[Pg 149]
University of Kansas Publications

Museum of Natural History

Volume 15, No. 2, pp. 149-173

January 31, 1962

Some Reptiles and Amphibians from Korea

BY

ROBERT G. WEBB, J. KNOX JONES, JR.,
AND GEORGE W. BYERS

University of Kansas

Lawrence

1962

[Pg 150]

University of Kansas Publications, Museum of Natural History

Editors: E. Raymond Hall, Chairman, Henry S. Fitch,
Theodore H. Eaton, Jr.

Volume 15, No. 2, pp. 149-173

Published January 31, 1962

University of Kansas

Lawrence, Kansas

PRINTED BY

JEAN M. NEIBARGER, STATE PRINTER

TOPEKA, KANSAS

1962

28-8517

[Pg 151]

Some Reptiles and Amphibians from Korea

BY

ROBERT G. WEBB, J. KNOX JONES, JR., AND GEORGE W. BYERS

In 1954, two of us (Jones and Byers) collected reptiles and
amphibians in Korea incidental to field studies relating to hemorrhagic
fever. The 382 specimens thus obtained were deposited
either in the Museum of Natural History of The University of
Kansas (KU), or in the Museum of Zoology of the University of
Michigan (UMMZ), and are the basis for the present report. Continuous
American military operations of one sort or another in
Korea since 1945 have afforded opportunities for interested persons
to obtain there collections of amphibians and reptiles, the study
of which has resulted in several recent publications (Babb, 1955;
Dixon, 1956; Hahn, 1959 and 1960; Shannon, 1956 and 1957;
Stewart, 1953 and 1954; Tanner, 1953; Walley, 1958a and 1958b).
This paper, which contains comments on the natural history and
taxonomy of 22 species, all previously reported from Korea, supplements
earlier studies, especially Shannon's (1956) annotated list
of the herpetofauna of the country.

Shannon (loc. cit.) recorded 36 kinds of reptiles and amphibians
from Korea. Subsequently, Bufo stejnegeri (previously omitted)
was added by Shannon (1957), Takydromus takydromoides oldi
was described by Walley (1958a), and Takydromus kwangakuensis
was relegated to synonymy under T. amurensis by Walley
(1958b). Presently, then, 37 kinds are on record from the Korean
Peninsula.

In the accounts beyond, Jones and Byers are mostly responsible
for the remarks on natural history, whereas Webb is mostly responsible
for the taxonomic comments. The synonymies include
(1) the original description, which is followed by (2) the first use
of the name-combination here employed if it differs from the name
as originally proposed, and (3) any synonyms having type localities
in Korea. All measurements are in millimeters and all dates refer
to the year 1954 unless otherwise indicated. A gazetteer of localities
mentioned in the text and a list of literature cited follow
the accounts of species.

We are grateful to the officers, enlisted men and civilians associated
in 1954 with the Field Unit of the Commission on Hemor[Pg 152]rhagic
Fever, Armed Forces Epidemiological Board, who aided our
efforts in Korea; we are especially mindful of the contributions of
Dr. Albert A. Barber, Dr. Marshall Hertig, Mr. Louis J. Lipovsky
and Dr. Warren D. Thomas. We are grateful also to Mr. Yoshinori
Imaizumi, National Science Museum of Japan, for his translations
of several papers in Japanese, and to Dr. Edward H. Taylor for
making certain pertinent references available to us.

Hynobius leechii Boulenger

Remarks.—The salamander described above was found in a foxhole
with another desiccated individual (not saved) on a military
compound on April 24. The only other occurrence of H. leechii
on the mainland to come to our attention was the report of several
larvae that were seen in a small pool on a hillside near Chip´o-ri
in the summer of 1953.

Each of the two specimens from Cheju Do (KU 38775-76) differs
from KU 38774 in having (1) the length of inner branch of the
vomerine series slightly greater than the distance between outer
border of naris and peak of opposite series (tooth-rows V-shaped,
longer than broad), (2) a dorsal and ventral keel on the tail,
(3) one costal groove (rather than two costal grooves) between
adpressed toes, and (4) in being darker both dorsally and ventrally.
The area of buff on the dorsal surface of each specimen is reduced
by a fine, blackish mottling and stippling, and the venter of each
is grayish. Respective total lengths of KU 38775 and 38776 are
84 (head 12, body 36, tail 36) and 89 (12, 35, 42), and the number
of costal grooves 13 and 14. Although the two specimens are of
approximately the same size, the tail of KU 38776 is noticeably
the longer; the tail of KU 38775 is thicker and deeper than that
of KU 38776.[Pg 153]

The two specimens from 4 mi. NNE Sogwi-ri were taken on September
9 in damp substrate under volcanic rocks along a little-used
road; although many rocks were overturned, only these two individuals
were found. A South Korean soldier informed us that
salamanders were fairly common on Cheju Do.

