Re-assessing Platyceps ventromaculatus (Gray, 1834) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubrinae)

Platyceps ventromaculatus (Gray, 1834) (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubrinae). -The morphology and distribution of Gray's racer has been examined. Platyceps ventromaculatus seems to frequent habitats below 500 m altitude throughout most of its range. Its occurrence in the Himalayan foothills (Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal) and the specific identity of the holotype of P. semifasciatus Blyth, 1860 need further investigations. P. ventromaculatus crosses the Indus Valley and is found, for instance, along the Makran littoral to as far west as the border area with Iran. Coluber chesneii Martin, 1838 may be a valid northern Saharo-Arabian taxon of the genus Platyceps Blyth, 1860.