THE 



PAINTED SNAKE, 



Generic Character, 



Body covered with uniform fcales, or thofe on the 

 belly and beneath the tail, not differing in 

 fhape from the reft. 



Specific Character. 



SNAKE with about 240 fcales along the belly, 

 and 13 beneath the tail. General colour 

 black and orange ; fometimes black and 

 white, &c. 



The Serpent figured on this plate, befides being dif- 

 tinguifhed by the beauty of its colours, is perfe&ly 

 harmlefs. It is common in South America, where it re- 

 fides in woods, and preys upon various infedts, &c. It is 

 faid to be particularly fond of Scolopendra?, or centi- 

 pedes, which in thofe regions are uncommonly nume- 

 rous and large. It is fometimes found entirely black 

 and white, and fometimes pale rofe-colour and black : 

 but the moft elegant (late in which it appears is that of 

 a bright orange-red ; much paler or yellowilh white on 

 the belly, and beautifully fafciated all over with bars of 

 the deepeft black. One of the moft fingular properties 



of 



