222 Zoologica: N. Y. Zoological Society [I; H 



with the strictly viviparous reptile, of retaining the eggs in the ovi- 

 ducts, at least until the embryos are well on their way to develop- 

 ment and growth, the formation of the scales and appearance of the 

 coloring pigment. 



With the species of Coronella, Ophibolus, Rhinochilus and Cemo- 

 phora, we again note an unusual condition among serpents. Al- 

 though apparently feeding as generally upon other reptiles as upon 

 small mammals, and occasionally birds, they may not be termed 

 omni-carnivorous as they do not feed upon the amphibians. In this 

 respect their feeding habits differ from the members of such well- 

 known genera as Zamenis and Spilotes which have already been con- 

 sidered. Among the species of the Coronelline genera under dis- 

 cussion there is some diversity of habits as regards the character of 

 the food. With Coronella some of the species evince a preference for 

 lizards, while also subsisting upon small mammals; with others the 

 habits are quite reversed. All of the species are more or less cannibal- 

 istic. With the New World genus Ophibolus, the cannibalistic ten- 

 dency is particularly marked an.d carries with it a ferocity that impels 

 the reptile to attack and kill other serpents of a considerably larger 

 size than the aggressor. The Ophibolus getulus, common King Snake, 

 feeds largely upon other snakes, attacks and kills the poisonous 

 species and is immune to their bites, unless the fangs pierce an impor- 

 tant organ. This immunity is generally indicated among the mark- 

 edly cannibalistic snakes. The smaller species of Ophibolus are Can- 

 nibalistic, but also feed frequently upon mice and young rats ; those 

 inhabiting the southern latitudes varying the diet with lizards. All 

 may be rated as of economic value. The species of Rhinochilus are 

 of similar habits. The immediately related and single species of 

 Cemophora of the southeastern United States, feeds upon other small 

 snakes, lizards and raids the nests of small rodents to prey upon the 

 young. The writer has noted the habit of this snake of eating the 

 eggs of lizards that are deposited under the loose bark of decaying 

 trees, the species principally preyed upon being Eumeces quinqueliyi- 

 eatus and Lygosoma laterale. A female, Cemophora coccinea in the 

 writer's possession displayed the unusual trait of depositing a batch 

 of eggs under a flat stone and a few days later devouring her entire 

 litter. 



In a series of Colubrine genera composed of small species, it is of 

 interest to mention the food of the members of Cyclophis and Lio- 

 peltis. These are green, or bronze-green species inhabiting the 



