698 



MR. G. A. BOULENGEE OX A 



Table (continued). 



[June 20, 



As regards the coloration, which has been very well described 

 by Prof. T. Mehely, I must observe that Vipers generally vary so 

 much, both iudi^"iduaUy and according to localities, that little 

 reliance is to be placed, for specific distinction, on that character. 

 V. tirsinii resembles more in colour V. renanli, Christoph \ fi-om 

 the Kirghiz Steppes and Turkestan, than the true V. herus ; 

 it further agrees with this Eussian species in showing no marked 

 sexual differences of colour. A series of large, dark brown, 

 black-edged, transverse, oval or rhomboidal spots, which may or 



may not be confluent into a 



band, extends along the 



^ Vipera renardi (Pelias renardi, Christoph, Bull. Mose. xxsiv. 1861, ii. p. 599) 

 further agrees with V. ursinii and differs from V. benis in the pointed 

 snout, the single apical sliield in contact with the rostral, and the upper pre- 

 ocular usually in contact with the nasal. In V. hem.'' there are normally two 

 so-called apical shields ; in the whole of my material I find only 7 specimens 

 (or 10°/o) with a single one. The diameter of the eye exceeds its distance from 

 the nostril ; the canthus rostralis is angular and raised, rendering the upper 

 surface of the snout concave; the sincipital shields usually well developed, the 

 frontal narrow and longer than the parietals ; 8 or 9 upper labials, fourth or 

 fourth and fifth below the eye. The scales are in 21 rows, strongly keeled, the 

 outer row smooth or faintly keeled. Ventrals: rf, 130-144; 2 137-150. 

 Subcaudals : S 32-36 ; 2 27-34. 



