1 he Sharp-nosed Snakes 



many of the scales may be orange with red centres, and others 

 red with black centres. 



On many specimens, the paler (square) blotches on the back 

 are deep orange, with a brick-red dot in the centre of each scale. 



Frequent specimens arc black with brick-red half-rings. 

 These are sometimes called "coral" snakes. 



Abdomen white or yellow, with black blotches on the ends 

 of some of the plate*. 



The single plates under the tail should at once indentify 

 this species. 



Dimensions. Total Length 2 feet. 



Length of Fail 3! inches. 



Greatest Diameter ^ 



Width of Head. 



>. 



Length of Head , ! ' t; 



Distribution. Western Texas and southwestern Kansas 

 \.3 California. 



Habits. Much like the Scarlet Snake (Cemopbora). It is 

 a constrictor, feeding upon small rodents, lizards and the young 

 of other snakes. The young are produced from eggs. 



376 