Mori (1928a:16) first mentioned in Japanese text the alleged
distinctiveness of the salamander occurring on Cheju Do. Later,
Mori (1928b:47 in Japanese, and 1928c:53 in English) provided
valid descriptions of the subspecies, Hynobius leechii quelpaertensis.
Okada (1934:17) questioned the validity of H. l. quelpaertensis
and Sato (1943) regarded the salamanders of Cheju Do as
inseparable from the Korean H. leechii. The English description
of quelpaertensis is briefer than the preceding one in Japanese
and lacks comparisons with related forms. KU 38775-76 seemingly
differ appreciably from the description of quelpaertensis only in
having the series of vomerine teeth narrowly V-shaped and longer
than broad. We tentatively follow Sato in regarding quelpaertensis
as a synonym of leechii.

Bombina orientalis (Boulenger)

Remarks.—Most of our specimens were taken from breeding congresses
after heavy rains in rice fields and other shallow temporary
waters. Thirteen individuals from Chip´o-ri were collected from
foxholes around the edge of a military compound (two pairs in
amplexus; no egg masses seen), and represent a small sample of
frogs that were everywhere following a heavy rain on the night of
May 13-14. On April 23, 32 Bombina orientalis and three Rana
temporaria dybowskii were trapped in the water-filled bottom of
an unused grease pit near Tangjonggok. Many tadpoles and two
kinds of egg masses (small clusters and beadlike strings) were
present; the small clusters of Bombina were commonest. On June
13 at the same locality, thousands of these toads were observed
(hundreds in axillary amplexus) in foxholes, temporary rain pools,
and backwashes along the Puk-ch´on [river]. On June 12 near[Pg 154]
Yongdae-ri many individuals were seen (several pairs in amplexus),
along Route 24 paralleling the Puk-ch´on, in rain pools and in
ditches and backwashes from the river; almost all available water
contained small (approximately 10 × 10 mm.) egg masses. Numbers
of eggs per mass, selected at random, were 5, 2, 2, 5, 2, 8, 8, 2
and 5. Some that were saved subsequently hatched on June 15-17.

The call is a quiet low trill or series of staccato whistles rising
slightly at the beginning; a short peeplike note also was heard. The
specimens from Cheju Do, which are generally smaller than those
collected on the mainland in spring, were taken on September 6
in a small stream that had large volcanic rocks in many places and
that was flanked by thick brush and small trees. The earliest and
latest dates on which B. orientalis was collected were April 21 and
September 6, respectively.

In the breeding season, males are distinguished from females by
the large blackish (probably brownish earlier in season) areas on
the anteroventral surface of the antebrachium, the metacarpal
tubercle, and the inner surface of the first finger (sometimes also
the second and third). Also, males have conspicuous black-tipped
tubercles on the back (usually absent in females) that extend onto
the limbs (usually smooth in females, at least laterally). Field
observations by one of us (Byers) suggested that the dorsal pattern
of males had greater contrast than that of females and that
the venter was brighter reddish. Eight females from Tangjonggok
averaged 47.9 (43-51) in snout-vent length, whereas 24 males
from there averaged 50.0 (46-55), indicating little, if any, size
difference between the sexes.

Okada (1931:29) recorded variation in color of live Korean
individuals (green or brown dorsally and pale yellow or red ventrally)
and variation in extent of black markings on the belly (op.
cit.:fig. 12). The specimens from Cheju Do (28, 32, 32, 32, 37
and 46 in snout-vent length) have less black ventrally than specimens
from the mainland.

Bufo bufo gargarizans Cantor

Remarks.—This nocturnal, introduced species (Okada, 1931:47)
is presumably widespread in Korea and seemingly prefers lowland
habitats. Individuals were taken in sparse vegetation on a sand
flat near the Han River, at the edge of a rice field in a light rain,
along a road at night, and in millet fields adjacent to the Han
River, which was flooding at that time (July 9).

As is obvious from the foregoing descriptions, the male (KU
40118), which was obtained on March 19, differs considerably from
the nine females; neither does it agree with Stejneger's (1907:66)[Pg 156]
or Okada's (op. cit.:45-46, fig. 18) description of males of Bufo
bufo asiaticus [=gargarizans] from Wonsan and Seoul. Upon
cursory examination, KU 40118 is notable for having a contrasting
dorsal pattern and elongate, ranidlike proportions. Some of the
characteristics resemble those of Bufo raddei Strauch as given by
Stejneger (op. cit.:70-72, figs. 53-57), Okada (1935:9, figs. 2 and
32-34, pls. II-III), and Liu (1950:203-205, fig. 43).

Stejneger (op. cit.:59-68) recognized B. b. gargarizans as occurring
in southern China, and Bufo bufo asiaticus as the subspecies
occurring in northern China. Subsequently, asiaticus was relegated
to synonymy under the earlier-named gargarizans—see discussions
by Pope and Boring (1940:33) and Liu (op. cit.:220).

