REPTILES FROM QUEENSLAND ^ NORTHERN TERRITORY. ~LON OMAN. 31 
DIEMENIA CARINATA, nov. sp. 
(Plate XIV.) 
This snake has the i*emarkable keeled ventral scales of Roploceplialus 
stephensii and hitorquatus, but with this exception its affinities are with the 
genus Dicmenia. The head is not unlike that of Dicmenia nuchalis, and the 
siibeaudals are in tAvo rows. Some writers would possibly prefer to resurrect 
a generic name such as Pseudonaja to associate with this snake, yet it so greatly 
resembles certain species of Diemenia that, notwithstanding its keeled ventrals, it 
has been placed in that genus. 
The diameter of the eye slightly exceeds its distance from the mouth. 
Rostral prominent, resembling that of Diemenia nuchalis, deeper than broad, 
the portion visible from above measuring nearly its distance from the frontal. 
Internasals shorter than the pi^infrontals. Frontal obtusely hexagonal, broadest 
anteriorly, wider than the supraoculars, shorter than the parietals, as long 
as its distance from end of snout. Nasal entire, but notched below, in contact 
with single prseocular. Two postoculars, both of which touch the anterior lateral 
edges of the parietal. Temporals small, Labials six, first two in con- 
tact with nasal, third and fourth entering eye, sixth largest. Mental small. 
Seven lower labials, first pair much larger than chin-shields, Avith which three 
labials are in contact ; posterior chin-shields small and separated by tAvo scales. 
Head small and tapering, not distinct from neck, Ventrals strongly 
angulated from the neck to the vent, probably being specialised for climbing. 
This angulation is well shoAvn on the photograph of spirit specimen (Plate XIV) . 
Scales on body 17, 20 on neck, 15 near A^entj dorsals somewhat imbricated and 
smaller than laterals. Ventrals 220; subcaudals 55; the second only being 
single ; anal divided. Total length 1,130 mm. ; tail 157. 
Head dark smoky brown, shining above, the dark colouration being pre- 
sent below and continued on the first 15 gastrosteges, after which it is gradually 
lost in the prevailing Avhiteness of the ventral region. Body slaty brown above, 
darker anteriorly, barred by 15 irregular, burnished dark bands, the first of 
which is elongated and confined to the dorsal series. In addition to these con- 
spicuous dark patches there are to be distinguished in the intervening spaces 
remains of numerous narroAV dark bands, approximately one scale AAude. 
Locality: Cane Grass Station, via Charleville, Western Queensland. 
Vernacular name: Tiger Snake. 
Donor: Mr. J. OsAvald Paynter. 
Type in Queensland Museum : Reg, No. Q.M. J 14/1508. 
