regulating the periods of flow and the intervals between them according to the severity and duration of the symptoms which follow. Unless handled in this manner the tourniquet is a source of danger, for its sudden removal would permit the blood to carry the poison into the general circulation in an overwhelming dose. I have seen a frog, into whose leg venom had been injected beyond a tourniquet, remain well for 24 hours and then die within a few minutes after the protecting band was removed. 3.—To stimulate and support the vital processes of the body as from time to time may be indicated by the symp- toms. Oc. Papers, Cat. Acap. Sci., VoL. X [Van Denpurcu Pirate 101 ae ' \ fee HEE A ye ‘ _. 1 Gi Vy s ) 4 . i Ad ae "4 Fy J welll ps) | ie Fig. 1. Crotalus confluentus, Prairie Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen collected at Cave Creek, Maricopa County, Arizona, 1910 Fic. 2. Crotalus oreganus, Pacific Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen collected on Mount Lemmon, Santa Catalina Mountains, Pima County, Arizona, June, 1912 _TREATMENT OF SNAKE BITE 903 4.—To prevent infection of the wound. Instruments used should be sterilized as well as time and circumstances will permit, and an antiseptic dressing should be applied. When a person has been bitten by a rattlesnake waste no time. The first few moments are precious, so keep cool and remember that about 90 people recover out of every hundred bitten. A poisonous snake in biting usually makes two punctured wounds. Suck these hard for not more than five seconds. Then tie a handkerchief, a sock, a suspender strap, a strong piece of cloth, or a rope very loosely about the arm or leg a few inches above the bite. Put a strong stick under this bandage and twist the stick until the bandage is so tight that its pressure on the arteries stops the flow of blood completely. Paint the skin about the bite with iodine. With a small knife, dipped in an iodine solution if possible, cut open each of the punctures made by the fangs. Cut deep, lengthwise of the limb. Cup or suck the wounds thoroughly, remem- bering that the venom is harmless in the mouth or stomach. Now prepare the syringe and the solution of permanganate or of chromic acid, one part to 100 parts of water. Using a needle about three quarters of an inch long inject a few syringefuls of the solution under the skin and into the deeper tissues close to the wounds and for an inch or more about them. Then press your fingers hard on the parts injected, pressing toward the wounds. All these things should be done without any loss of time. If you have not already sent for a doctor, and are not too far from one, arrange now to secure medical aid. The wound should be protected with an antiseptic dress- ing, or it may be washed with iodine or alcohol and covered with sterile gauze. The tight bandage about the limb may cause considerable pain, but it must not be removed for several hours. It must, 904 16. CROTALIDZA however, from time to time, be loosened for a few seconds. The length of time that the bandage should remain loose, and the intervals between these periods, must be regulated by the symptoms which follow. Loosen for two or three seconds and tighten again. If no effects are apparent in 10 minutes loosen again, increasing the period to five seconds. Repeat this procedure every 10 or 15 minutes, adding two seconds each time. If shortness of breath, rapid or irregular breathing, and depression or faintness, or any other serious symptom, appear, lengthen the interval and shorten the period of bandage release. If, in spite of all these measures, the patient develops alarming symptoms, the treatment should be similar to that for anaphylactic or surgical shock. The respiration, the cir- culation and the temperature must be supported and con- served. Blankets and hot water bottles should be used to keep the patient warm. Suitable stimulants may be given. A few teaspoonful doses of whiskey or brandy at intervals of one-half or one hour may not be harmful, but large doses certainly are. Strychnine and caffeine probably are the best stimulants. One-thirtieth of a grain of Strychnine sulphate or nitrate