SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



217 



Costals : Vertebrals about as broad as long, about as broad 

 as the ultimate row. Ultimate row with scales about as 

 broad as long. In 15 rows two heads-lengths behind the head, 

 15 at midbody, 11 or 9 two heads-lengths before the vent. 

 The reduction of rows from 15 to 13 is due to the absorption 

 of the fourth row from the ventrals, and from 13 to 11 to the 

 absorption of the fifth row. Ventrals: 154 to 176. Anal: 

 Divided. Subcaudals : 144 to 165. 



(b) Anomalies : The anterior loreal rarely just fails to touch 

 the internasal. 



w y 



i jy E7F< 



P 



r*' Y*n 



Fig. 44. — Dendrophis bifrenalis. 

 (X \\.) 



33 



6(6)20 



