On a new genus and species of Pythonidae from Salawatti

The snake about to be described formed part of the collection which the late Dr. Bernstein brought together in the island of Salawatti. It must be regarded as the representative of a new and interesting genus, which takes its place between the existing genera Liasis and Nardoa. It differs from Nardoa in having pits not only on the inferior labials but on the rostral and upper labial plates as well, whereas it approaches this genus by the number and disposition of the shields on the head. The tail is rather long, the form of the animal is slender and graceful, the head less broad and at the same time longer and flatter than in most other Pythonidae. This as well as the small, smooth scales might characterize the genus; whereas the peculiar coloration and the metallic hues reflected by the skin will suffice to distinguish the species at first glance.