514 SNAKES OF THE GENUS LICHANURA STEJNEGER. 



best differentiated form of the group. In the features here referred to 

 none of tbe other specimens ofier an approach, so that I have no other 

 choice but to regard it as a good species. 



Its status is somewhat like that of Charina hrachyops as compared 

 with Ch. pinmbea, and resting as it does upon only a siugle specimen 

 the connectiug link may some day turn up. Then will be the time to 

 drop it. but not till then. 



I am thus forced to recognize, for the present, three species which 

 may be distinguished as follows : 



o' Eye large, its diameter more than one-third the distance from anterior cauthus to 

 tip of muzzle ; gastrosteges about 218 ; color whitish with three blackish- 

 brown longitudinal bands in strong contrast 1. L. irivirgata. 



a^ Eye smaller, its diameter, one- third or less the distance from anterior canthus to tip 

 of muzzle; gastrosteges 224-241; color brownish or bluish above, with or 

 without longitudinal bands, which, when present, contrast but little against 

 the ground color. 



fti True loreals, 3 ; scale-rows, 39-43 2. L. roseofusca. 



b- True loreals, 2; scale-rows, 35 3. L. orcutti^ 