Kaloula borealis (Barbour)

Remarks.—On April 5, one male and three females were uncovered
by a bulldozer from between one and two feet below the
surface of the ground in an old Korean burial mound; one individual
was completely surrounded by compact soil. All quickly became
active when placed in water. Two of the females (43 and 44 in
snout-vent length) contained masses of immature eggs. A male
obtained on June 4 was found during a rain; the three UMMZ
specimens were obtained on July 8 on banks above the Han River.
Breeding of this species seems to coincide with the rainy season
in late spring and early summer when males were noted calling
around flooded ditches and swales in deep grass. The local Korean
name of the species, which sounds something like "maeng-kongi,"
is said to come from the call, which is best described as a monotonous,
snoring sound that rarely is heard in two parts as suggested
by the name.

Hyla arborea japonica Günther

Remarks.—Hylids from 5 mi. ESE Seoul were collected from a
cement-walled pit at the Seoul City Water Works; a specimen of
Elaphe rufodorsata taken in the pit had eaten one hylid. Two
individuals were taken in the morning of May 29 on leaf litter in a
wooded valley in the Central National Forest where a number
were calling in a light rain, but the species was rarely found in
woods. Two frogs were found along a rocky stream at Sangbonch´on-ni.
Most individuals were taken while calling, on grasses
and reeds or on the ground, along the edges of rice fields. Sixteen
hylids collected 1 mi. NW Oho-ri were calling in shallow water of
a rice field on a hillside, but none was heard in a large lake nearby
or in adjacent fields. On May 15, 4 mi. ESE Ch´orwon, approximately
one hundred tadpoles, thought to be of this species, congregated
near a drain (into a lower field) of an unused rice field;
the tadpoles were well-developed, some having hind legs. The
earliest and latest dates of collection represented in our material
are May 8 and October 29. The call is best described as a raspy
"waak," "week," or "wiick" in the middle register.

The listing of "Hylae arboreae var japonicae descript pars Schleg.
in Fauna Japon. p. 112 ..." by Günther (1858:81) in synonymy
under the account of Polypedates schlegelii, implies that
Schlegel was the first author to use the name-combination Hyla
arborea japonica. Boulenger (1882:86, 381) went so far as to credit
Schlegel as the author of the name japonica. The reason for this
action is not known because Schlegel (in von Siebold, 1838:112)
referred to this hylid only under the name "Hyla arborea."

Rana rugosa Schlegel

Remarks.—Rana rugosa was associated with Rana nigromaculata
and Rana amurensis coreana at all localities where the species was
taken save at 2 mi. E Hoengsong, where R. a. coreana was not
observed. Three specimens of R. rugosa were collected among[Pg 158]
grasses and reeds in water along the edge of Ch´orwon Reservoir,
2 mi. S Ch´orwon, where they were difficult to find in the thick
vegetation even though their low, soft calls were heard; the specimen
from 1 mi. NW Oho-ri was found in a rice field. Otherwise,
habitats recorded indicate a preference for small, fast-flowing
streams, especially in wooded valleys. On one occasion, individuals
were found trapped in cement-walled pits about old ruins
on a wooded hillside in the Central National Forest. The earliest
and latest dates of capture among our specimens are May 15 and
November 6. In addition to the localities listed above, the species
was observed 4 mi. W Ch´ungju.

R. rugosa may have an extensive breeding season as suggested
by the variation in size of frogs collected or observed in 1954. Of
nine frogs obtained on May 29, five ranged in snout-vent length
from 26 to 28, and four from 42 to 54. Three specimens collected
on October 9 measured 39, 41, and 55, and two obtained on November
6 measured 25 and 37.

Rana nigromaculata Hallowell

Remarks.—Rana nigromaculata is the most abundant ranid in
central Korea and, in a general way, the ecological equivalent of
Rana pipiens in temperate North America. The species is associated
with most aquatic habitats, from rocky streams to rice fields and
large impoundments. In the vicinity of Seoul the din of large
breeding congresses was heard more or less continuously from
mid-April to mid-May. Large numbers of juveniles (approximately
one inch long) were noticed first on July 8 and were present[Pg 159]
thereafter for about three weeks, being commonest in standing
water after heavy rains or during prolonged showers. These data
and the different sizes of individuals collected at the same time
suggest either variable growth or, more probably, an extensive
breeding season. Our earliest and latest dates of collection are
April 16 and October 7. The Korean name for "frog," most often
applied to R. nigromaculata, sounds something like "keg-oh-ree."
The call is a prolonged, raspy, staccato croak, sometimes with a
rising inflection at the end.

In addition to the localities listed above, the species was observed
5 mi. W Kwangju and 3 mi. S Osan.

Despite a high degree of individual variation, Rana nigromaculata
seemingly varies geographically as well; some subspecies probably
should be recognized, but the species as a whole has never been
thoroughly studied systematically. The division of R. nigromaculata
into three subspecies by Schmidt (1927:563-567) was considered
untenable by Fang and Chang (1931:95-98), and it has
been regarded by most recent authors as a variable, monotypic
species.