dissolved in a little boiled water may be injected under the skin with the hypodermic syringe. If time will permit the syringe should, of course, be boiled for a few (three to five) minutes before it is used, to prevent infection. This injection should not be near the part of the body bitten by the snake. This dose of strychnine may be repeated once or twice at intervals of one half hour if the symptoms seem to demand it and if there are no muscular spasms. Caffeine citrate in one grain doses may be used in the same manner, or strong black coffee may be given by mouth or rectum. Adrenalin seems sometimes to be of use as an aid in restor- ing vascular tone. In desperate cases the subcutaneous or intravenous administration of large quantities of physiologic Oc. Papers, Car. Acap. Sci., VoL. X [Van Denpurcu Pare 102 Crotalus oreganus, Pacific Rattlesnake Sections of skin of two California specimens showing variation Fig. 2 Gower) is Great Basin style of coloration 47. SISTRURUS 7 905 salt solution may be tried. Resort may be had to artificial respiration when respiratory paralysis precedes failure of the circulation. Genus 47. Sistrurus Crotalus Furminc, Philos. Zool., Vol. II, 1822, p. 294 (type, C. miliaris) (not of Linn.). Crotalophorus Gray, Ann. Philos., 1825, p. 205 (not of Houttuyn). Caudisona Firzincer, Neue Class. Rept., 1826, p. 34 (type, C. miliarius) (not of Laurenti). Sistrurus Garman, Mem. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. I10 (type, C. miliarius). The head is broad and low, with flattened top, and is very distinct from the neck. Its upper surface is covered with nine large plates, the internasals, prefrontals, frontal, supra- oculars, and parietals. The anal plate and most of the urosteges are undivided. The tail is short and ends in a horny rattle or button. The scales are keeled. The snakes of this genus differ from the rattlesnakes of the genus Crotalus in having the head covered above with large plates instead of small scales. The few species known are all of small size, and therefore, correspondingly less dangerous than the larger rattlesnakes. One kind has been found in southern Arizona. 207. Sistrurus catenatus edwardsii (Baird & Girard) Epwarps MassasauGA Crotalophorus edwardsii Bairpv & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, p. 15 (type locality, Tamaulipas, Mexico); Dum- ERIL et Brsron, Erpétol. Génér., Vol. VII, 1854, p. 1483; Barro, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, Rept., 1859, p. 15, pl. V, fig. 1; Barro, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Rept., 1859, pl. XXYV, fig. 10; Duces, La Naturaleza, Vol. IV, 1879, p. 27. Crotalus edwardsii Corr, Mitch. Res., 1861, p. 125; Cougs, Surv. W. tooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 610. 906 16. CROTALIDZA Crotalus miliarius var. edwardsii Jan, Elenco Sist. degli Ofidi, 1863, pe 124: Crotalus miliarius JAN, Iconogr. Génér. Ophid., 46e livr., 1874, pl. III, fig. 6. Caudisona edwardsii Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 343 Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 531; YaRRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, p. 78; Cracin, Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., Vol. VII, reprint 1906, p. 118. Sistrurus miliarius var. edwardsii GarMAN, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 177. Crotalophorus catenatus edwardsit Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 685; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1892, p. 336. Sistrurus catenatus edwardsit SrEJNEGER, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1893, 1895, p. 416, pl. 6; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1144, fig. 328; SreyNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 158; Dirmars, Repti'e Book, 1907, p. 438, pl. CXXYV, figs. 3, 5; Evtis & Henperson, Univ. Co orado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 111; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 107; Vorutes, Univ. Ariz. Agric. Exper. Station Bull. No. 83, 1917, p. 364; TERron, Mem. y Rev. Soc. Cient. Antonio Alzate, Vol. 39, 1921, p. 180. Sistrurus edwardsit, CocKERELL, Amer. Nat., Vol. XXX, 1896, p. 326. Sistrurus catenatus BOULENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. III, 1896, p- 570 (part). Sistrurus catenatus consors Brown, Proc. Acad Nat. Sci. Phila., 1901, p- 99; Baitey, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp. 28, 49; STRECKER, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 43. Description.