SNAKES. 185 
and not distinct from the body ; the gape of the narrow mouth is 
very limited. 
These animals feed on earth-worms and insects. 
they sometimes appear above the surface of the ground, when 
they show a certain amount of activity. The family of the 
Typhlopide is divided into the following genera: Helminthophis, 
containing about tive species ; Zyphlops, numbering about ninety- 
seven species; and Z'yphlophis, of one species. These creatures 
are sometimes brought to this country, and therefore, I think, a 
After rain, 
Fic. 60.—DIAGRAM showing the Position FIG. 61.—DIAGRAM showing the Position 
and Names of some of the Principal 
Shields, etc., on the Under Part of 
a Snake’s Head (Hlaphis quaterra- 
diatus), from nature : 1, Chink through 
which the tongue is exserted: 2, 
Mental or middle lower lip shields; 
3, Lower labials, or lip shields; 4, 
Chin -shields. 
and Names of some of the Principal 
Shields on the Side of a Snake’s 
Head (Hlaphis quaterradiatus), from 
nature: 1, Rostral; 2 and 3, Nasal; 
4, Pri€-orbital or anterior ocular; 5, 
Post-orbital or Post-ocular; 6, Tem- 
porals; 7, Upper labials, lip shields; 
8, Lower labials, or lip shields. 
short reference to them should not be omitted. They are very 
far removed from the true Ophidian type, and might be classed 
as Lizards rather than as Snakes except for the reasons already 
When in captivity they should receive the same treat- 
They are 
and 
given. 
ment as that recommended for the Amphisbenide. 
natives of Southern Europe, India, Africa, Australia, 
Tropical America. 
The Black-and-White Blind Snake (T7yphlops nigroalbus) is 
about 12in. or 13in. long when full grown, the body being almost 
