\ -' ' -' '• / 1 T '\ i REPORT t'PDX THE REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS COLLECTED DURING THE YEARS OF 1875, 1876, AXD 1877, CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, AND NEVADA, > DR. H. C. YARROW, ACTING ASSISTANT SURGEOn7u. S. A H. W. HENSHAW. WASHINGTON: GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 1878. REPORT UPON THE REPTILES AND BATRACHIANS COL LECTED DURING THE YEARS OF 1875, 187G, AND 1877, IN CALIFORNIA, ARIZONA, AND NEYADA, BY DR. H. C. YAR- ROW, ACTING ASSISTANT SURGEON, U. S. A., AND H. W. HENS HAW. United States Engineer Office, Geographical Surveys West of the 100th Meridian, Washington, "D. C, June 30, 1878. Sir: The collection of Reptiles and Batrachians upon which the.following report is based was made in California, Arizona, and Nevada during the years 1875, 1876, and 1877, and, while not embracing a large number of species, has seemed of sufficient value and. interest to render a brief paper necessary, which it is hoped may prove a slight contribution to our herpetological knowledge. Although no new species are described, and more or less of the forms have been collected in previous years by the expedition, yet quite a number of those enumerated haAe been secured by the col- lectors of the different parties for the first time in the history of the survey. It Avill be found that some few facts have been noted regarding certain species, their habits and geographical distribution, that are new at least to us, and may be to others; they are given for what they are worth. With much diffidence, and we trust with becoming respect, we have deemed it proper to differ in some particulars with the. fathers of American herpetology, Holbrook, Baird, Girard, and Cope, and earnestly hope that we have been able to conclusively show our reasons therefor; if we have erred we can at least claim the merit of having written according to our conscientious convictions and after a thorough and careful consideration of the many specimens in the suite of reptiles in the National Museum. In going over several of the genera, especially of Serpents, we have followed the example of Professor Cope, and seen fit to reduce the ntimber of species, and we earnestly believe with him that if more attention were paid to examining certain forms showing aberrant tendencies, instead of constantly striving to establish new species, better results and more philosophical would be the consequence. From thia statement it is not to be inferred for a moment that Ave are inclined to throw doubts upon the very excellent herpetological Avork of earlier authors; for it is to be remem- bered that, at the time when many of the species were described, for instance, by Baird and Girard, in many instances only single specimens were aAailable for study ; hence no comparisons could be made, and perhaps individual peculiarities Avere mis- taken for constant traits. As collections have increased year by year under the fostering hand of the general gOAernment, opportunities for study haAe correspond- ingly adA'anced, and Ave are uoav in better condition to determine generic and specific differences. As matters of special interest in this paper, attention is invited to the notes regard- ing the genera Pifyophis, Jiascanium, and Entaenia, and Avith regard to Sceloporun, as also some facts in connection with the Phrynosomw, or "Horned Toads," so called. An item of interest is the occurrence, far to the eastward, of Charina plumVea, a cu- rious serpent. While it cannot be pretended that the synonymical lists are complete, it Avas intended that they should be so to the extent of the means at our disposal, and Ave believe all the more important references will be found therein contained. A list of specimens follows each species, as Avell to iudicate the exact locality whence obtained as to shoAV by Avhom collected. We are indebted to Prof. S. F. Baird, Prof. E. D. Cope, and to Mr. S. C. Brown of the Smithsonian Iilstitution, for favors received while studying the collection, and to the assistants of the expedition who have contributed specimens to it. Very respectfully, your obedient servants, H. C. Yarrow. H. W. Hexsiiaw. Lieut. Geo. M. Wheeler, Corps of Engineers, in charge. 4 ANURA. BUFONIFORMIA. BUFOXIDJE. Bueo copei sp. nov. nobis. Head subtriangular, broader than long; snout acuminate, protruding: head with well-marked groove, Avhich extends to tip of snout; superciliary ridges strongly pro- nounced and terminating posteriorly in a slight knob; orbit bordered posteriorly by a Rimilar ridge; upper jaw slightly emarginated; parotids medium, elongated, twice as long as broad, perforated by numerous small pores, situated well back on the shoulders; not approximated to the tympanum, which is circular and large; limbs long and comparatively slender; palm rugose; a single well-deA-eloped tubercle; first, second, and fourth fingers about equal in length, the third longest; hind limba rather longer than head and body together; tarsus and metatarsus Avith small and smooth tubercles; body above eoATered with small and someAvhat roughened tubercles; under parts finely papillated ; metatarsal s1ioatc1 large. Colors.—A broad, median, yellowish-white stripe passes from the snout to anus, on either side of which are stripes and spots of the same varied with black; sides also conspicuously striped or barred; under parts densely maculated with irregularly shaped blotches and spots of black upon a ground-color of yellowish-white: the head and upper jaw are also variously barred; limbs marked transA-ersely with black. Habitat.