CHAPTER XXXV: SMALL, MISCELLANEOUS 

 SMOOTH-SCALED SERPENTS 



The Genera HYPSIGLENA, STILOSOMA, RHADINEA and 



CONTIA 



THE relationship of the genera, of the smaller, smooth- 

 scaled snakes, is problematical. In a few cases we feel fairly 

 assured that we may trace sources of evolution or degeneracy, 

 but if we arrange our series accordingly, the result is at once con- 

 fusing to the beginner for diminutive reptiles are wedged between 

 large and striking forms. The writer has decided to adopt 

 the most popular method possible; that is to group these smaller 

 snakes, without regard to their alleged relationship. In thus 

 bringing them together, we may arrange the genera in tabulated 

 form, and it is much easier to study the small snakes collectively 

 than to search for them in odd corners through an extensive work. 

 Such genera of the smaller serpents that have been scattered 

 through this book, are those that have fallen readily into series 

 with a striking, popular title. 



Key to Miscellaneous Genera of Small, Smooth-scaled Serpents 



I. Pupil of Eye Elliptical. 



Body stout; head fairly distinct. Ventral plate divided. 

 Length 12 to pinches. Genus Hypsiglena. 



Gray or yellow; dark brown blotches on back and two 

 alternating series on sides. A band through each eye 

 to neck; a central band between these. Abdomen 

 white. ROCK SNAKE, H. ochrorhyncha. 



Distribution. Texas to California. 



I 1 . Pupil of Eye Round. 



^Ventral plate entire. 



Body very slender; head not distinct; tail very short. 

 No loreal plate. Snout prominent. Length about 23 

 inches; tail 2 inches. Genus Siiloscira. 



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