SNAKES OF CEYLON. 



301 



of its scales rather less than their length. A few scales above 

 the anal region, with feeble beaded keels ; scales otherwise 

 smooth, and without apical pits or facets. In 15 rows to 

 behind midbody, reducing to 13 or 11 two heads-lengths 

 before the vent. In females they usually reduce to 13, and 

 in males to 11. The reduction is effected at each step by the 

 absorption of the fourth row from the ventrals. Ventrals : 168 

 to 206. Anal : Divided. Subcaudals : 127 to 174. (Fig. 59.) 



Ver 



Fig. 59. — Dryophis mycterizans showing costa^s. 



(b) Anomalies — Loreals : One or two minute scales some 

 times occupy the place of these shields. Ventrals : The last 

 shield is rarely divided like the anal. 



Dentition. — Maxillary : Praenodal, 6 or 7 ; the first four or 

 five coryphodont, the last two subequal and longer than the 

 preceding. Prsecranterian, 4 bo 6 ; small, isodont. Cranterian, 

 2 ; long, subequal, obliquely set, and deeply grooved on their 

 outer faces. Palatine : 7 to 10. Pterygoid : 17 to 28. 

 Mandibular : Praenodal, 5 or 6 ; the first three or four 

 coryphodont, the last two long and subequal. Postnodal, 

 14 to 16 ; small. (Fig. 60.) 



Fig. 60. — Jaws of Dryophis mycterizans. 



Distribution.— (a) General : Ceylon, India, Assam, Burma ; 

 and Siam. 



