CORONELLA GETULA. 97 



neck and terminating at the vent, and nearly at right angles with the transverse 

 bars. Alternating with the dorsal bars, the waving line is increased in size below, 

 to form an irregular white blotch, reaching to the abdomen, which in other respects 

 is coloured nearly like the back, but is more shining, and with a strong tinge of 

 violet. The tail has but four or five transverse rings or white bars, and wants 

 entirely the waving lateral line. 



Dimensions. Length of head, 1 inch 2 lines; length of body, 36 inches; length 

 of tail, 5 inches. In the specimen here described there were 215 abdominal 

 plates and 39 sub-caudal bifid plates. It must be remarked, however, that the 

 animal at times exceeds the dimensions above given. Dr. Binney saw one in 

 Georgia over four feet; and I have recently received one from North Carolina 

 4 feet 2 inches in length. 



■o- 



Habits. The Coronella getula is found abundantly in moist and shady places, 

 though it never takes to water or to trees. It feeds on moles, small birds, or 

 such reptiles as lizards, salamanders, toads, &c. that may fall in its way. It is 

 commonly believed that this serpent is the great enemy of the Rattlesnake, 

 though I believe there is no great evidence of the fact. My friend Dr. Binney, 

 however, informed me that he once captured a fine specimen in Georgia, which 

 he placed in a tin box with a full grown Crotalophorus miliarius; the next day, on 

 examining the box, it was discovered that the King Snake had devoured its fellow 

 prisoner. It would have done the same to any other snake of similar size, under 

 similar circumstances, and with the same appetite. 



Geographical Distribution. This serpent is common enough in the Carolinas, 

 where indeed it was first observed; thence its range extends as far north as New 

 York, and as far south as Florida, inclusive; how much further west it may exist, 

 I have no means at present of detemiining. 



Daudin says he is certain that it inhabits Louisiana. The observations, 

 however, of foreign naturalists, on the localities of our reptiles, must be received 

 Vol. III.— 13 



