RHINOCHEILUS. 121 



The body is crossed by about 33 quadrate black blotches, the 27th 

 opposite the anus. These are nearly of the same length, and of the 

 same distance apart throughout, four scales long, and extending be- 

 tween the second external rows, where their sides are rather rounded 

 or angulated. The black is very deep, and continuous on the four 

 or five central rows of scales, whence to the flanks it is varied 

 by having the centres of each scale reddish yellow. The intervals 

 between the blotches are exactly the reverse ; above they are uni- 

 form pale red, and on the sides the centres of each scale are black. 

 Sometimes scattered black scales may be observed on the back in the 

 light spaces. Beneath yellowish white, unspotted. The two outer 

 rows of scales of the same color, but with a short black bar extend- 

 ing from the middle of each light and dark space, perpendicularly to 

 the abdomen, the extreme edge of which is sometimes involved. The 

 head and half its length behind are black, spotted with yellowish on 

 the sides. The snout and labials yellowish, the plates margined 

 with black. 

 ^an Diego, Cal. 206. 40. 23. 21. 2^. Dr. John L. Leconte. 



