Vol. I] VAN DENBURGH-SNAKES OF THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS 355 



The Jervis, Seymour and Indefatigable specimens all have 

 light longitudinal stripes. The stripes are similar in position 

 and color to those of Dromicus dorsalis. The whole coloration 

 is so like that of striped specimens of D. dorsalis that the two 

 species readily pass as one, until the scales are examined and 

 the gastrosteges counted. On closer examination, however, 

 one notes that in D. steindachneri the longitudinal light lines 

 are broader, being three or four scales wide, each of the lateral 

 scales has a central light area, and there usually is a blackish 

 cross-bar at the base of each gastrostege, and often a blackish 

 blotch on each side of the center of each gastrostege. The 

 dorsal scales also sometimes have light centers. In the Jervis 

 specimens the lower lateral scales are nearly as light as the 

 light stripe. In No. 10617 a dark brown line runs along the 

 lower border of the light stripe. 



The largest specimen measures 365 mm. from snout to vent. 



Habits.— From the stomach of No. 10484 from South Sey- 

 mour were taken the remains of a grasshopper. 



General remarks.— This interesting little snake is most 

 closely related to Dromicus slevini. It is probable that both 

 are either quite rare or very retiring in habits. 



It is a pleasure to associate with this handsome little species 

 the name of Dr. Franz Steindachner, who was among the first 

 to study the snakes of the Galapagos Archipelago. 



Hydrus platurus (Linnaeus). Bicolor Sea-Snake 

 No specimens of this snake have been taken in the Galapagos 

 Archipelago, but the following note from Mr. Slevin's diary 

 shows that it occurs there. 



"Feb. 24, 1906. Sailed [from Chatham] for Hood Island. 

 This afternoon at 4:15, Stewart sighted a sea-snake. King 

 also saw it, and the boat was put out immediately, but we 

 failed to get it, as it went under. King said it was about 

 twenty inches long, black on the top and bright yellow below. 

 We had some headway on, so passed it fairly quickly. This 

 is the first one seen. Weather is very hot now and has been 

 for the last few days. Light winds and strong currents make 

 it hard to get around, and we have not made much progress 

 during the day. Barrington, Chatham, Hood and Charles 

 are in sight." 



January 15, 1912 



