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Var intermedia, W. Blanford. J. A. S., B., 1870, p. 339. 



General aspect as of typical tectum, but "the second vertebral 

 almost hexagonal, the breadth exceeding the length slightly, the 

 posterior margin straight, thus differing from typical tectum and 

 tentoria in which it is convex. Fourth, diamond-shaped, not the 

 ordinary ' decanter, ' though this shape is more seen in aged 

 specimens. The colouration also differs. Sternal plates black, the 

 anterior and lateral margins, but not the posterior ones yellow, 

 liimbs and head dull olive, paler below, the first unspotted ; in 

 this differing conspicuously from Bengal specimens of tectwm." 

 Largest specimen 4 long, 3"2 broad, 2 high. 



Inhabits the Hasdo River a tributary of the Mahanadi above 

 Sambalpur. 



Summing up Mr. Blanford remarks : " It is very clear these 

 variations tend in a great measure to obliterate the distinction 

 between P. tectum and P. tentoria, the only remaining difference 

 being the more tumid form of the first named species, but I doubt 

 if this be a more valid character than the form of the plates." 

 With this conclusion I fully agree, and am inclined to extend its 

 application to other species of the genus besides tentoria, in spite 

 of the fiict that they have been generically separated b}^ so great 

 an authority as Dr. Gray. 



P. tentoria. Gray. 



Batagar tentoria, Gray. 



Cuchoa tentoria, Gray. Sup. Cat. S. R., p. 61. 

 Very closely resembles tectum, but " at all ages has the median 

 keels of the first three vertebral plates much less developed, and 

 the form of the whole carapace is conspicuously flatter and 

 broader. The third vertebral plate is quadrangular,, longer by 

 half than broad, with the keel quite obsolete on the anterior half 

 and but little raised posteriorly. Nuchal plate sub-quadrangular. 

 A narrow black line is continued along the spinal ridge of 

 tentoria, whereas the middle of the ridge is broadly white in 

 tectuTYi." Blyth. ' Colour above brown. Sternum blackish, brown 

 with yellow margin. Grows to 8' 25 inches. 

 Inhabits tlie Indus River and the Dekkan. 



