Key to the species of Chironius from the Guiana Shield

1. 10 scale rows at midbody.............................................................................................................................................. 2

- 12 scale rows at midbody ............................................................................................................................................ 3

2. Fewer than 149 ventrals ....................................................................................................................... Chironius fuscus

- More than 149 ventrals ................................................................................................................................................ 4

3. More than 178 ventrals ............................................................................................................... Chironius cochranae

- Fewer than 178 ventrals................................................................................................................................................ 5

4. Loreal distinctly longer than high; adults red, juveniles green ....................................................... Chironius scurrulus

- Loreal as high as long, or slightly longer than high; adults and juveniles brownish with lighter crossbands ............... ...................................................................................................................................................... Chironius challenger

5. Yellow spots on the first scale row of tail ....................................................................................... Chironius carinatus

- Not as above ...................................................................................................................................... Chironius exoletus