—Hudson's Bay; James Bay. This is the most brightly colored species of the genus inhabiting our territory, and presents, by reason of the contrasted tints, a very marked appearance. This is apparent in the alcoholic specimens, and in life the colors must be still more striking. Slight comparison only is necessary to show its distinctness from any other of our species. From columbiensis, the only other species recognized from the same region, it is to be distinguished not only by its very different pattern of coloration, but also by 'the presence of the AArell-de\eloped temporal ridges, these being slightly indicated or entirely wanting in that animal; added to this are the shape of the head, the shape and position of the parotids, the somewhat slenderer linibs, the fewer and different tubercles, &c. The deAelopment of the superciliary ridges seems to place the species nc&rlentiginosus, from either of the fiAre A'arieties of which it differs very decidedly. A large number of specimens collected by Kennerly in the neighborhood of Hudson's Bay are in the Smithsonian collection. The extreme size attained by the species is probably represented, and there are many immature individuals. The largest speci- mens measure about three inches in length and five and one-half inches from tip of nose to end of outstretched hind leg. This extreme is much less than that attained by the B. columbiensis from the Columbia RiAer region. The occurrence of this highly colored Batrachian at a locality so far to the north as Hudson's Bay seems an apparent contradiction to the general law which is susceptible of such extensive application throughout the animal kingdom, under which the most brightly colored species of a family are of southern distribution and present marked contrasts to their more somberly tinted relatives of northern climes. In this instance the case is reversed, for all the other members of this family in the United States are uniformly dull-colored, and in no respect approach the bright tints of the present species. One other equally marked exception to this law which we recall may be cited, the Carabus rietinghorii, a most highly colored beetle inhabiting the region of Hudson's Bay. It is possible that in some comparatively restricted area in this high latitude not yet determined, there exist some climatic peculiarities Avhich are the direct cause of this brilliancy of color in the tAvo instances cited, and which may be of wider applica- bility than at present suspected; other species affected in a similar way may remain to be detected. In this connection may be mentioned a similar tendency shown in several species of birds, which are mainly restricted to the Hudson's Bay region; thus the ^Egiothus liuaria, the Bubo rirginianus, and the Falco saeer are each represented here by a darker, more richly colored race. These species doubtless inhabit such rortions of this region only as are heavily timbered, and as a matter of course subject to considerable moist- ure. The changes brought about indicate conditions similar to those obtaining in the densely timbered coast regions of the Northwest. Doubtless much of the brightness of tint seen in our Batrachian is the result of the extreme heat which prevails here during the very short summer, added to the effects of the local moisture." * To this cause Lieutenant Carpenter attributes the bright colors of the Carabu*. See Annual Report of this Survey, 1875, p. 302. 5 We take great pleasure in dedicating this species to Prof. E. D. Cope, whose labors ha\-e done so much toward advancing the science of herpetology. Bufo halophilus Baud. Bufo halophila HA. & Gel., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1853, 301.—Btl. & Gd.,U. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. ii. Kept. 1859, 26, pi. 41, tijr.s. 7-12. Bufo halophilus Cope, Check-List N. A. Batr. and Kept. 1875, 27. This appears to be the common toad of much of the west coast. In general appear- ance it much resembles the B. columbiensis of the Columbia River region and Montana, from which, hoAveArer, it seems to be perfectly distinct. The numerous warty excres- censes on the upper parts of the latter are large and rough, and have much the same appearance and structure as the parotids. The second forefinger is considerably longer than the inner, just the reverse of which is true of halophilus, in which also the warts are smaller and smoother as Avell as less numerous. Most of our specimens were obtained in midsummer from pools of Avater, and are nearly all very young. As is usual in this family, they are much spotted below, instead of being nearly or quite unicolored, as are the adults. This species was found to be very numerous about Lake Tahoe, and also near Virginia. City, Nev., as well as along the California coast. Its range is thus extended across the mountains and east of the Sierra Nevada. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8691 Santa Barbara, Cal....................... 1875 1875 1875 1875 1875 1875 1876 1876 Dr. H. C. Yarrow... H. W. Henshaw . do . 1 8693 Lake Tahoe ...................... 1 8695 Virginia Citv. Xev___............... 1 8698 Fort Tejon, Cal ................................... ......do. 1 8678 Santa Barbara, Cal....................... ...do 30 8699 ......do................................... Dr. H. C. Yarrow ... H. W. Henshaw do 3 8696 Lake Tahoe.......................... 7 8681 ......do................................ 27 ARCIFERA. HYLID.E. HYLA. Hyla reuilla Baird. Hyla regilla Brt. &. Gd.. Prof. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila, vi. 1852. 174; 1853. 301.—Gd.. Herp. F. S. Expl. Exped. 1858. 60.—Coop. & Suckl., Nat. Hist.Wash. Terr. 1859, 304.—Bd., P. Pv. K. Kep. x, 1859 12, pi. 28, tig. 3. Hyla scapularis Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. vi, 1852, 183.—Hallow., P. R. K. Eep. vol. x, 1859, 21. A large suite of specimens of this species was secured in California, Avhere it appears to be the preArailing form. In June, A'ast numbers of the young, in all stages, from the tadpole to the fully developed Hyla, Avere found iu a stagnant pool upou Santa Cruz Island. At this season, they appear, young and old, to spend most of the time in the water. The Aariations in color to be observed here Avere quite remarkable, specimens exhibiting all the shades of green and broAvn to black, no tAvo in fact appearing exactly comparable. Immersion in alcohol soon destroys the tints and they become more uniform. The exact configuration of markings varies also Arery much. * List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. 