SNAKES FROM THE KHASI HILLS, ASSAM. 



323 



with it in this genus that I think it extremely probable it will have 

 to be separated and relegated to a genus by itself. 



Fig. 3 

 Rhabdc/is bicolor 



Anomalies. — In one specimen the prefrontal is divided into 3 

 subequal shields placed transversely, but this specimen in other 

 respects so completely accords with my other examples that I consider 

 there are insufficient grounds for making it a species apart. In one 

 9 the last two subcaudals are entire (i.e., 70th and 71st). 



This snake bears a remarkable superficial resemblance to certain 

 homalopsids, viz., Hypsirhina enhydris and H. plnmbea, and even a 

 greater likeness to Helicops schistosus. It is uniform glossy olive- 

 brown, or olive-green dorsally, the last 3 costal rows and the under- 

 pays being bright yellow. 



Food. — One example contained a large earthworm " in gastro". 

 One that was brought in alive, and seemingly unhurt, allowed itself to 

 be handled freely without betraying fear or attempting to escape. 

 When teased, it coiled up, hid its head, and refused to move, even 

 when smartly tapped on the tail, or pinched sufficiently to cause pain. 

 It was a most inoffensive little creature. 



Blythia reticulata. 



Three examples, all $, Ventrals, 122 to 132 (?) Subcaudals, 23 to 

 25. The largest measured 9£ inches, and this species ranks among 

 our smallest representatives of this family, probably Trachischium 

 monticola alone successfully emulating it for this distinction. 



The scales are 13 in the whole body length. The eye in life is 

 a black bead, no pupil being discernible. In colour it is blackish 

 13 



