810 13. COLUBRIDSE 



normally one followed by two, sometimes 1+3 or 2+3. 

 Eight or rarely nine, seven or ten superior, and eight to 1 1 , 

 normally 10, inferior labials ; usually the fifth, sixth or 

 seventh superior and fifth, sixth or seventh inferior, largest, 

 the fourth and fifth or third and fourth superior reaching 

 eye, the first pair of inferior meeting on the median line. 

 Two pairs of genials, the posterior usually longer than 

 anterior. Scales in nineteen or very rarely 21 rows, all 

 keeled except sometimes the first row on each side. Anal 

 plate not divided. Gastrosteges varying in number from 

 144 to 180; males having from 166 to 180; females from 

 144 to 171. Urosteges in two series of from 66 to 97, 

 males having from 85 to 97, females from 66 to 88. 



The ground color above is olive or yellowish or reddish 

 brown. Along the middle of the back runs a yellow light 

 line of varying width but usually restricted to the scales of 

 one or one and two half rows. On the second and third 

 rows of scales of each side is a broader yellow or white line. 

 The dorso-lateral region between the light lines may be 

 nearly unicolor, but usually shows, more or less distinctly, 

 two series of dark spots which may encroach upon the dorsal 

 or lateral lines. These spots sometimes unite to form cross- 

 bands anteriorly or may be restricted to the skin between 

 the scales, or show but little on the edges of the scales. The 

 top of the head is usually light brown or olive, sometimes 

 with a yellow pineal spot. The labials are light with dark 

 edges. There is a pair of large dark nuchal blotches. The 

 gastrosteges and urosteges are almost always uniform 

 greenish or grayish white, but sometimes are clouded with 

 dusky, especially near their anterior edges, and show blackish 

 spots near the tips of the gastrosteges. The chin and throat 

 normally are yellowish white. 



Length to anus 309 351 407 470 482 489 



Length of tail _ 97 103 134 156 173 173 



