276 REPTILES OF THE WORLD 



hue are narrow vermilion stripes; the sides are banded 

 with orange, the scales red-tipped. Beneath, the pattern 

 is reversed, the abdomen being red with rows of purple 

 dots. This beautiful, glittering reptile leads a subter- 

 raneous life. It is the only species of its genus. In cap- 

 tivity, mature individuals cannot be induced to eat; very 

 young examples take earthworms. A closely-related 

 species— also the only member of its genus — Farancia — 

 is known as the Red-Bellied Snake, F. abacura. The 

 habitat embraces the Southeastern States. The back is 

 iridescent pitch black, the abdomen brick red, which hue 

 extends upward on the sides in the form of bars. While 

 specimens six feet long are not rare, the structure of this 

 handsome snake at once indicates subterraneous habits. 

 The head is flat and not at all distinct from the neck, 

 with small, dull eyes, the pupil barely larger than a pin- 

 hole. As markedly degenerate is the structure of the 

 tongue ; this organ is incongruously small and incapable 

 of the rapid vibratory movements to be noted among 

 most snakes. Red-bellied Snakes are lively enough 

 when handled, but seldom attempt to bite. The tail is 

 armed with a minute spine as sharp as a needle. In 

 thrashing about a specimen may involuntarily scratch 

 one's hand with this spine. Owing to this characteristic 

 a story has arisen to the effect that snakes of the species 

 sting with the tail. More ridiculous, however, is the 

 belief of the negroes that the Red-bellied Snake often 

 takes its tail into the mouth and rolls along at a lively 

 gait ; hence another popular name, the Hoop Snake. 



Subfamily Rhachiodontince : One genus, containing 

 a single species, is known. The habitat is tropical and 

 South Africa. Characterized by the presence of only 

 a few teeth on the rear part of the jaw bones, the food 

 of the species is restricted almost entirely to eggs. To 



