REPTILES 



431 



Russell's viper is common, a reddish-brown snake with a 

 series of three black lozenged-shaped marks along its body. 



The bitis is also common. It is described under "Africa." 



The echis is seen in dry desert tracts, commonly in India. 



The scales on the flanks are much smaller than those on the 

 back, and are at an oblique angle, toothed and ribbed not unlike 



Vipera russellii {fiyn., Vipera elegatts', daboia, or Russell's viper), India. 

 (After Sir Joseph Fayrer.) 



a spear point. They are aggressive, and their venom is highly 

 haemolytic in action. 

 (4) CrotalincB. 



These are found in America and are mentioned later. 



In Africa. 



The Elapin^e and Viperinae are plentiful. Hydrophynas are found 

 at times, but are accidental, 

 (i) Elapince. 



The Naja and its species are known by their hoods and their 

 erectile ribs. The scales are smooth. The N. haje is the 



