July 26, 1919 Vol. VII, pp. 7-13 



PROCEEDINGS 



OF THE 



NEW ENGLAND ZOOLOGICAL CLUB 



HERPETOLOGICAL NOTES 



BY THOMAS BARBOUR 



Regarding Diadophis punctatus 



During the past winter in Florida I had the opportunity after 

 an interval of some years to observe living Southern ring-neck 

 snakes. I was struck with their rich coloring, far more vivid 

 than that of our New England ring-necks. Returning to Cam- 

 bridge, I concluded that two easily recognized forms were being 

 confused. Not long after, in Washington, Dr. Stejneger told me 

 that he had been similarly persuaded some years ago ; and with 

 characteristic generosity he sent me, quite unasked, his notes 

 summarizing his observations on the large series preserved in the 

 United States National Museum. 



The old name of Diadophis punctatus is to be restricted to the 

 Southern race and should stand: 



Diadophis punctatus punctatus (Linne) 



Coluber punctatus Linn^, Syst. Nat., Ed. 12, Vol. I, 1766, p. 376. Type 

 locality, Carolina. 



The original description is pertinent and explicit: Cinereus; subtus 

 luteus ordine triplici punctorum nigrorum, tribus scilicet in singulo ordine. 

 Cauda etiam subtus flava. V. 136. Sc. 43. 



