Tbe Flat-nosed Snakes 



The Genus Salvadora: One species of this genus occurs in 

 the United States; several species inhabit Mexico. These 

 snakes are closely allied to the racers — Zamenis, and like the 

 latter are very quick in their movements. All inhabit rocky 

 places and feed upon small mammals and birds; they do not 

 constrict their prey. The species are oviparous. 



THE BANDED FLAT-NOSED SNAKE; GRAHAJVl'S FLAT- 

 NOSED SNAKE 

 Salvadora grahamice, (Baird & Girard) 



Size moderate. Snout blunt and square owing to the peculiar 

 development of the rostral shield, the sides of which are sharp 

 and slightly separated from the head. 



Colouration. — On the back is a wide yellow band, extending 

 the entire length of the body; this band is about three scales 

 wide; it is bordered on each side by a dark brown or olive band 

 of about the same width. Beneath the brown band to the edges 

 of the abdominal plates is a greenish or pale brownish area. The 

 abdomen is yellow. 



Some variation is evinced by this species. The brown 

 bands may be more or less distinct and with occasional spec- 

 imens they are broken into rows of dark spots. The head is 

 generally light and without markings above; the lips are bright 

 yellow. 



Dimensions. — An adult specimen from northern Chihuahua, 

 Mexico, shows the following measurements: 



Total Length 2 feet 4 inches. 



Length of Tail 5i " 



Greatest Diameter | " 



Width of Head * " 



Length of Head f " 



Distribution. — Western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, 

 Nevada, California and Lower California; the species also occurs 

 in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. It is fairly 

 abundant within the United States. 



The Genus Phyllorhynchus: The species are quite distinct 

 from those of Salvadora and appear to be very rare. The rostral 

 plate is enormously developed; the head is short, thick and 

 chunky and the eye very large, with elliptical pupil. 



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