VIPERA 259 



and usually partially fused with the naso-rostral. 

 Upper labials nine to twelve, usually fourth and fifth 

 below the eye. Temporal scales keeled. Four or 

 five lower labials in contact with the single pair of 

 chin-shields. 



Scales in twenty-three to twenty-seven rows, 

 usually twenty-five, with two apical pits, strongly 

 keeled, those of the outer row smooth or feebly keeled. 

 Ventral shields 151 to 177 in males, 153 to 180 in 

 females; anal entire; subcaudals 42 to 51 in males, 

 38 to 49 in females. 



Coloration. — Very variable. The typical form, 

 which alone is represented in Europe, and was 

 originally described from Cyprus, is grey, greyish- 

 buff, or pale brown, above, with two dorsal series 

 of darker spots, which may stand in pairs, alternate, 

 or unite to form cross-bars, and a lateral series of 

 large dark spots or bars. A more or less distinct 

 dark band on each side of the head, passing through 

 the eye and often extending to the neck ; a dark 

 bar or triangular spot below the eye, and usually 

 another below the nostril. Lower parts pinkish- 

 white, powdered with grey-brown, with or without 

 dark brown spots ; end of tail yellow. The ground 

 colour of the young is pink or flesh-colour. In 

 specimens from desert sandy regions in Asia and 

 North Africa the markings may be very indistinct, 

 the snake being of a nearly uniform pale buff. 



In the var. mauritanica, Guichenot, from Morocco 



