The Flat-nosed Snakes 



The Genus Salvadora: One species of this genus occurs in 

 the United States; several species inhabit Mexico. These 

 snakes are closely allied to the racers Zamenis, and like the 

 latter are very quick in their movements. All inhabit rocky 

 places and feed upon small mammals and birds; they do not 

 constrict their prey. The species are oviparous. 



THE BANDED FLAT-NOSED SNAKE; GRAHAM'S FLAT- 

 NOSED SNAKE 

 Salvadora grahamice, (Baird & Girard) 



Size moderate. Snout blunt and square owing to the peculiar 

 development of the rostral shield, the sides of which are sharp 

 and slightly separated from the head. 



Colouration. On the back is a wide yellow band, extending 

 the entire length of the body; this band is about three scales 

 wide; it is bordered on each side by a dark brown or olive band 

 of about the same width. Beneath the brown band to the edges 

 of the abdominal plates is a greenish or pale brownish area. The 

 abdomen is yellow. 



Some variation is evinced by this species. The brown 

 bands may be more or less distinct and with occasional spec- 

 imens they are broken into rows of dark spots. The head is 

 generally light and without markings above; the lips are bright 

 yellow. 



Dimensions. An adult specimen from northern Chihuahua, 

 Mexico, shows the following measurements: 



Total Length 2 feet 4 inches. 



Length of Tail 5! " 



Greatest Diameter " 



Width of Head " 



Length of Head f " 



Distribution. Western Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, 

 Nevada, California and Lower California; the species also occurs 

 in the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, Mexico. It is fairly 

 abundant within the United States. 



The Genus Pbyllorhynchus: The species are quite distinct 

 from those of Salvadora and appear to be very rare. The rostral 

 plate is enormously developed; the head is short, thick and 

 chunky and the eye very large, with elliptical pupil. 



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