Dorsal_scales

Dorsal scales

Dorsal scales

Type of scale in snakes

In snakes, the dorsal scales are the longitudinal series of plates that encircle the body, but do not include the ventral scales.[1]

Dorsal scales on a banded krait, Bungarus fasciatus.

When counting dorsal scales, numbers are often given for three points along the body, for example 19:21:17. These numbers correspond to the number of dorsal scales around the body at a head's length behind the head, at midbody and at a head's length before the vent. If only one number is given, it is for the midbody count.[1]

Dorsal scale are easiest to count diagonally, starting with the paraventral scale row.[1] In doing so, it is often noted that certain scale rows are raised, keeled or smooth as opposed to the others.[2]

See also

References

  1. [1]
    Campbell JA, Lamar WW (2004). The Venomous Reptiles of the Western Hemisphere. Ithaca and London: Comstock Publishing Associates. 2 volumes. 870 pp. 1,500 plates. ISBN 0-8014-4141-2.
  2. [2]
    U.S. Navy (1991). Poisonous Snakes of the World. United States Government. New York: Dover Publications Inc. 203 pp. ISBN 0-486-26629-X.


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