Charles J. Cole

“ Of the 246 specimens examined, 29 (11.8%; 11 females and 18 males) have an added [Pg 623] half-ventral immediately anterior to the anal plate. Of these specimens, 27 have the added half-ventral on the left side and two have it on the right. Five specimens have the last ventral divided similar to the normal division of the anal plate. One specimen has the last ventral incompletely divided transversely. Excluding the last ventral, seven specimens have divided ventrals (half-ventrals) . ”

“ Number of ventrals in females and males of T. gracilis. Subcaudals
Females have from 37 to 47 (mean, 42.0 ± 0.20; N = 79) subcaudals; males have from 43 to 55 (mean, 48.4 ± 0.23; N = 109; Fig. 3) . Of the 187 specimens examined, 13 (7.0%) have the last pair of subcaudals fused. One specimen has left subcaudal 28 fused with both adjacent subcaudals (also fused) on the right. While reading proof we found two omissions in Fig. 3; there should be illustrated two males with 43 subcaudals and three males with 44 subcaudals. ”

“ Of these characteristics, only the fol [Pg 625] lowing were invariable in our sample: size small, body slender, head not noticeably distinct from body; postoculars one or two; smooth dorsal scales; posterior grooved fangs on maxilla. The dorsal scales, anal, and subcaudals were "correct" 92 per cent of the time; the preoculars and nasals were "correct" 97 per cent of the time. ”

“ Maxillary characteristics (Figs. 4 and 5)
Maxillary teeth anterior to fangs 10-14 (mean, 12.1; N = 20) ; tooth-socket number 6.5-8.5 (mean, 7.2; N = 20) directly opposite distal tip of suborbital process; lateral anterior foramina 1-3 (mean, 1.8; N = 20) ; tooth number 6-9 (mean, 6.9; N = 12) directly below center of posterior foramen (if only two foramina present) . Three specimens lack a diastema and 17 specimens have a diastema. The anterior and posterior edges of the suborbital process are parallel in two specimens and not parallel in 14; the process is broken in four specimens. ”