USTNOCUOUS SERPENTS. 
165 
almost to Siberia. It is a very common snake, and nni- 
versally known ; recognisable by its bluish or greenish 
colour relieved by black spots, which become square on 
the lower parts, by its whitish collar, succeeded by a broad 
dash of black. Individuals are found wholly black ; and 
in the south of Europe it rarely has been seen with a 
yellow ray down the back. S. 163 + 62. Lives near, or 
on the borders of, lakes or rivers, and often establishes 
itself in the vicinity of houses.^ 
2. Tropidonotus aumcuNCiATUs. A large and handsome 
species, of an olive-brown, ornamented with 5 or 7 ranges 
of spots disposed in a quicunx order. An oblique streak 
on the temples, another under the eye. Tints very sub- 
ject to variation, either accidentally or through the in- 
fluence of different climates. Individuals from Java have 
the spots confluent on the upper parts to form longitudinal 
rays ; those of the Marianne Islands have the abdomen 
speckled with black. Found from Malabar to the Philip-^ 
pines and the Mariannes. S. 134 + 72. Nostrils rather 
vertical ; anterior frontal plates conical. 
3. Tropidonotus umbratus. Yellov/ish, varied with 
black ; whole head black. S. 142 + 83. Native country, 
Bengal and Ceylon. 
4. Tropidonotus Rhodomelas. As beautiful as rare ; 
above of a brisk-red ; below more pale ; back ornamented 
with a dark ray ; on the sides a series of black specks ; 
head very broad and thick ; muzzle short and conical ; oc- 
cipital and frontal plates small. S. 131 +44. Island of 
Java. 
5. Tropidonotus triangultgerus. Deep olive-green ; 
below of an olive-yellow ; sides ornamented with broad tri- 
angular red spots ; muzzle longer and more conical than 
in the preceding species. S. 137 + 81. Inhabits Java. 
6. Tropidonotus Chrysargos. Form very similar to 
the last ; but the size is rather less, the muzzle less conical, 
and the sides varied with black bands and yellow spots. 
^ [Though exceedingly common in England and Wales, it has never 
been seen by the Translator in Scotland ; nor can we find any satisfac- 
tory evidence of its ever having been caught in this kingdom, although 
the common Viper is abundant in many parts of Scotland.] 