8682 8680 8686 86X8 8692 8701 8702 8703 8704 8697 9499 9500 Lake Tahoe........... Santa Barbara, Cal--- Santa Cruz Island. Cal Santa Barbara, Cal___ Lake Tahoe........... Santa Barbara, Cal--- Mount Whitney, Cal .. Fort Tejon, Cal........ Los Angeles. Cal...... Fort Tejon, Cal........ Lake-Tahoe........... Southern California ... 1876 1875 1875 1875 1876 1875 1875 1875 1875 1S75 1876 1875 H. W. Henshaw ...do .......... ...do .......... ...do .......... ...do .......... ...do .......... ...do .......... ...do.......... William Somers H. W. Henshaw ...do .......... ...do.......... 24 6 40 25 1 7 1 4 1 1 7 1 6 Hyla arenicolor Cope. Hyla affinis Bd., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1854, 61 (not of Spix); id., U. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. Rep. ii. 1859, 29, pi. 28, tigs. 4-7. Hyla arenicolor Cope, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1866. 84: id., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 301; id., Check-List N. A. Batrach. and Rept. 1875. 31.—Yarrow, vol. v, Zool., F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 524.— Coues, ib. p. 630. Apparently rare, as but a single specimen Avas secured. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. ! J££ 8694 1875 H. W. Henshaw..... 2 SCAPHIOPID^E. SPEA. Spea stagnalis Cope. Spea gtagnalis Cope, apud Yarrow, vol. v, Zool., TJ. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 525. Described by Professor Cope, as aboA*e cited, from New Mexico. A single Spea, ecured at Santa Barbara in 1875, has been identified by Professor Cope as of this species, thus extending its range widely. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8699 1875 Dr. H. C. Yarrow___ 1 RANIFOEMIA. RANKLE. RANA. Rana temporaria aurora (Bd.) Cope. U. TEMPORARIA. Rana temporaria Linn., Syst. Nat. ed. 10, p. 213, No. 13.—Shaw, Gen. Zool. vol. 3, p. 97, pi. 29.—Latr., Hist. Rep. t. 2, 150.—Daud., Hist. Rain. Gren. Crap. 16, pi. 15.—Cuv., R6gne Anini. 2e 6d. 96; t. 2, 105; et auctor. &. AURORA. Rana aurora Bd. & Gd., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1852,174.—Gd., Herp. TJ. S. Expl. Exped. 1858, 18, pi. 2, flge. 1-6.—Cope, Check-List N. A. Batrach. and Rept. 1875, 32. Abuudant in California. List of specimens. No. 8676 8689 8700 Locality. Santa Barbara, Cal ......do............ Fort Tejon, Cal.... Date. 1875 1875 1875 Collector. H. W. Henshaw ...do.......... ...do .......... No. of specs. 7 Raxa pretiosa Bd. Rana pretiosa Bd. & Gd., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. vi, 1853, 378.—Gd., Herp. TJ. S. Expl. Exped. vol. 20, 1858, pi. ii, .figs. 13-18.—Cope, Check-List N. A. Batrach. and Rept. 1875, 32. We assign provisionally a number of specimens to this form, their resemblance being closer than to any other Avith which we are acquainted. Our specimens are very dark iu color (coming from a black, muddy, marshy pool in the mountains), and are of a yel- lowish-white on the under surface of the abdomen and legs. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs- 8683 Southern California....................................... 1875 1875 1876 1875 1876 H. W. Henshaw..... .. do . 15 S084 ......do................................ 4 8685 Lake Tahoe ............................................ .. .do .. 13 8687 Kern River, Cal........................................... ...do ....... 6 8705 Lake Tahoe............................................... ...do ... 1 ~ OPHIDIA. SOLENOGLYPHA. CROTALID.E. Crotalus pyrrhus Cope. Caudisona pyrrha Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1866, 308, 310.—Coues, vol. v, Zoology, TJ. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th Meridian. 1875, 535, pi. 22. Crotalus pyrrhus Cope, Check-List N. A. Rept. and Batrach. 1875, 33.—Streets, Bull. Nat. Mus. No. 7, 1877, pp. 39,41. Since 1866, when this species was first described by Professor Cope from a skin col- lected near Fort Whipple, Ariz., by Dr. E. Coues, U. S. A., two additional specimens have been secured, one by Dr. Thomas H. Streets, U. S. N., on Angel Island, Gulf of California; the other, a head only, from the Mojave Desert, Arizona, by Dr. O. Loew, late of this expedition. The specimen collected by Dr. Streets resembles greatly the colored plate in vol. v, Zoology, of this expedition, and is 3£ feet long. This gentle- man informs the authors that on Angel Island the species is very numerous, but, being unrecognized at the time, only a single individual was secured. Dr. LoeAv's specimen, No. 8666 (Nat. Mus. Reserve Series), is a small head, which corresponds entirely to the description gi\xen by Professor Cope. The colors, however, are faded and not distinctive. The habitat of this well-marked species is given as Central Arizona. It is probable, however, that the species is found generally dispersed along our soutliAvestern border, and that it is by no means as rare as the few specimens secured would seem to indicate. LJst of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8669 1875 Dr. O. Loew........ 1 Crotalus confluentus Say. Crotalus confluentus Say, Long's Exp. Rocky Mts. ii. 1823, 48.—Baird & Girard, Cat. N. A. Rept. pt. 1, Serp.. 1853,' 8.—Bd. & Gd., Exp'd. Red River, La. 1853, 217, pi. 1.—Dunieril & Bibron, Erp. Gen. t. vii, 1854, 1475.—Bd., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 40; id., F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, Rept. 1859, 14.—Coop. & Suckl., Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. 1869, 295.—Cope, Check-List N. A. Rept. and Batrach. 1875, 33.—Yarrow, vol. v, Zoology F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th Meridian, 530.—Coues & Yarrow, Bull. F. S. Geol. Surv. vol. iv, No. 1, 262. Crotalus confluentis (sic) Harlan, Med. and Plivs. Res. 1835, p. 135. . Caudisona confiuenta Cope. App. Mitchell's Kes. 1861. 122; id., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sc" Phila, 1866, 307.— Allen, Proc, Bost. Soc. Nat, Hist, xvii, 1874, 307, 309.-Coues, vol. v, Zoology, F. S. Geog Surv. W. 100th Meridian, 604. 8 Crotalus lecontci Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. vi, 1851,180; id., Sitgreaves's Exp. Zuniand CoL Riv. 1853, 139; id., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 18, pi. 3.