Small, Keeled-scaled Serpents 



the neck. Scales of the body smooth, polished and opalescent; 

 a few rows on the top of the tail are distinctly keeled. 



Colouration. The pattern consists of bands, extending 

 lengthwise. On the back is a broad band of dark brown, occupy- 

 ing the five central rows of scales and a half row on each side; 

 this band also covers the top of the head. On each side of the 

 dark area is a pale olive, or yellowish band, two scales wide and 

 beneath this, another band of the darker hue, the width of 2^ 

 rows of scales. The abdomen, ist, 2d and one half of the 3d 

 rows of scales, also the upper lip plates, are yellow and immacu- 

 late. 



Through the courtesy of Dr. Samuel Carman, who originally 

 described this species, the writer has examined the type specimen. 

 Its smooth, shining scales, small, flat head and banded markings, 

 cause it to resemble the Rainbow Snakes (Farancia and Abastor}, 

 though it is not closely related to those serpents. It is a showy 

 reptile, but, like the Rainbow Snakes, leads a burrowing life. 



Dimensions. The measurements were taken from the type 

 specimen: 



Total Length 24^ inches. 



Length of Tail 5^ 



Greatest Diameter f " 



Width of Head * " 



Length of Head I 



Distribution. Known only from Florida. It is a rare ser- 

 pent. 



Habits. A secretive animal, found hiding under logs in 

 damp places. Captive specimens cannot be induced to feed. 



265 



