Molgophis brevicostatus Cope.
Cope, Geol. Surv. Ohio, II, pt. II, p. 369, pl. xliv, fig. 1, 1875.
Moodie, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus., 37, p. 27, 1909.
Type: Specimen No. 8341 G, Amer. Mus. of Nat. History.
Horizon and locality: Linton, Ohio, Coal Measures.
Represented by portions of the vertebral column of several individuals. One of these includes 9 pairs of ribs, with vertebræ, and another 13 pairs. The vertebræ are subquadrate in section, and the concavity of the two articular faces is not deep. They support strong lateral ridges separated by deep concavities. The heads of the ribs are somewhat contracted, and the shafts present outward a tubercular angle at a distance of one-fourth the length from the head. The remaining part of the shaft is stout, nearly straight, and gradually contracts to an obtuse extremity. It possesses a narrow medullary cavity. In none of the specimens is there any trace of abdominal armature, but abundant remains of the contents of the abdominal cavity, in proper position, are preserved on the blocks. This species is more massive than Molgophis macrurus, and the ribs are shorter, thicker, and less curved.
Ventral scutellæ are present in one specimen of this species. There are a number of specimens. They have the following numbers at the American Museum: 158, 1100 G, no number, 8341 G (type), no number, 8466 G; and 4477 in the U. S. National Museum.
| Measurements of Type Specimen of Molgophis brevicostatus Cope. | |
| mm. | |
| Length of 7 vertebræ | 105 |
| Length of 1 centrum | 16 |
| Diameter of same vertically | 11 |
| Length of a rib on a curve | 24 |
| Greatest thickness of same | 2.5 |
Molgophis wheatleyi Cope.