1881] l ' 5 [Cope. 



may be the plateau of Costa Rico at Cartage, from Dr. Van Patten's col- 

 lection. If this indication be correct, this is the most southern species of 

 the genus. 



Storeria tropica, sp. nov. 



This species agrees with the 8. dekayi Holbr., excepting in two points. 

 It has but six superior labials. The diminution in the number is posterior 

 to the orbit, and the fifth and sixth scuta are of a different form from those 

 of the S. dekayi. They are longer and less elevated. The second character 

 is in the color. This species lacks the dark mark that descends from the 

 orbit to the superior labial margin in the 8. dekayi. 



Peten Guatemala, Z7. Hague. 



Coluber mutabilis, sp. nov. Coluber triaspis Cope, Proceeds. Amer. 

 Philos, Soc, 1879, p. 271, nee Copei. 

 Two species of this genus are already known from Mexico, the C. flavi- 

 rtifus and C. triaspis Cope, which are distinguished by various peculiari- 

 ties both of scutellation and of color. A considerable number of speci- 

 mens have, however, been received by the Smithsonian Institution, which 

 present intermediate characters. On study it appears that these really 

 represent a species distinct from either, and one which inhabits the ele- 

 vated regions of the country, while those previously known belong to the 

 Tierra Caliente. I distinguish the species as follows : 

 Scales in 27-9 rows ; one loreal ; nine superior labials ; three rows of 

 temporal scuta between labials and occipital ; dorsal and lateral spots 

 large and close together; an oblique light band on post-temporal 

 region, and a narrow yellow median spot on nape ; marks not be- 

 coming obsolete G. flavirvfus. 



Scales in 31-3 rows ; one loreal ; eight upper labials ; three rows of tem- 

 poral scuta ; dorsal and lateral spots smaller, and separated ; three 

 longitudinal bands behind frontal region ; all the markings becoming 



obsolete in a general brown color, with maturity C. mutabilis. 



Scales in 35 rows ; two or three loreals ; eight upper labials ; four rows 

 of temporals ; dorsal and lateral spots smaller, separated ; three longi- 

 tudinal black bauds from frontal region to nape ; ? maturity. 



0. triaspis. 



Of the Coluber mutabilis I have before me four specimens from Vera 

 Paz from Mr. Hague ; one from the plateau of Costa Rica from Mr. Zele- 

 don, and one from the central or elevated part of the State of Tehuantepec, 

 from Mr. Sumichrast. I have examined a seventh specimen in the col- 

 lection of Professor Alfredo Duges, who took it in the State of Guana- 

 juato. Of the C. flavirufus, there are three specimens before me ; the 

 type from Tobasco, Berendt ; one from Vera Cruz from Sartorius, and 

 one from Yucatan from the Schott collection of the Commision Cientifica. 

 I have examined two large specimens in the city of Mexico brought from 

 the State of Chiapas, from Dr. li. Montes-de-Oca. 



