SOLENOGL YPHA. 213 



teeth, which are placed anteriorly in the upper jaw, and behind 

 which there are usually solid hooked teeth. The palatine and 

 pterygoid bones, as well as the lower jaw, are armed with hooked 

 teeth. 



Fam. Elapidae. Resemble the Colubridee. Head covered with scales ; usually 

 with two rows of sub-caudal scutes. Naja tripudians Merr., the Cobra, 

 Bengal; N. Jiaje L. Cleopatra's Snake, Egypt; Elaps corallinus L., the coral 

 Snake, South America. (Fig. 639.) 



Fam. Hydrophidae, Sea- Snakes. With scarcely distinct head which is covered 

 with scutes, and compressed body which is prolonged into a strongly compressed 



FIG. 639. maps corallinut (rfcgne animal). 



swimming-tail. They are viviparous. Platurus fasciatus Daud., Indian Ocean 

 Hydrophis (Pelamis) Mcolor Daud. (fig. 610), Indian Ocean. 



Sub order 4. Solenoglypha. Snakes with triangular head and 

 relatively short tail. The small upper jaw has a hollow poison tooth 

 on either side, and one or more reserve teeth. Small solid hooked 

 teeth are also present on the palate and in the under jaw. 



Fam. Viperidae (Vipers). Head strongly marked off and broad, without 

 pits between the nares and eyes. There are usually two rows of scales on the 

 under side of the short tail. Vlpera aspis Merr. In wooded mountain regions 

 of South Europe. V. aminodytes Dura. Bibr. The sand viper, with a soft 

 horny prominence on the tip of the snout. Italy and Dalmatia. Pelias lerus. 



