146 Annals of the Carnegie Museum. 



as frequently appear in our newspapers, and which must either be re- 

 garded as an insult to public intelligence, or as overworked jokes. 



Some observations on the habits of certain species are recorded 

 here, and it is hoped that this may stimulate further research in this 

 line, as the life-history of many common species is almost unknown. 



Completeness is not claimed for this catalogue. There are several 

 species not yet taken here, which, according to geographical range, 

 may possibly occur within our limits. Furthermore, several species 

 are included in this list, which, while not yet taken within the limits 

 of the county, have been captured in adjoining counties, and may be 

 found here at any future time. When this is the case it is so stated in 

 the reference to that species. 



Class REPTILIA. 

 This class is represented in Allegheny County by three orders : 

 Ophidia, Lacertilia, and Chelonia. 



Key to Local Orders of Reptilia. 

 Limbs absent ; body elongated, and covered with scales ; teeth present. 



Ophidia (Snakes). 

 Limbs four in number ; body shorter, and covered with small scales ; teeth present. 



Lacertilia (Lizards). 

 Limbs four in number, body short and broad ; no teeth present ; ribs and vertebral 

 column expanded to form a bony shell. Chelonl\ (Turtles). 



Order Ophidia. 



Key to Local Families of Order Ophidia. 



Maxillary bones long ; no pit between the eye and nostril ; no erectile fang in maxil- 

 lary bone. Colubrid/1''.. 



Maxillary bones short ; a pit between the eye and nostril ; an erectile fang in each 

 maxillary bone. Crotalid^. 



Family COLUBRID^. 

 This tamily is represented in Allegheny County by eleven genera, 

 and inckides all the non-poisonous snakes occurring in the State. 



Key to Local Genera of Colubridae. 

 A. Dorsal scales keeled. 

 B. Anal plate divided. 



C. Loreal plate present. 



Scales in seventeen rows. Cyclophis. 



Scales in twenty-seven rows. Coluber. 



Scales in nineteen or twenty-three rows. Natrlx. 



