Latasfia. 23 



first small, divided into two, and in contact with tlie frontal, second 

 and third equal, fourth small and sometimes divided into two ; 7 

 superciliaries, separated from the supraoculars by a complete series of 

 granules. Lower eyelid opaque, with slightly enlarged scales in the 

 middle. Rostral not entering the nostril ; 2 superposed postnasals ; 

 anterior loreal half as long as the second ; 5 or 6 upper labials anterior 

 to the subocular, which is much narrower beneath than above. 2 or 3 

 upper temporals, first narrow and elongate and in contact with the 

 fourth supraocular, or separated from it by a granule ; temporal 

 scales granular, smaller than largest dorsals ; a distinct, narrow 

 tympanic shield. 



4 pairs of chin-shields, first three in contact in the middle ; 27 to 

 31 gular scales between the symphysis of the chin-shields and the 

 median collar-plate, granular in front, increasing in size and imbricate 

 towards the collar ; no gular fold. Collar with feebly serrated edge, 

 composed of 6 to 8 plates. 



Scales granular on the nape, oval or oval-hexagonal on the body, 

 obtusely keeled on the posterior part of the body, larger and smooth 

 towards the ventrals, 42 to 46 across the middle of the body, about 

 30 in a transverse series between the hind limbs. Ventral plates with 

 the postero-inner angle obliquely truncate, in 6 longitudinal series, 

 those of the median pair much narrower than the others ; 25 to 28 

 transverse series. Preanal plate moderately large, bordered by a 

 semicircle of small plates. 



A series of 6 large transverse plates under the forearm. Scales on 

 upper surface of tibia small, strongly keeled. 10 or 11 femoral pores 

 on each side. Subdigital lamellse bicarinate, 24 or 25 under the fourth 

 toe. 



Caudal scales in equal whorls, upper oblicj[ue, truncate, strongly and 

 diagonally keeled, lower smooth ; 26 to 32 scales in the fourth whorl. 



The type specimens are pale brown above, with three dark brown 

 longitudinal streaks and, on each side, two broader black bands 

 originating behind the eye, the upper sometimes extending to the 

 nostril after passing through the eye ; the lateral bands separated by 

 a yellowish streak ; flanks black with a series of round yellowish 

 spots. The specimen from Dolo in the British Museum is uniform 

 pale brown above, with a dark brown lateral band. Lower parts white. 



Measurements (in millimetres) : 



