12 



GROUP II. — Snakes with narrow ventrals. 



THE INDIAN PYTHON (Python molurus). 



Length' — A large, stout snake. Grows upwards of iO feet. 

 Its size, however, is apt to be exaggerated : 

 probably 20 feet is the maximum. 

 Shape — Head : distinct from neck with a long snout. 



Body : rounded and stout. Rudimentary hind 

 limbs exist as small spurs, one each side of the 

 vent, and are generally visible. 

 Tail : about one-eighth of the whole length. 

 Eye : moderate with erect pupil. 

 Head shields — The head is shielded but not quite nor- 

 mally. The parietal shields are rudimentary 

 and between the frontal and the prse-frontal 

 there are some intercalated shields. The 

 rostral and first two supra-labials are pitted.* 

 There are about 12 supra-labials. 

 Scales — About 65. 

 Ventrals — Very narrow, 242 to 262, anal entire, sub- 



caudals 60 — 72 divided. 

 Colouring — Three rows of quadrangular brown spots 

 (one median) separated by narrow bufF lines. 

 A brown spot formed by a buff or yellow mark 

 occupies the head. 

 Habitat — India and Burma. 



(The Malayan Python is also found in Burma.) 



RUSSELL'S EARTH SNAKE {Eryx conicus). t 



Length— Grovfa to 3 feet, but is generally less. 

 Shape — Head : scarcely distinct from body. Broad snout. 

 Jhe chin has no mental groove. 



* In the Malayan Python (P, reticulatui) the first fpur upper labiaU are pitted- 

 + The Red Sand Saake—Ootifft/lophiscoHibut (Nicholson)'. • 



