ABLABES., 105 
1+1+2. The first pair of lower labials form a suture together; two pairs of chin- 
shields, subequal in size. Ventrals 149; subcaudals 69. Upper parts nearly uniform 
blackish brown, the anterior and lateral scales somewhat lighter in the centre. An 
indistinct, rather narrow, light-coloured band across the neck, immediately behind the 
occipitals. Lower parts yellowish. 
We have two specimens of this snake, the larger measuring 12 inches in length. 
2. Ablabes decipiens, sp.n. (Tab. XXXVII. fig. A.) 
Hab. Costa Rica, Irazu (Rogers). 
Rather slender in habit, the tail being remarkably long and three-fourths of the 
length of the body. Head rather narrow and elongate; eye of moderate size. Scales 
in seventeen rows, without pores. Ventrals 131-151; anal divided; subcaudals 113. 
Vertical rather elongate, longer than the frontals, but shorter than the parietals. 
Hight upper labials, of which the fourth and fifth enter the eye; one preocular, some- 
times with a second smaller one below; one or two postoculars. Temporals 1+1-+-2. 
The maxillary teeth are slender, widely set, eight or nine in number, the anterior consi- 
derably smaller than the middle and posterior, but the hindmost is not distinguished 
by increase of size or isolated position. Upper parts brownish black, with two narrow 
yellowish lines on each side, of which the lower, which runs along the outer series of 
scales, is the more distinct; the upper runs along the fifth series of scales. A broad 
yellow band crosses the temple and the posterior half of the occipitals ; it is edged with 
black in front. Lower parts yellow, with the corners of the ventral shields blackish. 
In the females the ornamental markings are much fainter than in the male. 
Total length 18 inches, tail (slightly incomplete) 84 inches. 
We have received three specimens of this snake, together with as many of a species 
of Tachymenis, to which it bears a most deceptive resemblance. Also to Dromicus 
lateristriga, D. frenatus, &c., it is so closely allied that, without examination of the 
dentition, it would be difficult to distinguish it. 
The position of the yellow cross-band on the occipitals seems to be an important 
distinctive character when it is present. 
8. Ablabes sumichrasti. 
Masticophis, sp., Sumichrast, Bull. Soc. Zool. Fr. 1880, p. 183; La Naturaleza, 1882, p. 285. 
Henicognathus sumichrasti, Bocourt, Miss. Sc. Mex., Rept. p. 628, t. 41. fig. 5. 
Rhadinea sumichrasti, Cope, Bull. U. 8. Nat. Mus. no. 32, p. 79 (1887). 
Hab. Mexico, Tehuantepec (Sumichrast). 
4, Ablabes serperaster. 
Rhadinea serperaster, Cope, Proc. Ac. N. Sc. Phil. 1871, p. 212. 
Hab. Costa Rica. . 
BIOL. CENTR.-AMER., Rept., October 1893. *14 