The named subspecies R. n. chosenica (Okada, 1931:89, with
type locality at Seoul, and geographically restricted to Korea) was
considered a subspecies of Rana plancyi by Shannon (1956:36).
The most trenchant characters of plancyi seem to be the wide dorsolateral
folds, the uniform greenish dorsum, the presence of dermal
pustules on the back between the dorsolateral folds, and the lack
of a mottled pattern on the posterior surface of the thigh. Among
our specimens of R. nigromaculata, the width of the dorsolateral
folds is variable, a uniform greenish dorsum is found only in large
males, dermal pustules are mixed with ridges in only one male
(KU 38733), and all have a spotted or mottled pattern on the
posterior surface of the thigh. All of our specimens having an
indistinct pattern on the back, or lacking a pattern, are males and
resemble the photographs of males published by Moriya (1954:
pl. I, fig. 5) and Liu (1936: pl. IV, figs. 1-2); juveniles of both
sexes and large females have contrasting patterns.

None of our frogs seems, therefore, clearly referable to the
species plancyi, although some characters are suggestive of plancyi.
Moriya (op. cit.:19), who studied variation of R. nigromaculata in
Japan, noted that one of the most distinct populations there (R. n.
brevipoda) resembled Rana plancyi. Ting (1939) discovered that
nigromaculata and plancyi were cross-fertile and raised hybrid[Pg 160]
larvae through metamorphosis. Pope and Boring (1940) suggested
hybridization between the two species in eastern China, and the
above mentioned facts suggest to us the possibility of hybridization
in other regions.

Rana amurensis coreana Okada

Remarks.—One individual of R. a. coreana (KU 38698) and one
of Rana temporaria dybowskii (KU 38715) were collected on May
29 along a stream in the Central National Forest in association with
R. rugosa and R. nigromaculata. Specimens of coreana from the
vicinity of Seoul were found in rice fields. The earliest date of
collection was April 13 at Yongp´yong. Our largest specimen of
coreana measured 47 in snout-vent length.

Because R. a. coreana and Rana temporaria dybowskii are sympatric
in central Korea and closely resemble one another, the two
species were not distinguished in the field and the following observations
may pertain to either (or both) species. Wood frogs were
observed 2 mi. E Songdong-ni on July 12 in paddies (rice fields)
along with individuals of Hyla arborea, Rana rugosa, and Rana
nigromaculata. At Chip´o-ri on April 6, individuals (probably
R. t. dybowskii) were seen in a seepage pool from an abandoned
rice field; R. nigromaculata also was seen there. Six or seven egg
masses (some having small tadpoles) were observed in the shallow
water, but it was not certain to which species the eggs belonged.
Completely metamorphosed young (probably R. a. coreana) were
first seen 1 mi. N Oho-ri on June 9. At Taehoesan-ni on November
12, several sluggish frogs were seen in a small pool that was covered
by a thin layer of ice.

On September 26 in the Central National Forest, many wood
frogs of various sizes were observed. R. amurensis and R. temporaria
probably have extended breeding seasons that correspond to
those of R. rugosa and R. nigromaculata. Judging from our observations,
amurensis prefers the proximity of water, whereas temporaria
may occur some distance from permanent water.

[Pg 161]
In our specimens, R. amurensis coreana differs from R. temporaria
dybowskii in having (1) smaller maximal size, (2) more slender
body, (3) shorter legs, (4) incompletely webbed toes, (5) no
mottling or barring on lips, (6) no contrasting barred pattern on
hind legs, (7) dark brown stripes (usually) between dorsolateral
folds, (8) a dark brown, linear mark below canthus, and (9) an
immaculate ventral surface. Two additional distinguishing characters,
which we found difficult to evaluate, are the nearly straight,
dorsolateral folds, and lack of vocal sacs or ostia in males of R. a.
coreana (Shannon, 1956:38). Some of the differences between
the two species were illustrated by Okada, 1931:107, fig. 48, R.
temporaria temporaria [=R. t. dybowskii] and 123, fig. 54, R.
temporaria coreana [=R. amurensis coreana].

Rana temporaria dybowskii Günther

Remarks.—On October 9 in the Central National Forest, five
individuals were found in a concrete-walled pit in old ruins on a
wooded hillside; no specimens of Rana amurensis coreana were
taken there. R. t. dybowskii was most often taken on high, moist
slopes, and seemed to be especially common in forests. The specimen
from 8 mi. SW Kangnung was obtained in a wooded area
along a mountain stream. The earliest date of collection of a
specimen of dybowskii was March 7 at Taegwang-ni. See also the
remarks under the preceding account of Rana amurensis coreana.