—Heenn., P. R. R. Rep. x. 1859, 25. Caudisona lecontei Cope, App. Mitchell's Res. 1861, 121.—Hayd., Trans. Am. Phil. Soc. xii, 1862, 177.— Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1866, 307. Caudisona confluenta var. lecontei Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1866, 307. Crotalus cineroeus (sic) Lee. apud Hallow., Sitgreaves's Exp. Zuni and Col. Riv. 1853, 140. An examination of specimens collected by the expedition shows clearly that but little dependence can be placed upon coloration as a specific character for this species, age as well as difference of locality being added to variations of a purely individual character to complicate the matter. The bright bands on the head dift'er greatly in different individuals as to distinctness of definition and depth of tint. The dorsal blotches also vary much, and are always more distinct in young individuals. In one specimen, No. 8598, Kern Ri\rer, California, are seen tolerably large dorsal blotches, dentate poste- riorly, and with, for the most part, quadruple serrations anteriorly. The spots are brown- ish-black on edges, the centers a light chestnut. Beneath each blotch on either side is a double series of deep chestnut spots, the last reaching the edges of the gastro- geges; toward the tail these spots coalesce and form irregular bands reaching to edge of Arentral scales, with a series of spots between them. Each A-entral scale is macu- lated posteriorly, the color fading toAvard head; 5 irregular blackish half bands on tail from anus to rattle. Superior labials 16 on right side, 15 on left; 27 toavs of scales. In larger and older specimens the dorsal blotches are lighter in color, the margins not so well defined, and the lateral rows of spots are Arery incomplete and almost obso- lete. In one specimen, No. 9519, there are 18 superior labials on both sides, with *25 rows of scales; in another from same locality, No. 9519, there are 15 superior labials on left side, 16 on right, 25 rows of scales. In one the orbit is separated from the supe- rior labials by 5 scales, in another by 4. Remarks on similar discrepancies between individuals of this species, often from the same locality, might be multiplied almost indefinitely. The large island in Pyramid Lake. NeA^ada, is noted for the vast number of these reptiles residing there, and during the warm months they are so numerous that it is absolutely dangerous to walk about those parts of the island where they are colonized without exercising the greatest caution. In NeAv Mexico, also, this species has been fouud to be very numerous by the expedition. In 1876, Lieut. C. M. Morrison encoun- tered a colony of rattlesnakes, presumably of this species, under circumstances of in- terest, as giving us a clew to certain of their habits. The localitv was a hill, appro- priately named Rattlesnake Hill, in the southern part of the Territory. He places the number of rattlers seen during a day spent in occupying the summit as a topograph- ical station as from 300 to 500, no fewer than 79 of the reptiles being killed in a little over an hour by the party of three. Toward sunset numbers were observed making their way in toward the rocks from the south, where perhaps thev had been in search of food. Or it may be that the place was used by them for winterquarters, and those noticed on their way in were en route to join the company prior to the winter hibernation. This latter assumption is favored by the late date. October 5.* Mr. Morrison informs us that eggs were extruded from the bodies of several of the females as they were crushed Avith stones, and that by this means he was able to identify the sex and to note a very great discrepancy between the shape of the bodies of the females and males, those of the former being very much flattened. A statement of a similar colony is to be found in Kendall's Santa V6 Expedition, vol. 1, p. 160. List of specimens. No. Localitv. Kern River. California........ Date. i J 1875 Collector. II. W. Henshaw..... ...do ............... No. of specs. 8598 ] 9519 Pyramid Lake, Nevada....... ............. 1S77 0 ^ ASINEA. OOLUBIUD.E. OPHIBOLUS. Opiiibolus Gi/rui.rs boylii (Linn.) Baird A. Girard. Ophibolus boylii Baird &. Girard, Cat, N. A. Rept.pt. i, Serp.. 1853, 82.—Bd.. P. R. R. Ren. x. is'9. 2: id., F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, Rept, 1S59. 20.—Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1806, :!1.">. Lampropeltis boylii Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. lsoo. 255. * This is a noteworthy fact, as midsummer has usually been supposed to be the repro- ductive season of these serpents. 9 Coronella balteata Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1853, 236; id., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, 14. Ophibolus getulus subspecies boylii Cope. Check-List X. A. Rept. and Batrach. 1875, 37.—Yarrow, vol. v, Zool., F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th meridian. 1875, 538. Ophibolus getulus boylii Coues & Yarrow, Bull. F S. C.eolog. Surv. Terr. 1878, 283. Ophibolus conjunctus Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat, Sci. Phila, 1861. 301. Ophibolus getulus subspecies conjunctus Cope, Check-List N. A. Rept. and Bat. 1875, 37. In specimen No. 8577, from Santa Barbara, Cal., the number of broad, white, trans- verse bauds is 34; Baird and Girard state them to be 37. These bauds on the top of the dorsum occupy 1| or'2 entire scales, gradually Avidening to 3 or 3^ as they reach the ventrals. In young specimens the colors are Aery dark, and in some there are two small red spots betAveen the occipital plates. In older and living specimens the dark sides aud belly are of a lustrous greenish-black bronze, the white bauds of a beautiful iAory-Avhite. Habitat.