CHILOMENISCUS—M. TANTILLA 



fourth often largest, first pair meeting on median line. 

 Genials in two pairs, posterior much smaller. Scales on body 

 smooth, in 13 rows. Anal plate divided. Gastrosteges vary- 

 ing in number from 1 1 2 to 1 1 7. Urosteges in two series of 

 from 21 to 26. 



The top of the head is grayish dotted with brown. 

 The ground color of the upper surfaces of the body and 

 tail in adult specimens varies from brownish drab to bright 

 yellowish cinnamon. It is cream buff in a younger individual. 

 Dark brown spots are present near the tips of the scales in 

 all specimens, but do not appear upon the first row of scales. 

 They are present rarely upon the scales of the second row, 

 but constantly upon those of the third. The first, second 

 and half of the third rows of scales are yellowish white or 

 straw-color, as are also the gastrosteges. 



Length to anus 195 196 197 207 237 



Length of tail_ 28 30 26 29 35 



Distribution. — This beautiful little snake has been found 

 only in the southern part of Lower California. It has been 

 collected at Cape San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, Miraflores, 

 San Marthe, and La Paz. 



Genus 43. Tantilla 



Tantilla Baird & Girard, Cat. N. Amer. Rept., Pt. 1, Serp., 185 3, p. 131 



(type, coronata). 

 Ho7rmlocranwn Dumeril, Mem. Ac. Sci. Paris, Vol. XXIII, 1853, p. 490. 



The body is very slender, with tail of moderate length 

 and no constriction at neck. The snout protrudes a little 

 beyond the lower jaw. The head is very low, and very 

 flat above. Its plates are normal, except that there is no 

 loreal. One preocular and one or two postoculars are 

 present. The scales are smooth, arranged in 15 (or 13) 