The largest male among our specimens measured 65 in snout-vent
length and the largest female, 79. Five gravid females had
snout-vent lengths of 64, 68, 69, 69 and 70.

Trionyx sinensis Wiegmann

Remarks.—Our only specimen was purchased from a man who
had captured it by hand in the Han River; it was the only turtle seen
during our stay in Korea. Koreans eat turtles, and the elaborate
(and relatively permanent) fish-traps that they construct across
streams and small rivers probably reduce the size of populations
of T. sinensis and other species.[Pg 162]

Eremias argus Peters

Remarks.—Individuals of E. argus were most often seen on dry
hillsides having a relatively sparse cover of vegetation. The first
lizard of this species was taken on April 2. In 1954 the last part
of March and early part of April were generally warm, with temperatures
above 70° F. on several occasions; probably some E. argus
were active in late March. KU 38773 (snout-vent length, 51)
laid three eggs between June 4 and 14; KU 38768 (snout-vent
length, 58) obtained on May 8 was gravid, containing four eggs.
Testes of lizards in the breeding season measure approximately
4.0 x 2.5 (KU 38772, obtained on June 16).

The snout-vent length of our largest female is 61, that of the
largest male, 57. The snout-vent length of 11 specimens averaged
77 (67-96) per cent of length of tail.

Tachydromus amurensis Peters

Remarks.—One of our specimens was found among grasses along
a small stream in the Central National Forest. The other two were
obtained by other persons and we lack knowledge of conditions of
their capture.

A juvenile (KU 39416, snout-vent length, 25) that was obtained
on September 9 is tentatively referred to this species. There seem
to be three femoral pores on the left leg but the number is indistinct
on the right. The specimen is dark and lacks a pattern. Its condition
precludes counts of ventral scales (not keeled), but scalation
is otherwise the same as a male (KU 40120, snout-vent length approximately
47, length of tail, 124). The third specimen, a male
(UMMZ 113442, snout-vent length, 51, length of tail, 115), agrees
with KU 40120, except in having 32 instead of 29 dorsal scales at
midbody, 4-4 instead of 3-3 femoral pores, and in lacking a pale
stripe from eye through ear to shoulder.[Pg 163]

Tachydromus wolteri Fischer

Remarks.—On April 14, two females (57 and 45 in snout-vent
length, the tail of the latter measuring 103) were easily captured
by hand on a burned-over rice field.

Lygosoma reevesii (Gray)

Remarks.—On October 23 an individual was captured while
sunning on a stump on a wooded hillside in the Central National
Forest; two others at this locality were collected on damp ground-cover
on the same hillside. A juvenile from Cheju Do was found
among moss-covered rocks in a stream bed; the other specimens
from Cheju Do were found among moss-covered rocks on the
western slope of Halla San.

Each ovary of a female obtained on October 23 contained five
enlarged follicles, about 1 mm. in diameter. The left testis of a
male obtained on August 10 seemed enlarged, indicating possible
sexual activity, and measured approximately 6 x 2 mm. The snout-vent
length of our largest male is 41, that of our largest female, 48.
The prefrontals are in contact in all of our specimens save one
(UMMZ 113446).

There is disagreement among herpetologists concerning the
generic name of the small lygosome skink in the United States and
its ecological equivalent in China and Korea. We tentatively use
Lygosoma (Conant, 1951:207-208), although Mittleman (1950)
pointed out reasons for using Scincella. Shannon (1956:41) discussed
the debated issue whether or not the lygosome skinks of the
New and Old worlds are conspecific.[Pg 164]

Rhabdophis tigrina lateralis (Berthold)

Remarks.—This common, vagrant species was found on brushy
hillsides, near buildings on hills above rice fields, in tall grasses
near streams, in rice fields, and along drainage and irrigation ditches.
The earliest and latest dates of collection were April 5 and November
7. On the first date mentioned an individual was found in
hibernation with five Elaphe rufodorsata and one Agkistrodon halys
in an earthen Korean burial mound. The specimen was uncovered
by a bulldozer at a depth of about one foot below the surface. We
were told that 18 snakes of this species were found in the same
place (7 mi. ESE Seoul) the previous winter.

The stomach of each of four individuals contained one Rana
nigromaculata. The stomach of another individual contained a R.
nigromaculata and remains of a carabid beetle, whereas another
contained three small, partially-digested frogs that appeared to be
Hyla arborea. P. M. Youngman reported to us that he found a
snake of this species that was attempting to swallow a toad, Bufo
bufo gargarizans. One of the small individuals from Cheju Do was
being eaten by a Zamenis spinalis when found. One specimen was
parasitized by three nematodes, Kalicephalus natricis (see Olsen,
1957:208).

