24. LICHANURA 637 
three deep reddish or blackish brown longitudinal bands in 
strong contrast with the ground color. These bands extend 
from the snout to the end of the tail. In the type specimen 
the median dark band was about four scales wide, the two 
lateral bands about five scales wide, and the stripe of ground 
color between them was about three and a half scales wide. 
The belly and lower sides are whitish, irregularly speckled 
or blotched with dark brown. 
A living specimen was colored as follows: The head is 
pure drab-gray with markings of seal-brown above, uniform 
whitish below. On the body the ground color above is rich 
drab-gray, with a slight creamy cast, separating three long- 
itudinal stripes of very dark seal-brown. The belly and 
sides are creamy white, irregularly dotted and blotched with 
seal-brown, 
Length to anus 
Tengthiioteitaile tic Serer eee 96 101 
Distribution.—This species apparently is confined to the 
Cape Region of Lower California. Mr. Xantus obtained 
the original specimens in swamps among the mountains near 
Cape San Lucas. Mr. Belding secured an individual near 
La Paz. Mr. F. Billa sent me one collected near San José 
del Cabo. It has been collected near Santa Anita. 
Flabits—The snake of this species which I had alive for 
some time was very gentle, and rather slow in its move- 
ments. It had the curious habit, often shown by Charina 
and Lichanura roseofusca, of coiling itself into a compact 
mass or ball when disturbed. 
