116 



series of black spots. The dorsal stripe occupies the median row of 

 scales and the adjacent half of the next row on each side. The lateral 

 stripe lies on the third and fourth rows of scales on most of the body, but 

 posteriorly narrows and descends to lower rows. One or two series of 

 spots are usually to be seen below the lateral stripe, on the first and 

 second rows. Between the lateral stripe and the dorsal may occur two 

 series of black spots. They may be distinct or obscure The upper 

 surface of the head is dark olive, with the usual two minute yellow dots 

 on the occiput. The upper labials are yellow, with an edging of black. 

 Lower jaw and throat yellow. Abdomen greenish or olive. On the 

 outer ends of the ventrals there is, on each side, a row of black spots, 

 and the posterior edge may be wholly edged with the same color. 



Eidainia radix subspecies melanokenia has recently been described by 

 Prof. E. D. Cope from a specimen furnished him by Mr. A. W. Butler, 

 and taken in southeastern Indiana. In this variety there are 21 rows 

 of scales. The dorsal band is nearly completely bordered on the sides 

 with black. The space between the dorsal and the lateral stripe is 

 nearly covered by the two rows of distinct quadrate black spots. The 

 surface between the spots themselves is dark olive-brown. Below the 

 lateral stripe are two rows of alternating black spots, one on each row 

 of scales. These sometimes coincide and unite. Each of the ventrals 

 has on each of its outer ends a black spot, and these are sometimes so 

 large that the}'^ unife to form an interrupted stripe along the flank. 

 Between these spots the posterior edges of the plates are black. The 

 specimen of Eutainia radix reported by myself in 1881 as occurring in 

 Indiana (22, xv, 738), and included in my list {94-, 'Si, No. 44), proves 

 on further examination to belong to Prof. Cope's melanotcenia. It differs 

 in having 160 instead of 153 ventral plates, and ^-0 instead of dS sub- 

 caudals. There is but a single row of spots below the lateral stripe, but 

 they are large, quadrate, and lie on both the rows of scales. It was 

 taken at Irviugton. 



Habits — Not much is recorded concerning the habits of this species. 

 Drs. Coues and Yarrow found it in considerable numbers in Dakota 

 and Montana. The were observed to stay principally about the borders 

 of streams and pools of water, where they could catch tadpoles, young 

 frogs, and various water insects. They are themselves preyed on by 

 hawks. They are less active than some of the slenderer species, and 

 when handled make little resistance. Only the larger individuals make 

 any attempt to bite. The males and females were found pairing in Sep- 

 tember and part of October, while the greater part of the females were 

 found to be pregnant in July and August, producing thirty or forty- 

 young. This indicates a period of gestation of nearly a year. 



