13. COLUBRIDM 



1 1 ) inferior labials, usually the sixth in each series largest, 

 the fourth and fifth superior reaching eye, first pair of 

 inferior meeting on median line. Two pairs of genials, 

 posterior usually longer than anterior. Scales on body in 2 1 

 or rarely 23 rows, all keeled. Anal plate not divided. Gas- 

 trosteges varying in number from 149 to 163, males having 

 from 157 to 163, females from 149 to 159. Urosteges in 

 two series of from 63 to 79, males having from 77 to 79, 

 females from 63 to 67. 



The ground color above is light brownish, yellowish or 

 grayish with alternating black spots and large nuchal blotches. 

 Dorsal and lateral light lines are present. The dorsal line 

 is narrow, usually about the width of one or one and two 

 half scales, and may have well defined, straight edges or 

 may be somewhat invaded by the dark dorsal spots. The 

 lateral line is on the scales of the third row only anteriorly, 

 but involves those of both second and third rows posteriorly. 

 The scales of the rows below the lateral line are light in 

 color, often heavily spotted with black, these spots alternat- 

 ing with the two series above. The side of the head is dark 

 with a light patch below and partly surrounding the eye 

 and a yellowish or whitish crescentic mark about the posterior 

 edge of the temporal region. The anterior border of this 

 light crescent usually is narrowly edged with black or dark 

 brown. Blackish marks radiate from the orbit occupying 

 the posterior edges of the superior labial plates. Occasion- 

 ally all of the superior labials have dark posterior edges and 

 the inferior labials may be similarly marked. There is a light 

 pineal spot margined with black. The lower surfaces are 

 greenish or yellowish white, each gastrostege usually with a 

 blackish spot externally near its anterior edge. 



Length to anus 266 387 389 574 



Length of tail - 71 122 100 154- 