—Pacific Sonoran regions. A careful comparison has been made between 0. getulus boylii and O. getulus con- junctus, and Avhile Ave consider the latter a well-marked variety of boylii'-wu cannot admit the very slight characters brought forward by Professor Cope in his very mea- ger notice of conjunctus to be distinctive of a separate race. Even admitting the fact that the margins of the scales in the Avliite cross-bands are black-bordered, which is the principal, indeed the only, character given by Professor Cope as distinguishing this form, we consider this to be quite insufficient. As a matter of fact, specimens from Cape Saint Lucas, the habitat of this supposed Aariety, show considerable variation in this respect, and in some the dark margins are so slight that they may properly be referred to boylii. Specimens of the latter from typical localities also occasionally have the Avhite scales margined slightly Avith black, Avhich color is often found at their bases. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8577 1875 L. Shumacher___ 2 PITYOPHIS. Pityophis sayi belloxa (Baird & Girard) Cope. a. SAYI. Coluber melanoleucus var. sayi Harlan, Journ. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. v, 1827, 360; id., Med. and Phys. Res. 1835. 123. Coluber sayi Schl., Ess. Physiogn. Serp. 1837, 157. (Not Coronella sayi of Holbrook, or Coluber sayi of DeKay, which is Ophibolus.) Pituophis sayi HA'. & Gir.. App. Cat. X. A. Kept. 1853. 152 (in text under Coluber sayi, p. 151).—Kenn. apud Coop. & Suckl., Nat. Hist. Wash. Ten. 1860, 300, pi. 22.—Hayd., Trans. Anier. Phil. Soc. xii, 1862, 177. b. BELLONA. Churchillia bellona Bd. & Gir.. Stansbury's Rep. Great Salt Lake 1852, 350. Pituophis bellona Bd. & Gir.. Cat. X. Am. Kept. 1853, 66, 157.—Giiuther apud GraA~, Cat. Col. Snakes, Pitiiophis bellona Kenn. apud Bd.. P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859. Williamson's Route, Reptiles. 42.—Kenn. apnd Bd., F. S. Mex. B. Surv. ii. pt. ii. 1859. Reptiles. 18.—Bd.. F. S. P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Beek- with's Route, Reptiles, 19.—Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1866, 305.—Allen, Proc. Bost. Soc. Nat, Hist. xvii. 1874, 69. Pituophis sayi var. bellona ('ope. Check-List Bat. and Rep. N. A. 1875, 39.—Streets, Bull. F. S. Nat. Mus. N<>- 7, 1877, 40. Pituophis a/finis Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila, vi, 1852, 181.—Hallow., Sitgr. Rep. Expl. Zuiii and ' Colorado R. 1853, 130, 146. Pityophis sayi subsp. bellona Yarrow, vol. v. Zoology. F. S. Geog. Survs. W. 100th M. 1875, 540. Pityophis sayi bellona Coues, vol. v, Zoology, F. S. Geog. Survs. W. 100th M. 617.—Coues &. Yarrow, Bull. F. S. Geol. Surv. Terr. 1878. 282. < Pityophis mexicanus Finn. & Bib.. Erp. G6n. vii, 1854. 236.—Giiuther apud Gray, Cat. Col. Snakes, 1858, 87. Pityophis sayi subsp. mexicanus Cope, Check-List N. A. Batr. and Rept. 1875, 39.—Yarrow, A"ol. v, Zool- ogy, F. S. Geog. Survs. W. 100th M. 539. Coluber catenifer Blainv., Nouv. Ann. Mus. Hist. Nat. iii, 1834, pi. xxvi, figs. 2. 2 a, 2b. Pituophis catenifer Bd. & (id.. Cat. N. A. Batr. and Kept. 1853, 69.—Giiuther apud Gray, Cat. Col. Snakes. 1858, 87.—Gd., F. S. Expl. Exp. 1858, 135. Pityophis catenifer Cope, Check-List N. A. Batr. and Rept. 1875, 39. Pituophis ivilkesii HA. &Gd., Cat. N. A. Rept. i, 1853, 71.—Gd., F. S. Expl. Exped. Herp. 1858, 137, pi. ix, figs. 1, 7.—Coop. & Suckl., Nat. Hist. Wash. Terr. 1859, 300. A thorough examination of the series of specimens each of P. sayi bellona, mexicanus, and catenifer leaA'es no doubt in our minds of the propriety of uniting these three as one form under Baird & Girard's name of bellona, thus leaving but two A'arieties, the one 10 (sayi) inhabiting the Eastern region, the other (bellona) occupying the West generally. The characters giA-en as distinguishing catenifer and mexicanus from the latter, of which they are supposed to be Southern varieties, appear to us too slight to warrant their separation, and to come quite Avithin the range of individual Aariation. The scale- formula for the head varies greatly in this serpent (bellona), the upper labials in indi- viduals of the same so-called species or varieties presenting a difference in number which has been gi*-en as indicating one or the other of these forms. The dorsal scales vary similarly in number, and no dependence, as a diagnostic feature, can be placed upon the number of carinated or smooth scales. Starting Avith the idea that each of these forms was peculiar to a more or less restricted region, Ave find individuals from the same locality presenting characters belonging to the three. Some specimens refer- rible to catenifer as regards coloration if casually examined arc really, taking all the characters into account, nearest to bellona. It may be stated that Baird and Girard mention as one of the specific points of P. catenifer that the four outer toavs of dorsal scales are smooth. The type-specimen was from San Francisco, and as examined by us presents seven rows of smooth scales, the upper labials on one side being nine, on the other eight. It is to be noticed, Iioavca er, that the number of smooth scales varies in different portions of the body, a fact apparently not recognized by these authors, the number of carinated scales decreasing toward the tail. Thus in this type it is true that near the tail there are but four rows of smooth scales, but toward the upper part of the body, near the neck, the number increases to seAren or eight. This statement applies equally to the other two forms. This beautiful and aberrant form was found to be tolerably common in California and Nevada, but none were seen approaching the great size (six feet Iavo inches) of the specimens secured in Colorado in 1874. The Californians know this serpent as the Gopher or Bull Snake, and it is said to do good service in the destruction of their great pest, the Ground Squirrel, Spermophilus beecheyi. List of specimens. No. 8592 8582 8590 8670 K591 8594 8593 9521 Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. Santa Barbara, Cal........................................I 1875 i H. W. Henshaw .. .........do................................................ 1875 ___do............. Kernville, Cal............................................. 1875.....do............. .........do................................................ 1875 Dr. H. C. Yarrow. Mojave Desert, Ariz.......................................' 1875 , Dr. O. Loew...... Southern California.......................................I 1875 i H. W. Henshaw.. Santa Barbara. Cal........................................ 1875 Dr. H. C. Yarrow. Hovey Lake, Cal. (east slope)............................. 