—Rather small. Head flat-topped, subellip- tical in outline when seen from above. Rostral moderately large, bounded behind by internasal, anterior nasal and first labial plates. Plates on top of head are a pair of internasals, a pair of prefrontals, a frontal, supraocular of each side and a pair of parietals. Superior labials 11 or 12, separated from eye by one or two scales. Scales on body in 23 or 25 rows, strongly keeled except in about two rows on each side. Anal plate entire. Gastrosteges varying in number from 136 to 153. Urosteges in a single series of from 24 to 31. The color above is yellowish brown, with three series Oc. Papers, Cat. Acap. Sci., Vor. X [Van Denpurcu Bice dis ac¢ : } enyo, Lower California Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen collected at San Crotalus Jose del Cabo, Lower California, Mexico Fic. 2. Crotalus tigris, Tiger Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen collected eighteen miles north of Tueson, Pima County, May, 1912. \rizons Pati \, 103 47. SISTRURUS 907 of small chestnut-brown blotches along the sides and a row of Jarge brown dorsal blotches. A pair of elongate brown blotches extend from the supraoculars back onto the neck. A narrow chestnut-brown band extends down and back from the prefrontal plate to the eye and on to the neck, and is bordered below by a narrow yellowish stripe which extends from the nostril to the angle of the mouth. The snout and upper jaw are brown, with two yellow rays diverging from the pit. The chin and lower jaw are mottled with brown and yellow. The dorsal blotches are about 34 to 45 in num- ber between the head and the anus, and are somewhat irreg- ular in shape. They are brown bordered with black and margined with yellow. There are about four to eight simi- lar blotches on the tail. The lateral blotches are proportion- ally small, and alternate with the dorsal and the other lateral series. Those of the upper series are more or less obsolete. Those of the second series are darker and occupy scales of the second, third and fourth rows. The lowest series is con- fined to single scales of the first and second rows. The belly is light straw-color, irregularly dotted and sprinkled with brown. Mength to) anus. 187 248 380 412 450 cenpthi of stale _ 28 32 53 63 70 Distribution—Edwards Massasauga ranges from Okla- homa through western Texas to the Mexican border. Three specimens have been found in southeastern Arizona. Two of these, collected by H. W. Henshaw, have no more defi- nite locality. The third specimen was secured, by Dr. Wil- cox, on the parade ground of Fort Huachuca, Cochise County. 908 16. CROTALIDA Genus 48. Crotalus Crotalus Linnaeus, Syst. Nat., 10 ed., 1758, Vol. 1, p. 214 (type, Aorridus). Crotalophorus Hourruyn, Linn. Nat. Hist., Vol. VI, 1764, p. 290 (same type). Caudisona Laurent, Syn. Rept., 1768, p. 92 (same type). Crotalinus RaFInEsqueE, Am. Month. Mag., Vol. III, 1818 (p. 446), Vol. IV, p. 41 (same type). Uropsophus Wac.er, Syst. Amph., 1830, p. 176 (type, triseriatus). Urocrotalon Firzincer, Syst. Rept., 1843, p. 29 (type, durissus). Aploaspis Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1861, p. 206 (type, /epida). “Echmophrys Cougs, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 609 (type, cerastes). The head is broad and low, with flattened top, and is very distinct from the neck. Its upper surface is covered with scales, which are small except sometimes on the snout. The anal plate and most or all of the urosteges are undivided. The tail is short and ends in a horny rattle or button. The dorsal and most of the lateral scales are keeled. Synopsis OF SPECIES a.—Rostral in contact with anterior nasal. b.—Outer edge of supraocular plate normal, not raised into a horn-like process. c.—Tail entirely black; snout between rostral and supra- oculars covered with large plates. C. molossus.