AMPHISKENA, in natural history, a genus of Serpents, of which the generic character is, body cylindric, equal ; an nular divisions on body and tail. Accord ing to Gmelin there are five species ; but Dr. Shaw mentions two only, viz. the Alba and the Fuliginosa. The whole genus is allied to that of the Anguis, and in some degree to the Lacerta: it is, however, readily distinguished by the manner in which the exterior surface of its skin is marked in well-defined numerous circles or rings, completely surrounding the body, and divided in alongitudinal direc tion by stiU more mune rous straight lines, thus forming so many square or parallelo gramic scales. The alba is about 18 or 20 inches long, and of a proportional thickness. The head, which is covered with large scales, being but little larger in diameter than the body ; the tail is short, terminating in arounded extremity. The colour is, ss the name imports, white, though in some instances it is tinged with a pale rose colour. The usual number of circles in this snake is about 223 on the body, and 16 on the tail. It is a na
tive of South-America, where it is found in woods, preying on insects and worms. It is a harmless animal, but on being handled, it excites a slight itching- on the skin, accompanied by small pustules, owing to an acrimonious moisture ex uding from the animal. A. fuliginosa is at all times readily distinguished by its colours. There are about 230 rings on its body and tail. His white, variegated with black or deep brown spots. The head is without spots. It is found in ma ny parts of South-America, resembling the alb& in its manners, and beingequally innoxious. 'The skin of the amphisbxna is remarkably strong and tenacious, and of a smooth or glossy surface : it is sup posed to be able to perforate the ground with great facility, in the manner of earth worrris, to obtain its food. The other species arc found in America. See plate Serpentes, fig 2.