1877 H. W. Henshaw .. BASCANIUM. Bascanium constrictor flavivestkib (L.) Cope. a. constrictor. Coluber constrictor Linn., Syst. Nat. i. 1766. 385.—Gm., Linn. Syst. Nat. ed. xiii, i. iii. 1788. 1109.—Shaw, Gen. Zoology, 464.—Men-.. Tent. 1820. 108.—Latreille, Hist. Nat. Rept. 1825. iv. 178.—Dandin, ibid vi 402—Lac Hist, Xat, Serps. t. ii, 309.—Fitzinger. Xeu. Class, der Rept, 1826, 57.— Hail. Joum.Aead. Nat. Sci. Phila. v. 1827. 348: Med. and Phys. Res. 1835. 112.—Schl., Ess. PhvsSerp. Descr. 1837. 133, pi. iv. figs. 3, 4.—Storer. Rep. Rept, Mass. 1839. 225.—Holbr., N. A.'Herp. iii. 1842, 55, pi. xi.—Thomps., Hist, of Vermont, 1842. 117.—DeKay, New York Fauna, Kept., 1842. 35, pi. x. fig. 20. Matrix constrictor Men., Syst, der Amphib. 1820, 108. Hicropis constrictor Bon.. Fn. Ital. ii. 1841. „*„„,, Coryphodon constrictor Dum. & 1Mb., Erp. G6n. vii-i, 1854, 183.—Gunther apud Gray, Cat. Coll. snakes, 1858, 109. Vipera nigra Catesb., Nat, Hist. Carolin. ii, 1743, 48. tab. xlviii. Black snake. Kalm, Keise N. A. ii. 1764. 202.—Penu.,Arct. Zool. Suppl. u, 1.92. 92. Bascanion fnxii Bd. & Gd.. Cat. X. A. Kept. 1853. 96. ?Bascanion fremontii Bd. &. Gd.,Cat. X. A. Kept. 18o3, 95. b. FI.AV1VF.NTRIS. Coluber flarirentris Sav. Long's Exp. Kocky Alts, ii, 1823. 185. Bascanion tUn'irentrJuA. .V Gd., Cat. X. A. Kept. 1853, 90.-Bd..F. S. & Mex. Bound. Surv. n, Rept. 1858. 20. Coryphodon thirin-ntris Hallow.. Proc. Acad. Xat. Sri. Phila. 1856. 241 ,,.,,„, ... „ BaseluZJustus Bd. A Gd., Cat. X. A. Ke,,t. 1S53: 97.-G.1 Herp. F. S. Expl. Exp. 18..8.12, pi. vin, figs. 12 19 -Cooper. P. R. R. Kept, xli.pt. ii, 1860, 301. ,„*,.--., ^ ^ Bascanium constrictor subsp. rrtustumCnn: ("'heck-List X. A Batrach. and Rept, l6,o, 40.-\ arrow, vol. v, Zoology, F. S. Geog. Survs. W. 100th M. is(.>, 541. \ critical studv of the very large series of Bascanium constrictor in the Smithsonian reveals a'very extensive geographical range for this species. Except in the single 11 particular of color, a point to be adA'erted to presently, Ave find specimens from various parts of the far West, as Utah, Ncav Mexico, California, Oregon, and elscAvhere, that appear to be absolutely identical with others from the typical habitat of the species, the Eastern and Southern States. Taking the number of the superior labials, their relation to the eye and the relative position of the lower postorbital as guides, per- haps the most reliable given, Ave find that in these particulars Eastern specimens vary very much. Baird and Girard give the number of upper labials as 7, but frequently there are H (more rarely 6), and when this is the case the position of the center of the orbit with relation to the 4th upper labial no longer holds good, Avhile theloAver post- orbital is found over the 5th, or between it and the 6th, instead of, as given, over1 the 4th; or it may occasionally be found over the 3d, there being in this case but 6 upper labials, or one less instead of one additional. Very frequently the number of superior labials varies on different sides of the same individual, there being in some specimens 6 and 7 respectively, in others 7 and 8, the position of the orbit and orbital plates, both interiorly and posteriorly, varying accordingly. Variations similar in character and degree are found in Western examples, both in those which haAe been considered and marked B. constrictor and in others labeled rctustum. The characters upon which the distinctions appear for the most part to have been made are the relations the orbit and orbital plates bear to certain of the maxillary shields, but, as stated aboAe, these our examinations haAe sIioavii to be utterly unreliable, some individuals indeed bearing upon one side the characters of one form, those of another on the opposite. For the same reasons, the characters given as distinguishing ftaricentris and vetustum have no specific value inter se, being based upon individual Variations. So far, then, as external individual characters go Ave are not able to find any firm basis upon which to separate Western and Eastern specimens. Taking up the series noAV Avith reference to color alone, Ave find a quite marked and constant difference between Eastern and Western specimens. The dark coloration,. pitchy-black aboA'e, greenish-black beloAV, so characteristic of the snake as seen in the Eastern region, seems to be extremely rare or altogether Avanting in the West, although, as nearly as Ave can judge from their Aery brief description, it was simply a black B. constrictor which was made the type of Baird and Girard's B. fremontii. If so, this specimen furnishes the only example we haAe of the occurrence of constrictor in its typical condition of color in the far West. It is more likely to have been an abnormally colored individual, as we have numerous specimens from California, the locality of the specimen in question, all of them corresponding in color to the usual Western type. This may be stated to be olive-brown above, beneath yelloAv. The precise shades A'ary much, the broAvnaboAe haA'ing often a greenish tinge, the yelloAV below fading to a greenish-white. Considerable variation also obtains in Eastern examples, and some, especially after long immersion in alcohol, become decidedly broAvnish or bluish. Young indiAiduals are also usually lighter than adults, Baird and Girard's B. foxii being founded upon immature specimens A'arying thus. Comparing the Eastern and Western series together, the difference is a Aery striking one, amply sufficient, we think, to justify the retention of a Western Aariety. Baird and Girard's B. Jiariventris being evidently based upon a typically colored Western specimen, this name must be retained as the earliest. It is a matter of interest to note the fact that the black B. constrictor extends as far to the west as Kansas, and that from Kansas, also, we haA'e specimens of the light-colored, yelloAv-bellied Western form, about here apparently occurring the division between the two races. The constancy shoAvn in this species in the number of dorsal scales is noteworthy, 17 being the iiiAariable number found in every specimen examined irrespective of the region Avhere obtained. The variety flaviventris is Aery numerous in many portions of the West, and is there universally distributed, but is perhaps most numerous in the near vicinity of the Avater-courses. Only one of the many seen was, however, brought in. LAst of specimens. No. Locality. / Date. Collector. No. of specs. 