EEBPETOLOGICAL NOTES.— LONGMAN. 
43 
Part II.— ETHOLOGICAL. 
By H. A. Longman. 
Although the scientific worker is hopelessly handicapped by the vividly 
imaginative journalist when snake stories are told, yet occasionally there are 
noticed incidents startling enough in their way. During the cooler months a 
young and lithe Diemenia psammopkis, Schleg., popularly known as a whip- 
snake, usually retired under a piece of bark placed in its case, and it was only 
to be tempted out on warm and sunny days. On one such occasion a small 
skink lizard was introduced, and the snake commenced a lively chase. The lizard 
ran under the bark and on reaching the other side scampered back over the top, 
closely pursued by the snake. Again the lizard entered the bark tunnel, through 
which the tail of the snake was rapidly disappearing, making a spurt to keep 
up with the main body. The snake darted for the lizard, missed it, and then 
seized its own retreating tail about two inches from the tip. With characteristic 
pertinacity it held on, and apparently the classic episode of a snake swallowing 
itself was to be attempted. It was not until the snake was taken out of its case 
and forcibly handled that it let go, there being apparently no distinction to 
the ophidian palate between its own flesh and that of its favourite lizard. 
The introduction of a Frilled Lizard, Chlamydosauriis hingii, Gray, to a 
vivarium containing three Green Tree Snakes, Denclrophis punctulatus, Gray, 
resulted in a pretty display of reptilian characteristics. The former was 
previously inert and slow of movement. One of the snakes raised its head and 
neck in order to examine the newcomer. Then the lizard suddenly rushed across 
the vivarium and stood facing the snake, its frill expanded to the maximum 
and its mouth widely open. In its eyes was the light of battle, and its head 
moved slowly from side to side as if working up a violent rage. In this position 
it remained for over three minutes. The snake, too, did its utmost to make itself 
look formidable. Its scales were distended and the underlying pattern of peacock- 
blue was visible throughout the body. Both creatures were transformed. Two 
quick rushes were made by the lizard, but the marvellous agility of the snake 
and the old wood and debris around enabled it to escape. Not until some time 
after the snake had securely hidden itself did the lizard resume its usual peaceful 
appearance. 
The under colouring of peacock-blue is very noticeable in Green Tree 
Snakes when they take an unusually large meal. Although unaided by venom 
or constricting power, these snakes succeed in overcoming and eating skink 
lizards of a diameter exceeding themselves. Swift and agile in the chase, they 
are very tenacious of their prey, and when once a grip is taken it is seldom 
that they leave go, notwithstanding severe bites from a lizard. Should a skink be 