—p. 911. c.—Tail not entirely black; snout not with large plates as far back as supraoculars. d.—Tail light with black cross-bands; light postocular line, if present, reaching row of scales next above supralabials anterior to corner of mouth. e.—First supralabial usually not divided. General coloration grayish or brownish; markings less definite, more punctulate; dorsal blotches usually not completely surrounded by light margins. Oc. Papers, Cau. Acap. Scr., VoL. X [Van Denpurcu Prare 104 Fic. 1. Crotalus mitchellii, Bleached Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen collected at San Jose del Cabo, Lower California, Mexico, Fic. 2. Crotalus cerastes, Horned Rattlesnake Section of skin of specimen from the Mohave Desert, California 48. CROTALUS 909 f.—Dorsal rhombs usually not enclosing light later- al areas. C. atrox.—p. 914. f°—Dorsal rhombs usually enclosing light lateral areas as pale as the ground color. Tortuga Island. C. tortugensis.—p. 918. e.—First supralabial usually divided transversely; general coloration reddish, pinkish or yellowish. ff.—General coloration reddish, pinkish or yellow- ish; markings duller and less definite; dorsal blotches not usually completely surrounded by light margins; gastrosteges usually more num- erous. C. exsul.— p. 919. ff'.—General coloration yellowish; markings much brighter and more definite, less punctulate; dorsal blotches usually completely surrounded by light margins; gastrosteges usually fewer. C. lucasensis.—p. 925. d’.—Tail brownish or grayish with darker brown (rare- ly in part blackish) cross-bands; light postocular line, if present, reaching row of scales next above supralabials at or posterior to corner of mouth, in at all, ee.—Intervals between dorsal dark blotches less than length of blotches along midline. £ff.—Dorsal blotches large, forming a single series. g.—Rostral not wider than high. h.—Gastrosteges average more numerous (158 to 189); no vertical white line across mid- dle of rostral plate nor two white lines on side of head. 910 16. CROTALIDE i.—Light postocular line one scale wide; dark postocular band arising below anterior corner of eye. C. confluentus.—p. 926. i.—Light postocular line, if present, more than one scale wide; dark postocular band, if distinct, arising below middle of eye. j.—Not from southern Lower California; lateral spots not so well defined; color- ation much less ornate. C. oreganus.—p. 930. j.—Cape Region of Lower California; lateral spots darker brown in greater contrast; coloration more ornate. C. enyo.—p. 945. h’.—Gastrosteges fewer (145 to 160); a verti- cal white line across middle of rostral, con- tinuing onto lower jaw and expanding be- tween two wide dark bars which extend about halfway back on the lower jaw; two white lines on side of head. C. willardi.—p. 958. g .—Rostral wider than high; dark markings more or less indefinite, cross-banded posteriorly. C. tigris.—p. 947. fff’—Dorsal blotches small, in two series. C. pricei—p. 963. ee.—lIntervals between dorsal dark blotches much greater than length of blotches along midline. C. lepidus.—p. 961. b.—Outer edge of supraocular plate, raised into a horn- like process. C. cerastes.—p. 953. a’.—Rostral separated from anterior nasal by granular scales. C. mitchellii—p. 949. Oc. Papers, Cav. Acap. Sci., Vou. X [Van Denpurcu | Prare 105 oe = : 4 A = yt = Z. (3) = = ’, wv Bom BS fad y= Silas i) z= Ss yn eum - Cie = a nN Sos oS bn z ee c S =a = Fd as = ~ = = 50 = Ud = Le, ~ae = : Ns nee vi > — = ~ f 48. CROTALUS 911 208. Crotalus molossus Baird & Girard BLACK-TAILED RATTLESNAKE Plates 99 and 106 Crotalus molossus Bairp & Grrarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. I, Serpents’ 1853, p. 10 (type locality, Fort Webster, St. Rita del Cobre, New Mexico); Dumérit et Bisron, Erpétol. Génér., Vol. VII, 1854, p. 1482; Barrp, Rep. U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, Rept., 1859, p. 14, pl. 2; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, p- 338; Bairp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, Rept., pl. XXIV, fig. 5; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 1, 1875, p. 