IOO UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO STUDIES 



Dorsal scales in 15 rows, smooth and with a velvety luster; superior 

 labials, 7; inferior labials, 8; ventrals, 120-140; tail about one-third 

 of the total length. 



Dorsal parts bright green to olive to the lower edge of the first row 

 of scales (turning bright blue in alcohol); head darker; ventral parts 

 and labials pale yellowish green or yellowish white. 



This snake is probably entirely insectivorous. Smooth green cater- 

 pillars are its favorite food. It lives among the low underbrush and 

 tall grasses. When disturbed it darts away and quickly conceals 

 itself in the grasses and leaves. It is often found on bushes and briars 

 where its green color makes it very difficult to see unless it is moving. 

 This snake lays from eight to ten eggs. Ditmars 1 gives a very inter- 

 esting account of finding a nest of this species under a stone in a hollow 

 of moss and lichens. He states that the young were four and five- 

 eighths inches in length when first hatched, olive in color above and 

 greenish white below. 



This species ranges over most of the United States east of the 

 Rocky Mountains. 



Colorado specimens. — University Museum: Boulder, August 11, 1911 

 (305 mm.), G. A. Smith, No. 127; Colorado State Historical and Natural History 

 Museum: Palmer Lake, September 14, 1900 (380 mm.), W. C. Ferril; reported by 

 Henderson at Boulder, September 5, 1912. 



Genus CHIONACTIS Cope 



Chionactis Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila., p. 303, 1861. 



Anal plate divided; scales smooth; scales in 13 to 17 rows; 

 superior labials, 7; size small to medium. Of the several species of 

 this genus but one is known from Colorado. 



Chionactis episcopus (Kennicott) 

 Ground Snake 



Lamprosoma episcopum Kennicott, U.S. Mex. Bound. Survey, Vol. II, 

 p. 22, 1859. 



a. Back crossed by 18 to 25 black bands . . . C. e. isozonus Cope. 

 aa. Back without cross-bands . . . . C. e. episcopus (Kennicott). 



■ Ditmars, Reptile Book, p. 326, 1907. 



