218 COLUBRIDJE 



sixth) entering the eye. Three or four lower labials 

 in contact with the anterior chin-shields ; posterior 

 chin-shields very small and widely separated from 

 each other by scales. 



Scales with single or paired apical pits, in nineteen 

 or twenty-one rows, usually nineteen in European 

 specimens. Ventral shields 186 to 222 ; anal divided ; 

 subcaudals 48 to 73, 



Coloration. — Greyish above, with 40 to 57 brown 

 or black spots or bars on the body ; a lateral series 

 of smaller spots or vertical bars, alternating with the 

 dorsals ; the first spot, on the nape, elongate, usually 

 with one or three linear processes in front, extending 

 on the head (Plate XI.) ; usually a dark streak on each 

 side of the head, from the eye to the angle of the 

 mouth. Lower parts whitish, speckled, spotted, or 

 marbled with grey or brown. Iris brown, with a 

 golden circle round the pupil. 



Size. — This species grows to a length of 2 feet 

 10 inches. 



Distribution. — From Istriaand Dalmatiato Greece, 

 the Archipelago, Constantinople, Asia Minor, Cyprus, 

 and Northern Syria ; 2,600 feet appears to be its 

 altitudinal limit. 



Habits. — Although to a certain extent crepuscular 

 or nocturnal, the Cat-snake is often seen hunting in 

 the daytime, its food consisting almost exclusively 

 of lizards, rarely of small mammals. Its movements 

 are rather slow. The names Katzenschlange and 



