ArSTKALLiN SNAKES. 89 



arc broad, and sometimes show a lateral keel. Anal bifid. The tail is 

 longer and thicker in males than in females, and covered with high short 

 shield-like scales, the two lower series of which may he considered as sub- 

 candals. 



The poison-fang is short, and not followed by a series of other 

 simple teeth, as in nydrophis. A very small single tooth is implanted 

 at some distance behind the poison-fang, and is frequently lost. 



These snakes have quite the physiognomy of an. Maps, and the 

 cleft of the mouth is not turned upwards behind, as in other Sea Snakes ; 

 the eye is rather small. Neither the tail or the hind part of the body is 

 prehensile; and although we have not received positive information con- 

 cerning their habits, it becomes evident from their whole organization that 

 they must differ considerably from the other types of the family in this 

 respect. (Gnuiher.) 



This is one of the two genera of Sea Snakes which occur occasionally 

 on the coast of New South Wales. 



Ringed Sea Snake. Platurus scutatus. 



Platurus scutatus, Gunther, Reptiles of Brit. India, p. 356. 



Generally an azygos shield between the posterior frontals ; scales of 

 the front part of the trunk in twenty-one or twenty -three longitudinal 

 series; ventral shields from 213 to 241. Body surrounded by from twenty- 

 five to fifty l)lack rings. Crown of the head black ; the first and second 

 black mark of the head and neck are joined below by a black longitudinal 

 band, commencing from the chin ; snout and side of the head yellow, with 

 a black band running through the eye. 



After having examined nearly fifty examples of this species, I have 

 come to the conclusion that the number and width of the black cross 

 bands do not constitute specific characters in these snakes. The length 

 of the tail also varies with the sex. It is a common species, extending 

 from the Bay of Bengal to the Chinese Seas, and to the coasts of 

 New Zealand. The largest example I have seen is exactly 5 feet long. 

 {^Gunthe7\) 



Specimens of this snake are often washed ashore at Bondi after 

 heavy gales. 



Q 



