ACROCHORDUS. 335 



This is a common species in the plains of the peninsula of Southern India ; a large specimen, 

 spotted all over with black, was brought from Sikkim by Messrs. von Schlagintweit, who fix 

 the elevation at which it was captured at 9800 feet above the level of the sea. No other 

 instance of the occurrence of this snake at any considerable elevation is known. It is also 

 found in the Punjab. It is perfectly harmless, and never attempts to bite. It is frequently 

 found in the possession of serpent-charmers, who mutilate the end of the short, thick tail in 

 such a manner that the scarred extremity somewhat resembles the form of the head. Such 

 specimens are shown as " deadly two-headed snakes," and frequently brought to Europe. A 

 specimen in the menagerie of the Zoological Society of London lived there for about eight 

 years, and fed regularly on young mice. The keeper assured me that it frequently covered 

 its prey with saliva, which I have never seen. It always kept itself hidden below the gravel 

 at the bottom of its cage. The species attains to a length of nearly 4 feet, the tail measuring 

 4 inches. 



FAMILY OF WART ^NAKE^—JCROCHORDJDyE. 



Body of moderate length, rounded or slightly compressed, covered with 

 small, wart-like, not imhricate, tuhercular or spiny scales ; tail rather short, 

 prehensile. Head rather small, not distinct from neck, covered with scales 

 like the hody. Eye small. Nostrils close together, at the top of the snout. 

 Teeth short, but strong, subequal in size, in the jaws and on the palate. 

 Viviparous. 



Only three species of this family are known, forming as many genera, if, indeed, the Javan 

 Xenodermus, with broad ventral and subcaudal shields, belongs to it. The two others are 

 found in British India : — 



Tail without broad fold below : terrestrial Acrochordus, p. 335. 



Tail with a broad fold below : aquatic Cher sy dries, p. 336. 



ACROCHORDUS, Homstedt. 



The hind part of the body and tail are slightly compressed ; tail not 

 expanded by a fold of the skin. No ventral or subcaudal shields whatever ; 

 each scale with a strong triangular keel, terminating in a spine ; many 

 scales with another j)air of smaller spines. 



Only one species is known. 