Two females of this oviparous species (lengths of body, 680 and
700) collected on May 14 contained nine eggs (18 mm. long), and
13 eggs (15 mm.) respectively; a third (length of body, 610) obtained
on June 26 contained 10 eggs that were approximately 18
mm. long. A female (UMMZ 113458, length of body, 710), which
was captured on July 10 and kept alive in captivity, laid 11 eggs
on August 12 between 9 and 10 in the morning. The weight of
nine of these eggs averaged 3.32 (3.0-3.6) grams; the last two eggs
deposited were small and weighed only 1.3 and 1.4 grams. The
eggs were incubated unsuccessfully. One that was opened on
September 14 and another opened on September 26 contained
young easily recognized as of this species. In captivity the parent[Pg 165]
snake underwent ecdysis on about July 20 and again on August 26.

Our largest female and largest male have respective total lengths
of 1013 (840 + 173) and 740 (575 + 165). Our smallest specimens,
captured on September 9, measured 215 and 230 mm. in length
of body, and probably represent young of the year. The snake
found in hibernation on April 5 measured 275 in length of body.
The ventrals of 11 males averaged 161.3 (158-171) and those of
14 females, 165.1 (160-170); subcaudals of eight males averaged
69.6 (66-74) and those of 14 females, 61.5 (52-73).

Males seem to have small scales in the anal region that are more
strongly keeled than scales elsewhere on the body (the scales catch
on finger tips when rubbed in a posteroanterior direction), but
males lack small tubercles on the upper and lateral parts of the
head as mentioned by Maslin (1950:433). The comments of the
same author (op. cit.:434) concerning integumental poison glands
in the nuchal region of this species are of interest in view of several
reports that we received of swollen extremities resulting from
handling snakes of this species.

In using the generic names Rhabdophis and Amphiesma for
species formerly placed in the genus Natrix, we follow Malnate
(1960), who divided Natrix (auct.) into five distinct genera.

Amphiesma vibakari ruthveni (Van Denburgh)

Remarks.—The specimen from the Central National Forest was
captured on August 18 near a stream on a damp ground-cover of
leaves. The specimens from Cheju Do were taken in early September,
one in a grassy area, and the other two on earthen banks of
road-cuts on the slopes of Halla San. The stomach of one individual
from Cheju Do contained an earthworm. Our largest specimen,
a male having 154 ventrals and 68 subcaudals, measured 508
(380 + 128).

The subcaudal counts of 68 (KU 38861) and 69 (UMMZ 113461)
on two males from Cheju Do are higher than the maximal count
known for the subspecies ruthveni in Korea, and resemble those
of Amphiesma vibakari vibakari of the Japanese islands. The subcaudals
average 61 (55-65) in ruthveni and 71 (63-83) in vibakari[Pg 166]
according to Van Denburgh (1923:3-4). A juvenile from the
Central National Forest (KU 38862), lacking the tip of the tail,
has 64 subcaudals.

Dinodon rufozonatum (Cantor)

Remarks.—The three specimens from the Central National Forest
were taken in the period August 12-26. Two were caught in live-traps
set for small mammals in deep forest among granite outcrops.
The specimen from Yongsan was obtained on October 27 in a partly
wooded area. Ventrals and subcaudals of our four specimens (all
males) numbered, respectively, 198, 200, 198, 205, and 74, 75, 75, __.
Total length of the largest specimen was 960 (790 + 170).

We follow Chang (1932:54) and most subsequent authors in
regarding D. rufozonatum as a monotypic species.

Zamenis spinalis (Peters)

Remarks.—The specimen from Cheju Do was captured on September
9 in tall grass near a small stream and was eating a small
Rhabdophis tigrina. The female from near Seoul was obtained
from a Korean on June 10, and was gravid (six eggs, each approximately
35 mm. in length). The length of body measured approximately
550 and the length of incomplete tail 168 in one specimen
(KU 38777, female from 5 mi. ESE Seoul), 540 and 183 in the
other (KU 38778, female from Cheju Do). Respective ventral and
subcaudal counts of the two females are 204, 194, and 74+, 86.

There is some disagreement in the literature as to the proper
generic name of this snake. Differences in dentition between Old
World species (referable to Zamenis) and the American species
(referable to Coluber) are discussed by Bogert and Oliver (1945:365).
The species spinalis has been referred to Coluber by several
authors (see Pope, 1935:226).[Pg 167]

Elaphe dione (Pallas)

Remarks.—This species seemingly occurs in upland habitats.
Specimens were taken on rocky hillsides, on sparsely wooded hillsides,
and in cultivated fields. November 21 was the latest date of
capture of an active individual (UMMZ 113451), the head of which
was seen many times prior to capture protruding from a hole beneath
the concrete floor of a building. A female (KU 38855),
measuring 915 (775 + 140) in total length, and obtained on June
13, contained nine eggs (32 mm. long). One juvenile had eaten a
half-grown house mouse, Mus musculus; the stomach of a male contained
three mice, one a striped field mouse, Apodemus agrarius,
the other two probably also of that species but too far digested for
certain identification. Eggs probably hatch in late summer. A
young of the year (length of body, 340) was captured on September
30; another juvenile (length of body, 285) was obtained in May.

