14 



Ventrals — Narrow, 189 to 209, anal is trifid, i.e., it is divid- 

 ed into a larger median and two small external 

 portions. Sub-caudals 19—36, single. 



Colour — Dark olive brown. Generally numerous, ill- 

 defined and indistinct black blotches orunsyin- 

 metrical cross-bars and sometimes light reddish 

 pots laterally. 



Habitat — Same as Russell's earth snahe, but it is less 

 common. 



THE IRIDESCENT EARTH SNAKE {Xenopeltis unicolor). 



Length — Upwards of 3 feet, tail one-twelfth of length. 



Shape — Head : not distinct, rounded. 

 Body : cylindrical and stout. 

 Tail : short and tapering. 

 Eye : small. 

 Teeth t small but very numerous. 



Head shields — Simulating scales ; a large prse-ocular, 

 no loreal ; behind the triangular frontal are 

 other similarly shaped large scales 



Scales — 15, large and polished. The outer row enlarged 

 to nearly "half the size of the ventrals. 



Ventrals — Narrow, 166 to 193, anal bifid. Sub-caudals 

 20— -23 bifid. 



Colouring — Black or brown above with remarkable 

 iridescent effects ; scales with lighter edges ; 

 below white or yellowish. 

 Habitat — Common in Burma. 



THE SHORT-TAILED EARTH SNAKE OF BURMA 

 (Cylindrophia Rufusj, 



Length — ^ About 30 inches 



