310 REPTILES OF THE WORLD 



low band crossing the temples. Such conditions point to 

 some definite provision of Nature, but it would be a bold 

 assertion and mere theory to declare that the harmless 

 snake has acquired the coloration of the poisonous reptile 

 in order to inspire respect among its several enemies. 

 It appears certain, though, that this similarity of pat- 

 tern, color and form, between creatures widely separated 

 in classification, indicates no uncertain process of evolu- 

 tion, but one which is governed by conditions as yet 

 unknown to Science. 



Despite emphatic assertions to the contrary, the spe- 

 cies of Elajjs are highly venomous. In proportion to 

 the reptiles' size, their fangs are capable of inflicting 

 damage equal to the Old World allies. Few of the 

 Coral Snakes, however, attain a length of more than a 

 yard. Elaps corallinus, E. lemniscatus and E. marc- 

 gravii, of tropical South America, cause frequent loss 

 of human life. These species reach a length of three 

 and a half or four feet. 



Occasional examples of Elaps lemniscatus, the South 

 American Coral Snake, are four feet long. It is 

 common on the mainland and occurs in several of the 

 islands of the Lesser Antilles. This is a gorgeous snake, 

 the pattern consisting of glaring brick-red rings sep- 

 arated by very wide rings of purplish black, each of the 

 black areas containing two narrow rings of yellowish- 

 white. The polished scales are highly opalescent. The 

 tip of the snout is dull red; behind this is a black band 

 followed by a red band as broad as those on the body. 

 The measurements of a fine specimen from Trinidad 

 are: — 



Total length 3 feet, 10% inches. 



Diameter of body ] inch. 



Width of head % of an inch. 



