180 P H I D I A. 



Genus PLATURUS, Latr. 



Gen. Char. — Cephalic plates normal ; sometimes a middle postfrontal ; 

 nasal unique. No loral. One anteorbital ; two postorbitals ; third 

 and fourth labials entering into the orbit. Body subcylindrical, 

 deeper than broad, somewhat convex on the dorsal region. Abdo- 

 men flattened ; tail compressed. Dorsal scales smooth and imbri- 

 cated, disposed upon twenty-three longitudinal series. Abdominal 

 scutellae narrow and numerous ; preanal one divided. Subcaudal 

 scutellae disposed upon a double series. Coloration : black rings 

 upon a lighter ground. 



Syn. — Platurus, Latr. Hist. nat. Kept. IV, 1801, 197. — Daud. Hist. nat. Kept. 

 VII, 1802, 223.— Wagl. Naturl. Syst. Amph. 1830, 166.— Dum. & Bibr. Erp^t. 

 gen. VII, II, 1854, 1318. 



Observ. — The species of this genus are, strictly speaking, of marine 

 habits ; and although provided with poisonous fangs, they are inof- 

 fensive, and incapable of inflicting severe bites, owing to their small 

 size, which does not exceed a couple of feet. Those that follow are 

 the only ones we are so far acquainted with. 



The note-book of the Expedition speaks of " the species seen on 

 Tonga Islands as quite common, and a truly marine animal. Seve- 

 ral were taken swimming alongside of the ship, and others on the 

 sea-beach. Whether venomous or not, they show no disposition 

 to bite, and are considered by the natives as perfectly harmless. 

 Moreover, we are told of their being regarded by them as * sacred' 

 animals. Their motion in the water does not seem to be very rapid, 

 and are easily captured, indeed making no attempt to escape. They 

 appear less tenacious of life than reptiles usually are." 



1. Platurus laticaudatus, Wagl. 



Spec. Char. — Dorsal scales disposed upon nineteen longitudinal series. 

 Two rows of scales along the middle region of the side of the tail. 

 Body annulated with black ; intervening spaces narrower on the 