9522 Honey Lake, California.................................... 1877 H. W. Henshaw__ 1 Bascanium flagellifoij.aie piceum Cope. 'Bascanium flagelliforme piceum Cope, MS. Bascanium flagelliforme subsp. piceum Cope, Cat. Bat. and Rept. N. A. 1875, p. 40. A specimen consisting of the head and part of the body collected in Arizona has been doubtfully referred to this form, of which no description has yet appeared. So far as coloration goes, our specimen shows little difference from B. testaceum. 12 Bascanium t.eniati m laterale (Hallow.) Cope. Bascanium tceniatum Hallow., subspecies laterale Hallow., Cope. Check-List N. A. Rep. and Batrach 1875, 40.—Yarrow, vol. v, Zoology, F. S., Geog. Survs. W. 100th M. 1875, 543. This beautiful and characteristic serpent is quite numerous in Southern California. Peculiarities of color seem tolerably constant in this variety. List of specimens. No. Locality. Fort Tejon, Cal. 8597 i Santa Barbara, Cal Date. | Collector. H. TV. Henshaw 1875 1875 ...do Xo. of specs. BASCANILM T.EXIATCM T.KXIATl'M (Hall.) tope. Leptophis Ueniata Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. vi, 1852. 181. Leptophis tceniatus Hallow., Sitirrea\ es's Exp. Zuhi and Col. Riv. 185:!. 133-146. Masticophis tceniatus Baird . Whipple's Route, Reptiles, ■ 38.—Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat, Sci. Phila. 1866. 302; id., Check-List N. A. Batrach. and Rep. 1875, 47.—Yarrow, vol. v, Zoology. F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 565.—Coues, ib. 600. This -well-marked species is one of the most abundant and characteristic lizards of the Southwestern Territories. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8628 Fort Mojave, Ariz Santa Barbara, Cal Mojave Desert, Cal 8629 9549 ............ 1875 Dr. H. C. Yarrow... ............ 1875 Dr. O. Loew........ 1 1 1 1 Crotaphytus wislizenii Baird & Girard. Crotaphytus wislizenii Baird & Girard, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1852, 69: id., Stans. Rep. Exp. Grt. Salt Lake, 1852, 340.—Bd., F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, 1859, Reptiles. 7 ; id., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859, Gunnison's Route, Reptiles, 17; id., P. R. R. Rep. x, 1859. Whipple s Route, Reptiles, 37.—Coop. & Suckl., Nat. Hist' Wash. Ter. 1860, 294.—Cope. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila, 1866, 303; id.. Check-List N. A. Batrach. and Rep. 1875, 48.—Yarrow, vol. v, Zoology, F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 566.—Coues, ib. 599. Crotaphytus (Gambelia) wislizenii Bd., F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. loc. cit. in text. Crotaphytus gambelii Bd. & Gir., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1852, 207; id., Sitgreaves's Exp. Zufii and Col. Riv. 1853, 115, pi. 5. Crotaphytus fasciatus Hallo well, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1852, 207. Habitat more northerly than the preceding. This species is extremely abundant on the sandy sage-brush desert in the region of Pyramid Lake, Nca ., and in a day's ride scores may be seen along the road. They are extremely quick in movements, and when startled speed over the sand with marvelous celerity. They may be readily secured by the use of a long pliant switch or Avhip. The specimens from this locality all agree in presenting an unusually dark phase of coloration, the spots on the back being larger and blacker than in any others we have seen. This may be due in part to the loss of color in older alcoholic specimens. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8632 9516 Southern California . Pyramid Lake, Nev 1875 1877 J. A. Hasson....... H. W. Henshaw ... DIPSOSAURUS. DlPSOSAURUS dorsalis Bd. & Gd. Crotaphytus dorsalis Bd. & Gd., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1852. 126. Dipsosaurus dorsalis Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1854, 92.—Bd., F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. 1859, 8.—Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1866, 310: id., Cheek-List ,X. A. Bat. and Rept. 1875, 48.—Coues, vol. v, Zoology, F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 599. But a single individual of this southern species has been obtained by the expedition. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date Collector. No. of specs. 8635 ! Mojave Desert. Cal........................................ 1876 Lieut. E. Bergland. 19 UTA. Uta ornata Baird & Girard. Uta ornata Baird & GirardI Proc, Acad Nat Sci Phila 1852, 126.-Bd., F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. pt. «'„,. tt 5e?,t,le8' J:—CoJ£> Check-List N. A. Bat. and Rep. 1875, 48.-Yarrow, vol. v, Zool- ogy.U. S. Geog. Surv. %. 100th M. 1875, 568—Coues, ib. 597. Cm ornata var. h/iearts Bd., J. c. (Los nogales). The relationship of Cope's U. thalassina and c7. ^«cfo8M8to the present species requires to be iiivestigated, as the descriptions imply a rather close approach. Our specimens of the U. ornata from the Mojave Desert region show considerable differences in color- ation from specimens collected in previous years in Utah, &c.; so marked, in fact, are they that at first Ave were inclined to consider them to be distinct. Baird's and Gi- rard s description indicates a rather highly colored species-" reddish-brown above, with transverse elongated black patches all along the upper part of the body." This applies to the usual style found in Utah, and also to some from the Mojave Desert: others, howeA-er, from the last locality are of a clear ashy-gray color, variably marked with narrow transverse black bands. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8665 Southern California............. 