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python by the presence of small scales instead of shields onthe head. The
two species Russel's Sand BoaEryx conicusand John'sSand BoaEryx
johnithat occur in India are found in the State. Russel'sSand Boa is
yellowish, brownish or greyish above with a dorsal seriesof brown blackedged
spots. John's Sand Boa is usually uniform grey,yellowish or dark
brown above but occasionally has dark transversebands. Both are sluggish,
largely sub-terrestrial snakes which subsistmainly on small mammals.
The Family Colubridae has the largest number of genera and
species.A cosmopolitan family, its members are terrestrial, arboreal, and
aquatic.30 species of 20 genera occur in Maharashtra. The Wart
SnakeAcro-chordus granulatusdiffers from all other colubrids in the
absence ofventral shields. Dark grey or blackish in colour with whitish
crossbarswhich become indistinct with age. A thoroughly aquatic species
preferring estuaries, it feeds exclusively on fish. Viviparous.
The Trinket SnakeElaphe helenarepresents a genus widely
distributedin Asia and N. America. A distinctively marked snake with the
forepart of the body beautifully ornamented with 3 or more white islets ina
pattern, enclosed by black cross-bands ; the ‘trinkets' may extend tothe
tail. Posteriorly the crossbars are replaced by two black bars onthe flanks.
Usually found in or near jungles at altitudes between 1,500to 6,000 ft. The
Rat Snake or DhamanPtyas mucosusis widelydistributed throughout India.
Diurnal and often seen in uninhabitedareas. Varies in colour, being olivegreen,
brown, yellow or greyishabove. Excitable, it is among Indian
snakes unique in producingoccasionally a mewing noise when cornered
and at bay. Rat snakeshave been recorded upto 3-6 metres in length. Feeds
largely on rodents,and is not poisonous, contrary to popular belief-
Three species of Racer snakes occur.Argyrogena
fasciolaius,theBanded Racer so called from the young being ornamented
with black crossbars on an olive brown back ground. The crossbars
becomeobscure with age. A peninsular form it is more common in the
Konkanthan elsewhere in its range and from its habit of erecting the
forebody and flattening its neck like the cobra is often mistaken for one. It
is, in fact, considered the female of the cobra in the Konkan. Grows to
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