58 HETERODON. 



The pattern of coloration is probably similar to that of H. platy- 

 rlivnos, except that the outer edges of the dorsal blotches are confluent 

 with the irregular markings of the sides, instead of being quite dis- 

 tinctly defined. Occasionally black blotches opposite the transverse 

 light marks are evident. The light bands are sometimes interrupted 

 and sometimes oblique ; their extent is about the same as in H. 

 2}Iatj/rhmos. The black intervals between these light bars are much 

 longer than in II. plati/rlunoa, occupying from 5 to 6 scales anteri- 

 orly, and on the tail from 6 to 7. The light bands may have been 

 orange in life. On the side of the head is a broad distinct black 

 stripe from the posterior part of the eye to the posterior end of the 

 truncated last labial, and continuous with an obscured black band 

 across the forehead, on the posterior half of the postfrontals. Lower 

 jaw and sides of head blotched with black. 

 Georgia. 131+1.56.23. 25.5*. Prof. C. B. Adams. 



A young specimen, apparently of this species, has the head much 

 more depressed than in individuals of H. plafi/rhinos of the same 

 size. The general color above is lead-gray, with transverse bands 

 of lighter gray on the back, margined by dark chestnut, which shades 

 gradually into the gray. The other features are well preserved, 

 except that the rostral, as usual in young specimens, is higher. 

 Cha7'lesto7i, S. C. 137+1. 54. 25. 12J. If. Dr. S. B. Barker. 



Another larger specimen has the lateral spots rather more distinct. 

 The dorsal bands are pale rose-color, (in alcohol). It agrees in the 

 shorter occipitals, smaller number of bands, less carinated scales, 

 lower rostral, &c. 

 Charleston. 141+1. 49. 25. 17. 2f . C. Girard. 



A large specimen from Charleston agrees in its external anatomy, 

 but at first sight appears entirely black above, and of an irregular 

 slate-color beneath. On a closer examination, however, the trans- 

 verse bands are obsoletely visible, especially towards the tail. Traces 

 of the markings on the head may likewise be distinguished. Per- 

 haps often confounded with the true H. niger. 

 Charleston, S. C. 137+1. 53. 23. 26. 4i. Dr. S. B. Barker. 



