21 



THE CORAL-TAIL SNAKE (Simotes cruentatus). 



Very similar to Simotes arnensis. But the anal is some- 

 times entire. The chief difference is only in the colouring, 

 Olive brown ; a dark vertebral stripe, sometimes enclosing a 

 lighter stripe ; a thin lateral stripe. Belly greenish yellow 

 with square blue-black spots ; sub-caudals coral-red with 

 black spot at the root and near the tip of the tail. Functu- 

 lated head markings often not unlike a mask. 



The coral-red of the tail, however, changes to yellow 

 after death. 



Habitat — Common in Burma. 



SIMOTES CYCLURUS (ko English name)* 



Length — Similar to the two preceding snakes, but larger. 

 It grows to 2^ feet and has a stout body. 



Scales— 19 or 21. 



Ventrals — 160 to 210; anal entire. Slight ventral keel. 

 Sub-caudals 36 —58, divided. 



Colouring —hight reddish brown, with three darker 

 stripes ; the vertebral stripe encloses a light 

 median line and ex tends on to the frontal 

 head shields separating two oblique head 

 markings that converge from the dorsal 

 stripes. Fillet across the eyes. Belly white 

 or fawn with alternate square spots. 



Habitat — Common in Burma. 



THE COMMON WOLF SNAKE (Lycodon aulicus or striatus.) 



Length — One to two feet. 



Shape — Head distinct, with flat, long snout. 



*Simotes bieatenatus (Nicholson). 



