194 OPHIDIA. 



Mblai^ophidium wynandense. (Plate XVII. figs. I, I'.) 



Plectrurus wynandensisj Beddome, Proc. Zool. Soc. 1863j p. 228. 



Snout obtuse. Rostral shield rather small, simply convex, as high as broad ; nasals large, 

 forming a broad suture behind the rostral. Vertical hexagonal, longer than broad, with an 

 obtuse anterior and a pointed posterior angle ; occipital as large as vertical. The first pair 

 of lower labials form a suture together behind the median shield; a pair of chin-shields. 

 Scales in fifteen rows. Ventrals 180, thrice as broad as the scales of the adjoining series; 

 anal large, bifid ; subcaudals in twelve pair's. Body rather slender, the circumference of its 

 thickest part being one-fifteenth of the total length. Black ; posterior two-thirds of the belly 

 irregularly black and white. 



A specimen, 9 inches long (tail half an inch), was found at Wynand, at an elevation of 

 3500 feet; we have figured it of its natural size, figures I' representing the head in two 

 different views. 



FAMILY OF DWARF ^N AKE^— CJLJMJUID^. 



Body cylindrical, rigid, with a short head which is not distinct from neck ; 

 tail more or less short, tapering-. Body and tail covered with rounded, 

 smooth or keeled scales, which are not much imbricate, and disposed in from 

 thirteen to seventeen longitudinal series. The ventral shields are well de- 

 veloped, and generally less than 200 in luimber; anal entire in all the Indian 

 species ; subcaudals two-rowed or entire. Cleft of the mouth rather short ; 

 nostril lateral ; eye rather small, with round pupil. The normal number of 

 shields of the head is always reduced by two or more shields being confluent. 

 Chin with a longitudinal fold. All the Indian species have the maxillary 

 teeth equal in size, none being grooved ; palatine teeth present. 



The snakes of this family are very small species, measuring between 12 and 24 inches in 

 length ; they are always found on the ground, beneath stones, fallen trees, or turf; their 

 diminutive size, narrow cleft of the mouth, and very limited capability of extending the skin 

 of the throat and trunk prevent them from attacking other reptiles, and their food appears 

 to consist chiefly of insects and worms ; more frequently they themselves fall an easy prey 

 to other snakes, especially to the Bungari and CaUo])hides, which inhabit the same localities. 

 They are very gentle and never attempt to bite. 