1875 1875 1875 1875 Dr. H. C. Yarrow ... Dr. 0. Loew........ William Somers..... 2 2 1 1 8666 8667 Mojave Desert. Cal............. Fort Mojave, Ariz..........___ 8668 Southern California........... Uta staxsburiana Bd. & Gir. Uta stansburiana Bd. & Gir.. Proc. Acad. Nat, Sci. Phila. vi, 1852, 69; id., Stans. Rep. Exp. Grt Salt Lake, 34o pi. ^ fags 4-6.-Bd., F S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. ii, pt. ii, 1859, Reptiles, 7; id., P. R. R Rep. Reptiles x, 18o9, AVhipple's Route. 37.—Cope, Check-List 1875, 48.—Yarcow vol. v, Zoology, F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 568.—Coues, ib. 596. The color-variation in this species is very considerable indeed, being exceeded i f equaled, by no other of the family. The males are readily distinguishable from the depth ot color, a bluish cast pervading the Avhole body. The chin and throat are strongly bluish, in decided contrast to the greenish-vellow of the under parts gener- ally. A double row of black spots is usually found along the back. The markings of the females are more irregular, the lighter tints prevailing. The sides are usually broken up by Avhitish maculations. BeloAv, the yellow is paler and the chin of a lighter blue. Both sexes have a conspicuous bluish spot on the side just posterior to the fore leg. In the original description, we find no mention made of the carinated character of the scales of the dorsal region. All specimens, however, possess this as a constant feature. The carina} become best marked as the tail is approached, and gradually become obsolete close to the neck. Young.—So entirely different in appearance are the young, AA-hen only from 2 to 3 inches long, that their identity Avould scarcely be suspected. BeloAv they are greenish- yelloAV, the chin presenting no contrast of blue. Above, two series of continuous black spots inclose median lighter spaces. On either side of these, running from, the eye down the body, is a conspicuous stripe of light yellow, 5 scales wide, beloAv which is a series of illy-defined black spots. Anterior to and above the shoulder is a conspicuous roundish black spot. The spot on side of body back of fore leg is wanting. We find seAeral specimens in the collection which well exhibit one extreme of color to which the species is subject; these, if only correlated with special locality, might properly be considered to represent a variety. This, however, is not the case. These are of a light- brown color, the upper surface being distinctly marbled with numerous light greenish- blue spots; the tail banded with same. This species is A'ery abundant throughout Southern California, Arizona, and Nevada. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 8614 ,1875 1876 1875 1875 1875 1875 1875 1875 H. W. Henshaw__ William Somers..... H. W. Henshaw__ ......do............. 1 8615 1 8616 10 8617 ......do . ..............i................. 5 8619 ......do............. 2 8620 J. A. Hasson........ Dr. 0. Loew........ H. W. Henshaw.... 3 8621 3 8639 1 20 SCELOPORUS. Sceloporus poinsettii Bd. & Gd. Sceloporus poinsettii Bd. & Gd., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1852,126.—Bd., F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. pt. ii, 1859, Rept. 5, pi. 29, figs. 1-3.—Cope, Check-List N. A. Batrach. and Rept. 1875, 48.—Yar- row, vol. v, Zool., F. S. Geog. Exp. W. 100th M. 1875, 573.—Coues, ib. p. 595. This species was found in Southern Arizona by the expedition, where it is by no means rare. The specimen taken Avas mislaid, and no mention was made of it in the previous report; hence we introduce it here. In comparing specimens of this Avell-marked form from Texas, the original locality of the species, with others collected in Arizona, Ave note a quite decided difference in the amount of carination of the scales of the back. Although in the original descrip- tion the scales are given as smooth, we find in specimens from Texas, otherwise quite typical, a faint keeling, which in most Arizona specimens is seen to be quite pronounced. List of specimens. ' No. Locality. Date. Collector. Xo. of specs. 8610 1874 H. W. Henshaw .... 1 Sceloporus clarkii Bd. & Gd. Sceloporus clarkii Bd. & Gd., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1852,127.—Bd.. F. S. and Mex. Bound. Surv. pt, ii, 1859, Reptiles, 5.—Cope, Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila, 1866, 310; id., Check-List, 1875, 49.— Coues, vol. v, Zool., F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 394. Sceloporus clarkii subsp. clarkii Yarrow, vol. v. Zool., F. S. Geog. Surv. W. 100th M. 1875, 575. Sceloporus magister Hallow., Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Phila. 1854, 93. A single specimen obtained in NeATada, where it appears to be a not very common lizard. The relationship between this form and the spinosus of Wiegmann is a close one, and as a result of future investigation the two may require to be united. List of specimens. No. Locality. Date. Collector. No. of specs. 9518 1877 1876 1876 1874 H. W. Henshaw..... Lieut. E. Bergland .. 1 8674 1 8672 1 8663 Dr. Boughter....... 1 Sceloporus undulatus thayeri (Bd. & Gd.) Cope. a. UNDULATU6. Lacerata undulata Daudin, Hist. Nat, des Rept. iii, 384. Stellio undulatus Latreille, Hist. Rept. ii. 1802, 40. Lacerata hyacinthina etfasciata Green, Proc. Acad. Nat, Sci. Phila. i, 349. Vromastyx undulatus Merrem., Syst. des Aniphib. 57. Agama undulata Harlan, Med. and Phys. Res. 1853, 140.—Daudin, Hist. Nat des Repts. t. iii, 384. Tropidolepis undulatus Cuvier apud Griffith, ix, 126.—Cuvier, Reg. Anim. t. ii, p. 38.—Gray, in Grifl. An. King. vol. x, 43.—Holbrook, N. A. Herp. iii, 51, pi. viii; ii, 73, pL 9, 2d ed. 1842.—Dum. & Bib., Hist. Nat. des Rept. t. iv, 298.—DeKay, Zool. N. Y. 1842, 31.—Tenney, Man. Zool. 1866, 296. Sceloporus undulatus Gravenhorst, Nov. Acta, xviii, 768.—Wiegmann, Isis, 182s. 369.—Bd., P. R. R. Rep. x, Whipple's Route, 1857, 37.—Gd.. Herp. F. S. Expl. Exped. 1858 S79, pi. xix. figs. 15-21. Sceloporus undulatus subsp. undulatus Cope. Check-List N. A. Batr. and Rept. 1875, 48.—Yarrow, vol. v, Zoology, F. S. Geog. Surv W. 100th M. 1875, 573. b. thayeri. Sceloporus thayerii Bd.