33; Cope, in Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 533; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. ‘Phila., 1883, p. 12; Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool., Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 113; YARRow, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., No. 24, 1883, pp. 12, 78; Garman, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. XIX, 1888, p. 123; Cope, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XIV, 1892, p. 688; SreyNEGER, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1893, 1895, p. 424, pl. 8; Van Denpurau, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. 6, 1896, p. 348; Cope, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1898, 1900, p. 1154, fig. 330; Brown, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., IgOI, p. 101; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p- 158; Baitey, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 25, 1905, pp. 35, 50; Dit- MARS, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 440, pls. CXXIX, fig. 6, CXXX, fig. 4, CK XXIII, fig. 2; Srone, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1911, p- 232; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p- 426, pls. XVII, XXV, fig. 1; Srrecker, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 43; STEJNEGER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 110; Vorures, Univ. Ariz. Agric. Exper. Station Bull. No. 83, 1917, p. 359, pl. I, fig. 2. Crotalus ornatus HALLOWELL, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1854, p. 192 (type locality, Pecos River, between El Paso and San An- tonio, Texas); Hattowe 1, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, p- 23, pl. I]; Core, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, p. 338. Caudisona molossus Cope, in Mitchell’s Research. Venom Rattles., 1861, p. 124; Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1866, p. 308; Coves, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 605. Crotalus durissus var. molossus Garman, Mem. Mus. Compr. Zool. Cambr., Vol. VIII, No. 3, 1883, p. 171. Crotalus terrificus BoULENGER, Cat. Snakes Brit. Mus., Vol. III, 1896, P- 573 (part). 912 16. CROTALIDH Description——Size large. Head broad, flat-topped. Rostral about as broad as high, in contact with anterior nasal. Two nasals. Two preoculars. Three postoculars. Inter- nasal and prefrontal region covered with large plates. Supra- ocular large but not raised into a horn-like process; separated from its fellow by from two to seven irregular scales. Four- teen to 18 superior and 15 to 20 inferior labials, first pair of latter in contact on median line in front of single pair of genials. Three to five rows of scales between supralabials and eye. Scales in 25 to 29 rows, keeled except in from two to four rows on each side. Gastrosteges varying from 180 to 194. Anal not divided. Urosteges varying from 20 to 27, a few of the first and last sometimes divided. The ground color above is yellow, or yellowish, grayish or brownish olive, marked along the back with a series of dark chocolate or olive brown blotches. These blotches often are irregular in outline and usually contain, on each side, a few scales of the light ground color. In some speci- mens the blotches are separated from each other or bordered by pale yellow scales. A peculiarity of the coloration is that each individual scale usually is of a uniform tint, but occasionally scales are particolored as in most other species. Smaller blotches may or may not be present on the sides be- low or between the dorsal rhombs. Posteriorly the general color becomes browner and the dark markings tend to be- come cross-bars which may show but little contrast with the darkened ground color. The rhombs on the neck often are confluent and many form longitudinal lines. The upper surface and sides of the head are of the same light ground color as the body. The internasal, prefrontal and supraocular regions are blackish brown. A dark brown band runs back and down from the eye to the scale above the last supralabial, often becoming indefinite or obsolete posteriorly. There usually is a trace of a similar dark band running down and 106 Piatt [Van Denspurcu | X Vou. AcAD. Scl., Papers, CAL. Oc: OZ6T ‘ABIN *‘puoZzlIy ‘Ajuno,y eu o 4 48. CROTALUS 913 back from the pit. The lower surfaces are white or pale yellow often clouded or mottled with gray or brown on the body, especially posteriorly and laterally. The tail both above and below is black or blackish brown, sometimes unicolor, but often with some lateral paler areas indicating cross- bands. Length to anus__.....