OLIVE-BROWN WATER SNAKE. gI 
Colour—The colouration varies considerably according to the locality of 
the species— 
A. Vertebral spots elongate and more or less confluent into a zig-zag 
vertebral band; a black stripe along upper surface of tail; 
under-parts spotted with blackish. 
B. A dorsal series of large squarish or rhomboidal dark spots, sepa- 
rated by light intervals, alternating with a lateral series of spots 
or cross bars; under-parts spotted or dotted only at the sides. 
C. Pale reddish-brown above with the markings very much effaced. 
Intermediate between B. and F. 
D. Dorsal markings as in B. but ventrals edged with blackish, 
E. Dorsal spots confluent with lateral ones, forming cross bands ; 
belly unspotted. 
F. No spots or markings of any kind (Natal). 
Average length—3 feet. 
Distribution—Generally distributed over South Africa ; ranges as far 
north as Sennar and Sierra Leone. 
OLIVE-BROWN WATER SNAKE. 
(Ablabophis rufulus.) 
This well-known snake is common in suitable localities all 
over South Africa. It is invariably found in the neighbourhood 
Fic. 39.—An Olive-brown Water Snake. (After Smith.) 
of swamps, vleis, and the banks ofriver and pools. Itis an expert 
swimmer and diver, as well as climber. In captivity it prefers 
frogs to any other food, showing great expertness in their capture. 
I have, on several occasions, observed these Olive Water Snakes 
chase frogs into the water and dive down and secure them at the 
