THE CLOTHO. 
Clotho nasicomis. 
Plate L. 
The genus Clotho embraces several large species of . venomous serpents, all of which inhabit the tropical coasts 
of Western Africa. Like other vipers they are slow and stolid in demeanour, and never make an attack 
unless irritated, reserving their supply of venom for the purpose of procuring subsistence for themselves. 
Their food is believed to consist exclusively of small mammals, which they they are said to procure by lying 
in wait for them during the day time, leaving, however, their prey dead beside them till nightfall before it is 
devoured. 
The Clotho nasicomis inhabits the African coast from Sierra Leone to Fernando Po. Further south it is 
replaced by an allied species, the Clotho rhinoceros. 
The present drawing represents the first specimen of this deadly species which was brought alive to 
Europe. It was procured in 1856, but did not live long in the Society’s collection. Since then, in January, 
1862, another example has been received, but this one also lived but a short time in captivity. 
The Clothos are amongst the most deadly of the known venomous serpents, but their sluggish habits 
render them less dangerous than the Cobras (Naia) and others of more lively and active habits. 
