CHAPTER XXVIII: SMALL, MISCELLANEOUS 



KEELED-SCALED SERPENTS 

 The Genera Clonophis, Tropidoclonium, Seminatrix and 



LlODYTES 



The four genera embraced in this chapter seem to be 

 most nearly related to the natracine snakes — the water snakes 

 and striped snakes. As each of the genera contains a single 

 species, they are readily separated, thus: 



*Si^e small. 



JScales heavily keeled. 



Ventral plate divided. Head not distinct. 



Pattern m transverse blotches. 



Genus Clonophis — C. kirtlandi. 

 Distribution. — Central States. 

 Ventral plate entire. Head not distinct. 

 Brown, with three pale stripes. 



Genus Tropidoclonium — T. lineatum. 

 Distribution. — Central States. 

 tJBody scales smooth; scales on the tail keeled. 

 Lustrous black; a faint line in the centre of each scale; 

 abdomen red. 



Genus Seminatrix — 5. pygcea. 

 Distribution. — Florida. 

 **Siie moderate. 



Dark brown; a yellowish band on each side; abdomen 

 yellow. 



Genus Liodytes — L. alleni. 

 Distribution. — Florida. 



Detailed descriptions: 



The Genus Clonophis: This genus is closely related to Tropi- 

 donotus. It contains a single species. The scales are in 19 

 rows; all are strongly keeled. 



KIRTLAND'S SNAKE 

 Clonophis kirtlandi, (Kenn.) 

 Size rather small. Body stout; head not distinct from 

 neck. Looks much like a small Tropidonotus , in general out- 

 lines. 



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