ACA'NTHOPII IS (from ifmasfia, a thorn, and gots, a snake), in Zoology, a genus of venomous serpents, allied to the vipers, but dis tinguished by having a single series of plates beneath the tail, except towards the very extremity, where they are, in some cases, separated into two small rows. The bodies and tails of these animals are elongated and cylindrical ; their heads round, obtuse, rather promi nent over the eyes, and covered in front with nine or ten polygonal plates. The back and upper surface of the tail are covered with reticulated scales of a rhomboidal form ; the breast and belly are covered with single transverse plates, as is likewise the tail, excepting towards the very extremity, which is sometimes furnished with a double row of plates, as in the common viper. The tail is terminated by a little spur, or horny excrescence, which has suggested the name of A canthophis (that is ' thorn-snake ') for this genus. It springs out of the very end of the tail, and does not appear to be of the same utility R.9 the two horny spurs which grow upon each side of the anus in the Pythons and Boas, and which, being retractile, or capable of being erected and depressed at will, execute important functions in the economy of these animals.
The head of the A canthophis is broad and compressed, the mouth capable of great distension, and furnished on each side, besides the retractile poison-fangs common to all the family of truly venomous serpents, with a double row of sharp curved teeth. The species of this genus are of small size, reside on the surface of the dry laud, and feed upon frogs, lizards, and small mammals. They are viviparous,
and secrete themselves in rat-boles, or beneath the roots of trees. They never strangle or crush their prey by coiling themselves round its body, but expect a more speedy and certain victory from the deadly effects of their poison. The species best known are— The A canthcrphis cerastinus, first described by Merrem, and so named from the general similarity which it bears, at first sight, to the artistes, or Horned Viper, in its short body, largo flat head, and eyes surmounted by prominent scales. The length of this species is about fifteen inches, of which the tail Ines/lures rather more than a fifth part ; the body is thick in proportion to its length, having a ...—... • The Acanthophis Brownii is briefly described by Dr. Leach, and figured in the first volume of the Naturalist's Miscellany.' The specific name is given out of compliment to Mr. Robert Brown, the celebrated botanist, from whose manuscripts the brief description of Dr. Leach was taken. The body is said to be of a uniform dark brown, the under lip whitish, the upper with a transverse groove in front, the tail small and rather abruptly contracted at its junction with the body, and the apex compressed laterally. This is probably the Death Adder, or Tammem, referred to by Mr. G. Bennett, in his 'Wanderings in New South Wales.' It is a hideous and exceedingly venomous reptile.