REMARKS ON SOME FLORIDA SNAKES. I29 
The small chance of seeing a poisonous snake, much less being 
bitten by one, is, perhaps, well illustrated by the fact that such 
hunters as Quartermain and Davis care nothing for snakes, although 
they have hunted for many years in Florida, often with bare feet, in 
the most ‘‘ snaky localities.” 
It should be remembered that there are several species of so-called 
water snakes, which are often seen on the banks of streams and 
ponds, none of which are poisonous. ‘They are blackish and dark 
brown generally, with indications of marking on the back. 
These harmless varieties are the kinds which are usually pointed 
out by the natives as the dreaded Water Moccasin. 
ELAPS FULVIUS (Zinz.). 
Harlequin Snake, 
This pretty little species is conspicuous on account of its transverse 
bands of yellow, red, and black. It is a small snake, and for many 
years was considered harmless. It is poisonous, however, and has 
two very small perforated fangs; but, unlike other venomous snakes, 
it has both fangs and teeth on the upper jaw. 
There are several cases on record where persons have died from 
the effects of a bite from this snake, and there are also numerous 
instances where people have been bitten and suffered no ill effects 
whatever. Still, we know that in some cases the bite of the Harle- 
quin Snake as proved serious; so it is just as well not to treat the 
little fellow in too familiar a manner. 
There are three species in Florida which resemble each other so 
much that any one but a specialist would probably consider them to 
be identical. They are very different, however, belonging to differ- 
ent genera; although their general color and appearance is somewhat 
similar, the colors are differently arranged. The present one, which 
is the only venomous one of the group, has a roundish head, with 
the eyes on top, while the others have the eye on the side of the head. 
One of them has a very pointed head. 
The non-venomous ones are as follows. They have teeth on both 
jaws, but no fangs. 
