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Green Snake, "grass Snake" — Part 2
CHAPTER XXXV: SMALL, MISCELLANEOUS SMOOTH-SCALED SERPENTS
The Genera HYPSIGLENA, STILOSOMA, RHADINEA and CONTIA
THE relationship of the genera, of the smaller, smooth-scaled snakes, is problematical. In a few cases we feel fairly assured that we may trace sources of evolution or degeneracy, but if we arrange our series accordingly, the result is at once confusing to the beginner for diminutive reptiles are wedged between large and striking forms. The writer has decided to adopt the most popular method possible; that is to group these smaller snakes, without regard to their alleged relationship. In thus bringing them together, we may arrange the genera in tabulated form, and it is much easier to study the small snakes collectively than to search for them in odd corners through an extensive work. Such genera of the smaller serpents that have been scattered through this book, are those that have fallen readily into series with a striking, popular title.
Key to Miscellaneous Genera of Small, Smooth-scaled Serpents
I. Pupil of Eye Elliptical.
Body stout; head fairly distinct. Ventral plate divided.
Length 12 to 14 inches. Genus Hypsiglena.
Gray or yellow; dark brown blotches on back and two alternating series on sides. A band through each eye to neck; a central band between these. Abdomen white. ROCK SNAKE, H. ochrorhyncha.
II. Pupil of Eye Round.
Dagger Ventral plate entire.
Body very slender; head not distinct; tail very short. No loreal plate. Snout prominent. Length about 23 inches; tail 2 inches. Genus Stilosoma.
Silvery gray; 60 to 70 dark brown blotches with blackish borders--interspaces mottled with red; abdomen mottled with black.
SHORT-TAILED SNAKE, S. extenuatum.
Ventral plate divided.
Body moderately slender; head fairly distinct; snout blunt. A loreal plate. Length about 11 inches.
Genus Rhadinea.
*Scales in 17 rows.