CROCODILIANS, LIZARD8, AND SNAKES. 



845 



zoidal, highest auteriorly, nasals moderate. Labials eight above, 

 moderate, i)osteiior small, twelve below ; posterior very small, sixth 

 and seventh largest. Nine rows of scales between labials and abdom- 

 inal scntelhv at the angle of the month. Onter three to seven rows 

 smooth, then carinated very obsoletfly, and then more decidedly and 

 in increasing degree toward the back. 



Color above black or dark lead color, marked by a dorsal series of 

 quadrangular blotches, about thirty- four from head to anus, rather 

 acutely emarginate before 

 and behind, occupying a 

 width equal to about fifteen 

 scales. The lozenge- shaped 

 intervals between these 

 blotches are from two to three 

 scales long centrally, dimin- 

 ishing and becoming more 

 linear posteriorly. On each 

 side, and alternating with 

 the dorsal series is a second 

 alternating one, composed of 

 subrectangular elongated 

 blotches, and alternating 

 again with these is a second 

 indistinct series along the 

 edge of the abdomen. The 

 entire system bf coloration is 

 very difficult to define, the 

 general appearance being 

 that of a blacksnake with 

 irregular obsolete mottlings 

 of white. The intervals be- 

 tween the blotches may be 

 indicated as being white, 

 with the center and apex of 

 each scale lead color, the pro- 

 portion of the latter being 

 very small on the sides and 

 increasing to the dorsal line. 



The scales in the centers of the blotches have the basal half narrowly 

 margined with white, as is the case, to some extent, with the lateral 

 spots. Beneath greenish-white, with the centers of the scutelhr mottled 

 with dark slate-blue, increasing backward. Chin and throat immaculate 

 yellowish-white, scales on the sides with a bluish spot on the apex. 



The colors descril)ed are those as preserved in alcohol. The color of 

 the animal when alive is, at least in individuals i'rom west of the Mis- 

 sissippi and Texas, red in the markings, which are white in spirits. 



3 



Fig. 194. 



Coluber obsoletus obsoletus Say. 



= 1. 



Carlisle, Pennsylvania. 



Cat. No. 1569, TI.S.N.M. 