-.... 615 796 800 896 905 1070 Length of tail to base Obmrattle: sees ee 45 45 65 54 54 76 Distribution—The area inhabited by this large species extends from Pecos and El Paso counties, Texas, west to Arizona, and south into northern Mexico. In Arizona, this rattlesnake 1s quite common in the Hua- chuca Mountains, in Cochise County, where it has been taken in Ramsey, Miller and Carr canyons. It has been collected also at an elevation of 5,000 feet near Blue River, Greenlea County, and at an altitude of 6,000 feet in Wal- nut Canyon, in the Santa Rita Mountains. Specimens are at hand from Saw Mill Canyon, Santa Rita Mountains, Pima County; trail between Gardner Canyon and Greaterville, Pima County; Tucson, Pima County; vicinity Pete Moun- tain, Santa Rita Range, Santa Cruz County; Fort Buchanan, Santa Cruz County; and from the canyon between Madera and Agua Caliente canyons, Santa Rita Mountains, Santa Cruz County, Arizona. The most northern record seems to be that of a specimen secured at Cave Creek, Maricopa County. Cope has recorded a specimen as taken by Dr. Mearns in the “Tucson Mountains, Yuma County,” probably an error for Pima County. Remarks.—This species is easily distinguished by its black tail and snout, and by the large plates on the anterior 914 16. CROTALIDZ part of the upper surface of the head. It is a large species and very handsomely colored. Habits—While this snake, like others of the genus, doubtless spends most of its life on the ground, Cope men- tions one which he discovered in the act of springing through a bush. It was suspended over a branch, and was heavy in its movements, except at the moment of leaping. 209. Crotalus atrox Baird & Girard Desert DiamMonpb RATTLESNAKE Plates 100, 107, and 108 Crotalus atrox Barrp & Girarp, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serpents, 1853, pp. 5, 156 (type locality, Indianola, Texas); Dumérit et Bisron, Erpétologie Générale, Vol. VII, Pt. 2, 1854, p. 1482; Hatiow_E Lt, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1856, p. 307; Barrp, U. S. Mex. Bound. Surv., Vol. II, 1859, p. 14, pl. I; Bairp, Rep. Pac. R. R. Surv., Vol. X, 1859, p. 39, pl. XXIV, fig. 3; Cops, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., 1859, p. 337; Cooper, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Vol. IV, 1870, p. 66; Cope, in Yarrow, Surv. W. rooth Merid., Vol. V, 1875, p. 534; STEJNEGER, Report U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1893, 1895, p. 436, pl. 11; Van Densurcu, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 2, Vol. VI, 1896, p. 348; STEJNEGER, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., Vol. XXV, 1902, p. 158; Bartey, N. Amer. Fauna, No. 35, 1905, p. 493 Dirmars, The World Today, Oct. 1896, p. 1049; Dirmars, Reptile Book, 1907, p. 452, pls. CX XIX, fig. 2, CX XX, fig. I, CXXXII; RurHven, Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist., Vol. XXIII, 1907, p. 591; STRECKER, Proc. Biol. Soc. Washington, Vol. XXI, 1908, p. 78; Ex.uis & HENDERSON, Univ. Colorado Studies, Vol. X, No. 2, 1913, p. 108; Van DensurcH & Stevin, Proc. Cal. Acad. Sci., Ser. 4, Vol. 3, 1913, p. 426; SrreckeR, Baylor Bulletin, Vol. XVIII, No. 4, 1915, p. 44; GrinnELL & Camp, Univ. Cal. Publ. Zool., Vol. 17, No. 10, 1917, p. 196; VoruieEs, Univ. Ariz. Agric. Exper. Station Bull. No. 83, 1917, p. 359; SreyNEcER & Barsour, Check List N. Amer. Amph. Rept., 1917, p. 108; Cow.es, Journ. Entomol. & Zool., Pomona College, Vol. XII, No. 3, 1920, p. 66. Crotalus adamanteus atrox Jan, Rev. Mag. Zool., 1859, p. 153; Jan, Elenco Sist. degli Ofidi, 1863, p. 123; Cope, Bull. U. S. Nat. Mus., 107 PLATE [Van DENnBt RGH | X Acap. Sci., VoL. Papers, Cat. OG agin qsnsny ‘euoztay ‘