Zoology.'] 



NATURAL HISTORY OF VICTORIA. 



{Ileptihs, 



genus from the allied forms. There are only two species known, 

 the present black and red one, and a brown one, the specific 

 distinction of which is doubted by some observers. 



Some fatal cases of suake-bite in man from this species ai'e 

 known, and a large-sized dog will usually die in an hour from the 

 effects of its bite. 



When irritated it can flatten and widen the neck by raising 

 some of the anterior ribs. 



To show the variations in the nimibers of the scales, &c., the 

 following examples from specimens in the National IMuseum are 

 given, indicating the extreme A^ariations, from 7 to IG, particularly 

 of the single row of subcaiidal plates, and the constancy of the 

 rows of scales across the middle of the back. 



The Black Snake may be said to be rare in Victoria, except 

 near the northern boundary. The chief food of this species is 

 formed of frogs, lizards, mice, and other small mammals. It 

 retii'es into holes in the ground during the winter months, from 

 May, until the warmth of spring brings it forth again. The young 

 are colored like the adult, and are usually about 16 or 18 in 

 mmiber. 



EXPLAN.ITION OF FlGUKES. 



Plate 1. — Fig. 1, large specimen one-half natural size. Fig. la. under side of tail of same 

 specimen to show the double anal plate, the anterior subcandal plates in one row, and the 

 posterior ones in two rows, two-third.s the natural size. Fig. 2, side view of head of another 

 specimen, showing the rostral pl.ate, nasal plates, anterior ocular jilatc, two posterior ocular 

 plates, superciliary plate, and upper and lower labial plates, one-third larger than nature. 

 Fig. 2a, front view of same specimen, showing the form of top of the head and rostral plate, 

 one-third larger tluin nature. Fig. 24, inner view of palate of same specimen, showing the two 

 poison-fangs, with the three small solid teetli behind each, on each side, and the two long rows 

 of small solid teeth pointing baclcwards on the palate, one-third larger than nature. Fig. 2c, 

 same specimen seen from above, showing the form and proportions of the rostral plate, anterior 

 pair of frontal plates, posterior pair of frontal plates, two superciliary plates, pair of occipital 

 plates, and the vertex plate, one-third larger than nature. Fig. 2(/, same specimen seen from 

 below, showing the chin plates, one-third larger than nature. 



[6] 



Frederick McCoy. 