Our largest male (KU 40123) measured 904 (719 + 185) in total
length. Ventrals and subcaudals of six females averaged 205.8
(198-211) and 62.2 (55-69), respectively, whereas corresponding
counts of four males averaged 196.8 (190-214), and 71.0 (69-74).
Each of nine specimens had dorsal scales in 23-25-19 rows except
one (UMMZ 113451), which had 23-25-23 rows.

Elaphe rufodorsata (Cantor)

Remarks.—E. rufodorsata was commonly observed and collected
on barren hillsides, on country roads, in rice fields, and along drain[Pg 168]age
ditches and small streams. One was found sunning outstretched
on a road. Two individuals were trapped in cement-walled pits at
the Seoul City Water Works. On April 5, five snakes of this species
with one Rhabdophis tigrina and one Agkistrodon halys, all partly
caked with earth, were found sunning in a shallow depression on
the side of a Korean burial mound, which was presumably a hibernaculum.
Aside from one juvenile, four of the E. rufodorsata were
of approximately the same size, having bodies ranging in length
from 385 to 455.

Copulation was observed on April 25 (male, KU 38811, length of
body, 400, and female, KU 38812, length of body, 565), and on
May 4 (female, KU 38816, length of body, 620). Eggs doubtless
hatch at various times in summer. One of five snakes obtained on
April 5 (see above) measured 310 (250 + 60) in total length.
Another juvenile (KU 38828), obtained on October 18, was 478
(385 + 93) long, and our smallest specimen of this species (KU
38821), captured on June 26, measured 275 (230 + 45).

The stomachs of two snakes each contained a Rana nigromaculata;
another individual had eaten a Hyla arborea, and a fourth
specimen had eaten a small fish. One specimen was parasitized
by a cestode.

The largest female from our series (KU 38816) measured 740
(620 + 120), and the largest male (KU 38813), 595 (475 + 120).
Respective ventral and subcaudal counts of 13 males averaged
170.5 (167-174) and 60.0 (56-63), ventrals of 12 females averaged
178.3 (169-182), and subcaudals of 11 averaged 51.0 (46-56).

Elaphe schrencki anomala (Boulenger)

Remarks.—Individuals were observed or taken on dry, scrubby
hillsides and in grassy upland areas. One of the three snakes from
the Central National Forest was captured on a steep, forested hillside
among granite outcroppings; another was obtained there along
a stream bank and had eaten three bats, Murina aurata (see Jones,
1960:265), and one mouse, Apodemus sp. (tail only found). P. M.
Youngman reported (personal communication) finding a rat (Rattus
sp.) in the stomach of one individual. A female (KU 38830, length[Pg 169]
of body, 1180) that was obtained on June 2 contained 17 eggs, each
approximately 32 mm. long. The ventrals of two females numbered
223 and 229, and the subcaudals of the latter 70. Ventrals and
subcaudals of five males were, respectively, 211, 213, 214, 215, 216,
and 71, 75, 75, 69, 75.

The coloration and pattern of our seven specimens are of interest
in view of the probable intergradation between E. s. anomala and
E. s. schrencki in northern Korea (see comments by Shannon, 1956:46).
The smallest specimen (KU 38831), having a total length
of 335 (280 + 55), was obtained 4 mi. N P´yong-taek on September
24. It is nearly uniform pale brown (lacks a dorsal pattern) and
additionally is characterized as follows: incomplete pattern on the
head; no black postocular band (pale brown with black posterior
border); ventrolateral extensions of the head pattern that form
longitudinal stripes of white on the third row of scales; a pale
whitish stripe on the sixth and seventh scale rows that extends
posteriorly to the level of the fortieth ventral and that has a narrow
black border (sometimes interrupted); small and indistinct blackish
markings and pale stripes on sides (no higher than sixth row of
scales); underside of the head whitish; and venter grayish, having
blackish margins on the ends of ventrals posteriorly. KU 38831
is unusual and perhaps anomalous in having a pattern that does not
conform to the juvenile pattern of either subspecies.

A female (KU 38830), having a total length of 1390 (1180 + 210),
from 5 mi. ESE Seoul conforms to descriptions of anomala in being
uniformly pale brown above and in having indistinct dark smudges
on the sides; the ventral surface is whitish having indistinct dark
smudges, brown spots at the ends of each ventral, and the posterior
edge of each ventral brown. A male (KU 40125), measuring 1090
(890 + 200) in total length, from 5 mi. E Seoul, is pale brown above
and lacks markings on the anterior part of the body. Indistinct
dark markings occur at midbody, whereas the posterior quarter of
the body and tail have well-defined black bands on a buff background.
The black bands posteriorly are arranged in pairs; each
pair of bands is separated by two and a half to three scales, whereas
the bands of each pair are separated by only one and a half scales.
The ventral surface has an obscure marbled pattern. Our largest
specimen, a male (UMMZ 113454) having a total length of 1488
(1230 + 258), from the Central National Forest, resembles KU
40125, except that pale brown blotches (29 on body, one blackish
on neck) and dark lateral spots occur anteriorly on the body.[Pg 170]

Another female (KU 38860, body length, 970) from 4½ mi. W
Chip´o-ri, our northernmost locality of record, has a fairly distinct
pattern dorsally. The 30 dark brown, black-edged blotches that
are separated by a buff background are not arranged in pairs (as
in KU 40125); the dorsal blotches sometimes alternate with small
lateral blotches. The ventral surface is marbled throughout.

