12 



GROUP II. — Snakes with narrow ventrals. 



THE INDIAN PYTHON {Python molurus). 



Length — A large, stout snake. Grows upwards of 10 feet. 

 Its size, however, is apt to be exaggerated : 

 probably 20 feet is the maximum. 

 Shape — Head : distinct from neck with a long snout. 



Body : rounded and stout. Rudimentary hind 

 limbs exist as small spurs, one each side of the 

 vent, and are generally visible. 

 Tail : about one-eighth of the whole length. 

 Eye : moderate with erect pupil. 

 Head shields — The head is shielded but not quite nor- 

 mally. The parietal shields are rudimentary 

 and between the frontal and the prse -frontal 

 there are some intercalated shields. The 

 rostral and first two supra-labials are pitted."^ 

 There are about 12 supra-labials. 

 Scales — About 65. 

 Ventrals — Very narrow, 242 to 262, anal entire, sub- 



caudals 60—72 divided. 

 Colouring — Three rows of quadrangular brown spots 

 (one median) separated by narrow buff lines. 

 A brown spot formed by a buff or yellow mark 

 occupies the head. 

 Habitat — India and Burma. 



(The Malayan Python is also found in Burma.) 



KUSSELL'S EARTH SNAKE {Eryx conicus). f 



Length— Grows to 3 feet, but is generally less. 

 Shape — Head : scarcely distinct from body. Broad snout. 

 The chin has no mental groove. 



* In the Malayan Pytbon (P. reticulalus) tlie first four upper labials are pitted' 

 t The Red Band i^n&ke—Gongylophis conicus (Nicholson). 



