SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 
95 
DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SNAKE. 
By G. A. Boulenger, F.R.S., Y.P.Z.S. 
With Plate. 
Aspidura drummondhayi . 
E OSTRAL very small, as deep as broad, just visible from above; 
internasal as long as the suture between the prsefrontals ; 
frontal hexagonal, as long as or a little longer than its distance 
from the end of the snout, about two-thirds the length of the 
parietals, its greatest width, at the posterior borders of the supra- 
oculars, nearly twice its anterior width ; supraocular more than 
twice as long as broad, more than half the length of the frontal ; 
praefrontals in contact with the eye and with the second, third, and 
fourth upper labials ; noprseocular ; two postoculars, lower larger ; 
temporals 1 + 2 ; six upper labials, first and second very small, 
sixth largest, fourth entering the eye ; four lower labials in 
contact with the anterior chin-shields, which are much longer 
than the posterior. Scales in 15 rows, feebly keeled near the 
vent. Yentrals 112 ( 6 ) to 135 (?) ; anal entire ; subcaudals 18 (?) 
to 26 (($), all or greater part in two rows. Dark purplish brown 
above and below, strongly iridescent, with minute whitish dots or 
vermiculations; five rather indistinct blackish streaks and the 
outer corresponding to the angle of the mouth. 
Total length 220 millim.; tail 22. 
This very distinct new species is described from two specimens, 
male and female, presented to the British Museum by Mr. H. M. 
Drummond-Hay, by whom they had been referred to the correct 
genus. The paired condition of the caudal shields in this species 
will necessitate an alteration to the definition of Aspidura , the 
previously known species having single subcaudals. I cannot 
regard this difference as generic, especially .in view of the fact 
that the four anterior shields of the male specimen here described 
are single. 
Several specimens were found on the Hopewell estate, Balan- 
goda, by Mr. H. M. Drummond-Hay during March, April, and 
May, 1903, while clearing out drains in a field at the very top of 
8(25)04 o 
