5G 



P. GUNTHERi, Beddome. 



Similar. Purple, yellow below ; with lateral yellow trian- 

 gular markings. 

 Nilgiris. 



MELANOPHIDIUM, Gunther. 



Snout rather obtuse ; nasals contiguous ; supraciliary and 

 postocular confluent. A mental groove. Tail slightly, 

 compressed, ending in a very small, smooth, horny point 

 slightly turned upwards. 



M. WYNADENSE, Beddome. 



Scales 15 or 17. Ventrals 180, thrice as broad as the 

 other scales. Black, belly black and white behind. 



M. BiLiNEATUM, Beddome. 



Scales 15. Beautifully iridescent, with yellow lateral 

 streak the whole length. Length 8 inches. 

 Peria peak, WynSid. 



M. PUNCTATUM, Beddome. 



Scales 15. Ventrals 186-191, subc. 15-17. Iridescent, 

 three lateral black lines ; belly whitish. Length 18 inches, 

 Travancore. 



Family VII.— -XENOPELTID^. 

 Body cylindrical and stout; tail short, tapering; head 

 depressed, not distinct from the neck, rounded. Scales large 

 and polished. Ventrals narrow, the outer row of scales 

 enlarged to nearly half their size. Head-shields of scale- 

 like appearance. Eye small. Teeth small and very numerous. 



XENOPELTIS, Eevriwardt. 

 Head-shields simulating scales ; preocular large ; no 

 loreal. Scales 15. Anal and subcaudals bifid. 



