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The Pamphlet Collection of Sir Robert Stout: Volume 6

2. Hydrophidæ, or Sea Snakes. — Platurus. Latr. — Platurus Scutatus. Laur. — The Ringed Sea Snake

2. Hydrophidæ, or Sea Snakes.

Platurus. Latr.

Platurus Scutatus. Laur.

The Ringed Sea Snake.

Body subcylindrical, of moderate length, shields of the head subnormal in number and arrangement, nostrils lateral, in a single nasal shield, both nasals being separated from each other by a pair of anterior frontals. Scales imbricate, smooth, ventral shields well developed, tail with 2 series of subcaudals (Gthr.)

Body covered with a series of black rings, 20 to 50; crown of the head black, the first and second black mark of the head and neck are joined below by a longitudinal band commencing from the chin; snout and side of the head yellow, with a black band running through the eye (Gthr).

This Snake is frequently thrown ashore after stormy weather near Manly Beach, Coogee Bay, Botany, and other localities. Its range is very extensive, and it is common in the Bay of Bengal, the China Seas, and on the Australian and New Zealand coast; it lives on fishes, and is not much dreaded by the natives of the South Sea Islands who, I am told, handle this snake with impunity.