2 ARKIV FÖR ZOOLOGI. BAND 7. N:0 8. 



than long, about one half the length of the prsef rontals. Fron- 

 tal verv short, about as broad as long, a little shorter than the 

 prsef rontals, shorter than its distance from the rostral, much 

 shorter than the parietals. Supraoccipital large, on one side 

 fully two thirds as broad as the fr ont al, on the other where it 

 has been fused with the upper postocular quite as broad as the 

 frontal. Loreal about as long as deep. One prae- and one 

 (right), or two (left) postoculars. Temporals 1+2. Seven 

 upper labials, third and fourth entering the eye. Only four 

 lower labials in contact with the anterior chin shields, which are 

 longer than the posterior. E3^e rather small but larger than 

 the nostril. Scales strongly keeled in 15 rows, 17 on the neck. 

 The scales of the nape are smaller but the bicarinate median row 



Fig. 1. Mehelya {Simocephalus) lamani n. sp. nat. size. 



and all the lateral row^s can be followed all the way to the head 

 shields. The middle keel of each scale usuall}^ with three ele- 

 vations or tubercles. In addition to this main keel the scales 

 are provided with lateral keels or rows of tubercles, and with 

 deep striations. On the ou termos t row of scales the keels are 

 only slightly developed. Ven tråls 231; subcaudals 53, anal 

 entire. 



Dark olive brown above, each scale withalight spöt at the 

 tip. Lower side except the lateral end of ven tråls light-coloured 

 (3'enowish white in spirit). 



As the figures indicate this new species is a rather 

 large and heavily built snake. The total length of the present 

 specimen is about 145 cm. and of this the tail is 17,5 cm. The 

 thickness is also considerable, the greater part of the body 

 having a diameter which is nearly or quite 3 cm. 



