1856.] 151 



dilated transversely ; the other plates oblong ; neck smooth below, folded irregu- 

 larly npon the sides ; an oblique fold of the skin before each shoulder ; anterior 

 edge of the ear denticulated ; trunk subtrijedral, covered with imbricated scales 

 of medium size, provided with carinfB, terminating in an acute point, and form- 

 ing oblique lines converging towards the middle region of the back. A denticu- 

 lated crest extending from the nucha to the extremity of the tail ; the latter 

 long, compressed; exterior edge of the two or three posterior fingers dentciu- 

 lated ; no pores either in front of the anus or upon thighs." (D. et B.) Of 

 this genus two species are described by Dumeril and Bibron, viz., Herminieri 

 and Microlophus ; the first with a well developed crest and carinated ventral 

 scales, the second with a very small crest and smooth ventral scales. In the first 

 species the tail is strongly compressed, in the second very slightly. The species 

 described in this paper was deposited in the Museum some time ago by Dr. 

 Morris, and differs considerably from the last of the before-mentioned species, 

 although resembling it in several important particulars, viz., the low crest and 

 smooth ventral scales. 



HOLOTROPIS VITTATUS, nob. 



Char. Crest low, as in Microlophus, much more developed upon the tail ; 

 ventral scales smooth; nasal plate quite different in shape from that represented 

 in the figure of Microlophus in de la Sagra, tab. vii., fig. A., (Reptiles,) being al- 

 most as broad as long ; the nostril is situated immediately at its posterior edge, 

 and not at some distance from it, as represented in the figure above mentioned ; 

 the plates upon the head are all very strongly carinated ; the carinse upon the 

 dorsal scales are not situated in the middle, but a little to one side ; the five 

 middle rows of abdominal scales larger than the others. 



Coloration. Probably altered by alcohol ; crest greenish ; ground color dark 

 green, with reflections of bronze : a large black blotch upon each temple ; a 

 whitish colored vitta immediately beneath, extending upon the neck ; another 

 beginning above and in advance of the shoulder, extending along the sides of the 

 body as far as the thighs ; two transverse parallel bands of black across the 

 chin ; the interspaces and under parts of jaw whitish ; throat greenish ; abdomen, 

 under parts of extremities and tail of a much lighter color than upon the back. 



Dimensions. Length of head 1 inch, greatest breadth 9 lines ; length of neck 

 and body 2 inches 9 lines ; of tail 4 inches 4 lines ; total length 8 inches 1 line. 



Habitat. Cuba, One specimen in Mus. Acad., deposited by Dr. Morris. 



Ord. OPHIDIA. 

 Gen. Teopidonotus, Kuhl. 



Char. "Jaws long, teeth of the upper forming a continuous longitudinal 

 series, although the last or posterior are generally stronger and longer by nearly 

 one-half, and never channelled; scales of the back, and more often those of the 

 sides, presenting a saliant line or sort of carina ; tail of moderate length." 

 Dnmeril and Bibron, T. vii., p. 549. 



The Tropidonotes belong, in the arrangement of Dumeril and Bibron, to the 

 second section or sub-order of Ophidians, viz., the Aglyphodont or Azimiopbid 

 serpents, which are characterized as having recurved, conical, rounded, full and 

 smooth teeth, without canulation at their points, and implanted in both jaws. 

 T. ii. p. 19. Twenty species are described by them, existing in Europe as far 

 north as Norway, N. Africa, Greece, N. America, Seychelles, Java, borders of 

 the Caspian Sea, E. Indies, Japan, Manilla, N. Guinea and Australia. The 

 greater number appear to inhabit N. America. It is very remarkable that, 

 although so numerous in the U. States, they should not be found in the Southern 

 portion of the American continent. 



Tropidonotds annularis, nob. 



Char. Nostrils between two plates ; internasals long and narrow ; a frenal ; 

 one antocular, three postocular plates; eight superior labials, the eye resting on 