Two males from the Central National Forest, having total lengths
of 1105 (920 + 185) and 830 (690 + 140), generally resemble one
another in having the head and neck dark brown or blackish and
the anterior part of body dark brown, but discernibly blotched.
The posterior part of the body and tail of each bears well-defined
blotches (dark brown or black) with buffy interspaces; the dorsal
blotches are sometimes arranged in pairs. The ventral surface of
each is marbled throughout. These two males are noteworthy in
that the pattern anteriorly is obscure, but the ground color is dark,
not pale as in the two specimens from the vicinity of Seoul.

Agkistrodon halys brevicaudus Stejneger

Remarks.—Individuals of Agkistrodon were collected on brushy
or wooded hillsides, along rock walls or in piles of rocks, and in
damp, rocky, wooded ravines near streams. Many were docile
when captured. One specimen was infested with nematodes,
another with cestodes. One specimen had eaten a striped field
mouse, Apodemus agrarius, and another had eaten a gray hamster,
Cricetulus triton. One female, obtained on May 22, 6 mi. E Seoul,
contained 14 embryos. Another female, obtained on August 25 in
the Central National Forest, contained three well-developed embryos.

We have not included descriptive or taxonomic remarks concerning
A. halys because Dr. Howard K. Gloyd, University of Arizona,
who currently is studying the systematics of the genus Agkistrodon,
has our specimens on loan.[Pg 171]

Gazetteer

Listed below are all localities mentioned in the accounts of
species; the latitude (north) and longitude (east) are given for
each. All place-names can be found in "Gazetteer to maps of
Korea," 3 vols., AMS 2, U. S. Army Map Service, September, 1950,
and, except for the two marked by an asterisk, can be located on
AMS map series L552 (Korea, 1:250,000). The McCune-Reischauer
system of romanization of Korean names is used.

• Changhowan-ni. 37°07´, 127°38´


• Central National Forest. A small
  mixed forest 15-18 mi. NE Seoul
  and immediately west of the village
  of Pup´yong-ni; most of our
  collecting there was done approximately
  at 37°45´, 127°10´


• Cheju Do (Quelpart Island). A
  large island in the East China Sea
  off the southwestern tip of the
  Korean mainland (see Mosulp´o
  and Sogwi-ri)


• Chip´o-ri. 38°08´, 127°19´


• Choksong. 37°58´, 126°57´


• Ch´onan. 36°48´, 127°09´


• *Ch´ongyang-ni. 38°15´, 127°23´
  Ch´orwon. 38°15´, 127°13´


• Ch´ungju. 36°58´, 127°57´


• Halla San. A central, volcanic mountain
  on Cheju Do (see above)


• Hoengsong. 37°29´, 127°59´


• Inje. 38°04´, 128°11´


• Kangnung. 37°45´, 128°54´


• Kumhwa. 38°17´, 127°28´


• Kunsan. 35°59´, 126°43´


• Kwangju. 35°09´, 126°55´


• Majon-ni. 37°52´, 126°46´


• Mosulp´o. 33°13´, 126°15´


• Naegong-ni. 37°41´, 127°10´


• Oho-ri. 38°20´, 128°32´


• Osan. 37°09´, 127°04´


• Pup´yong-ni. 37°44´, 127°12´


• Pusan. 35°08´, 129°04´


• P´yong-taek [= P´yongt´aeng-ni]. 36°59´,
  127°05´


• Sangbonch´on-ni. 37°27´, 127°16´


• Sangdaehwa. 37°30´, 128°26´


• Seoul. 37°32´, 127°00´


• Sogwi-ri. 33°15´, 126°34´


• Songdong-ni. 38°01´, 127°16´


• Taegwang-ni. 38°11´, 127°06´


• *Taehoesan-ni. 38°04´, 127°14´


• Taejon. 36°20´, 127°26´


• Tangjonggok. 38°11´, 128°19´


• Tangnim-ni. 37°50´, 127°37´


• Uijongbu. 37°44´, 127°03´


• Wonsan. 39°09´, 127°27´


• Yami-ri. 38°03´, 127°16´


• Yanggu. 38°06´, 128°00´


• Yongdae-ri. 38°13´, 128°23´


• Yongp´yong. 38°01´, 127°13´

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28-8517