VENOMOUS SERPENTS. 181 



head and lower parts scarlet. S. 270 + 49. Inhabits 

 Java and Sumatra, where it forms a variety characterized 

 by a ray do^^^l the medial line of the back. 

 D. Species of Australasia. 



10. Elaps MiJLLERi, from New Guinea and the adjacent 

 islands. Has a body more thick, and a tail short and more 

 conical, than usual ; head distinct from the trunk, covered 

 with very long plates, but with a short muzzle. Above 

 brown, or reddish-brown ; below sometimes yellow, some- 

 times green ; a ray of yellow, or of a rose colour, passes 

 from the lips to the sides. S. 162 + 28. 



11. Elaps coronatus. In size and fonn like the last, 

 but the muzzle more pointed. S. 138 + 52. Subcaudal 

 plates undivided ; six broad labial plates ; a single tem- 

 poral ; of a brownish-green colour ; top of the head bor- 

 dered with a black mark. 



12. Elaps Psammophis. Resembles, so as to be mis- 

 taken for certain Psammophis, and especially for the green 

 variety of Ps. Moniliger of the Cape. Tail more than 

 usually slender. S. 186 + 76. Of an olive green. Below 

 and around the eye yellowish. 



bungarus 



Forms the second genus of the family of Colubriform 

 Venomous Snakes, and comprehends but two nearly al- 

 lied species, very recognisable by their back being invest- 

 ed with a row of hexagonal scales, broader than the rest. 

 They have the habit and physiognomy of the Elaps ; but 

 their form is more vigorous, and they attain a much 

 larger size. The abdomen is convex, the tail strong, 

 clothed below with undivided scuta. 15 to 17 rows of 

 smooth scales. Body annulated with yellow and black. 

 Head nearly as in the Elaps. Their skeleton has broad 

 transverse processes, flattened into plates. Several solid 

 teeth behind the fangs. Bones of the head very strong. 

 Inhabit India, as well as the Islands of Ceylon and Java. 

 1. Bungarus annularis. — Body surrounded with en- 

 tire rings of black and yellow. Tail extremely strong, 

 keeled above, and very thick to the tip. Two streaks 



