Diagnosis | Diagnosis (genus): Anterior subocular absent [present in other racers]; one comparatively large posterior subocular [smaller]. Ten (eleven) supralabials, fourth and fifth (fifth and sixth) entering eye. Dorsal scales smooth, with paired apical pits; 25-27 longitudinal rows on neck (20th ventral), 29-33 at midbody, 17 (only males) to 19 prior to anal plate; usually two or three bilateral increases in the number of dorsal scale rows on anterior part of body; reductions after midbody confined to ventrolateral and lateral levels [including paravertebral rows]. 229-265 ventral scales (clear-cut sexual dimor- phism in Senegal); tail comparatively short, with 75-95 paired subcaudals. Dark X- shaped markings along the dorsum [pattern different]. 15-19 maxillary teeth, diastema distinct, last tooth laterally offset. Palatine processus of maxillary well developed and laterally rounded, lateral processus distinct. Crista basisphenoidea absent [usually present]. Hemipenis spinose with intermittent barbed calyces, probably bulbous when everted [sub-cylindrical]. A monotypic genus restricted to western Africa (Sahel to Guinea Savanna). |
References |
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