302 VERTEBRATES : REPTILES. 



The Genus Nerodia Water Snakes has the body 

 generally stout, tail one fourth or fifth the total length, 

 and the scales carinated. The general color is three 

 series of dark blotches on a lighter ground ; sometimes 

 almost uniform brown or blackish. The abdomen is uni- 

 form or spotted. There are four or five species in the 

 United States. Length twelve to fifty inches. 



The Genus Regina comprises aquatic snakes with a 

 slender body, tail very much tapering, and forming one 

 third or one fourth the total length, and scales carinated. 

 The general color is five or more longitudinal dark bands 

 on a lighter ground, and the abdomen uniform, or also 

 provided with similar bands. Four species are found in 

 the Middle, Southern, and Western States. Length nine 

 to twenty-four inches. 



The Genus Heterodon Hog-nose Snakes has a short 

 stout body, short tail, and the head, neck, and body capa- 

 ble of excessive dilatation. Two or three species are found 

 in the Southern and Southwestern States, and one extends 

 into Massachusetts. Length twelve to thirty-six inches. 



The Genus Pituophis contains the Pine Snake, or Bull 

 Snake, P. melanoleucus, Holbr., of the pine forests of New 

 Jersey, and southward and westward, which attains the 

 length of nine feet or more ; whitish above, with a series 

 of very large dark blotches. Other species are found from 

 Texas to California. 



The Genus Scotophis has the body cylindrical, very 

 long, color brown or black, in quadrate blotches on the 

 back and sides. Several species are found in North 

 America, from two to five feet or more in length. 



The Genus Ophibolns has the body thick, tail and 

 head short, and eyes very small ; color black, brown, or 

 red, crossed by lighter. Baird and Girard mention nine 

 species found in the United States. O. Boylii, B. & G., 

 of California, is black, with more than thirty broad, ivory- 



