The Hog-nosed Snakes 



and the edges of the abdominal plates are profusely spotted or 

 blotched with black. 



At a glance, the pattern of the present species appears 

 plainer — more sharply defined — than with the commoner snake, 

 although the arrangement of the bolder markings is very similar. 



There is a broken band across the top of the head, and another 

 from the eye to the angle of the mouth. On the nape are two 

 large blotches. 



Variations. — The body-colour varies from gray to yellow. 

 Many specimens have a tinge of brick-red on the neck or over a 

 considerable portion of the forward part of the body. 



Dimensions. — The measurements of a specimen taken in 

 Hampton County, South Carolina, are given: 



Total Length i8i inches 



Length of Tail 2\ 



Greatest Diameter J 



Width of Head | " 



Length of Head \\ 



Distribution. — Of limited distribution, this snake occurs 

 from South Carolina, inclusive, throughout Florida and west- 

 ward to the Mississippi. 



Habits. — Stouter in body and with very abruptly upturned 

 snout, this species when irritated succeeds in looking yet more 

 hostile than the preceding. It is greatly dreaded by the Southern 

 negroes, who believe its actions portray venomous powers quite 

 equal to the rattlesnake. On all sides it is mercilessly slaughtered 

 as the " Blow Snake " or "Sand Viper." 



In habits the species is very similar to the Common Hog- 

 nosed Snake. The majority of specimens taken by the writer 

 were sunning in the cotton fields. It is much less abundant than 

 the allied species and unlike the latter, which often wanders into 

 the timber, appears to have a decided preference for dry and open 

 places. 



Captive specimens will eat both toads and frogs, but 

 they prefer the former. 



THE WESTERN HOG-NOSED SNAKE 

 Heierodon nasicus, (Baird&Girard) 

 The present species is most nearly allied to the Southern 

 Hog-nosed Snake, though it is a larger reptile. With this snake, 



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