REPTILES. 125 



Dorsal scale rows usually 25-28-21-19, fmiuently 23-21-(19). 

 Siipralabials 11-13 in number, separated from the orbit by a row 

 of small scales that is continuous with the postoculars; infrala- 

 bials usually about 11 to 14. Two preoculars, elongated anteriorly, 

 the upper meeting the posterior nasal scute, Loreal small and 

 trapezoidal in form, Ventrals lo4-14T; subcaudals 22-30, undivided. 

 Anal plate single. 



Ground color above grayish or ash, relieved by several series of 

 deep brown blotches that form cross bands on the tail. Spots of 

 the dorsal series large, and transversely and irregularly oblong in 

 form. Below and alternating Avith the vertebral row a row of 

 small rounded spots, and below these a series of large blotches 

 transversely oblong and extending to the second row of scales, and 

 alternating with these another series of small spots on the first 

 and second scale rows. Spots of all of the series, with the excep- 

 tion of the row of small rounded blotches exterior to the vertebral 

 series, margined with an inner black and an outer pale yellow line. 

 Dorsal blotches occasionally divided or fused with the upper row 

 of lateral spots, A pair of elongated spots similar to the other 

 dorsal spots in color extend from the cephalic plates to the neck, 

 and another on either side extends backward from the orbit. In- 

 ferior yellow margin of the latter well developed between the eye 

 and the angle of the mouth forming a narrow yellow band. Two 

 diverging yellow lines from the pit to the lip. Head dark brown, 

 as the dorsal blotches, but with a light brownish band between the 

 eyes and occasionally light marks on the posterior head ])lates. 

 Color underneath black irregularly broken up with pale yellow. 



Hal)its and Hahltat: The rattle snake, or massauger, as it is 

 generally known, is the only poisonous snake in Michigan ; a state- 

 ment which when generally known should stop the wholesale de- 

 struction of the harmless snakes practiced by most i)ersons who 

 come in contact with them. Needless to sav this snake should be 

 avoided as it is distinctly venomous, but on the other hand most of 

 the current stories about it must be discredited for it is doubtful 

 if its bite is sufficiently noxious to kill a healthv adult. It is a 

 sluggish snake, slow to bite, and usually gives warning with its 

 rattle before striking. It is thus little to be feared. 



It prefers the vicinity of swamps, although not aquatic in its 

 habits, and is becoming yearly more rare in this region. Its ex- 

 tinction is probably due to several causes chief of which is the 

 draining of swamps and the killing of great numbers by farmers. 

 An excellent general account of the habits of the species is given 

 by Hay (1887). 



