Snake Scale Counts

Scale counts

Scale counts refer to the number of dorsal scales across a snake. This diagram from AROD.com.au shows the 3 different methods of counting the scales. You can either go across the body diagonally, up to the vertebrae and back down, or simply straight across. What matters is they all arrive at the same count. 

• Related Articles

• Reptile Scale Types

  Scale Types This article notes the following scale types: Keeled Smooth Granular Cycloid Keeled scales are those with a raised edge (the keel). English: Close up of keeled scales. Buff-striped Keelback, Amphiesma stolatum, Family Colubridae, ...

• Snake Head Scalation Diagrams

  Head Scalation Head scalation refers to the size, shape, and presence of scales on the head. Many species are distinguished by the presence of a single scale or the shape of scales on the head. Fortunately, scalation can be practiced readily by ...

• What traits do I use for identifying reptiles?

  When identifying reptiles, there are a variety of traits you need to focus on. The Knowledge base contains individual pages dedicated to individual traits. This page will to link and categorize all the traits into one centralized location. Reptiles ...

• Subcaudal Scales Snakes

  Subcaudal Scales The scales found along the tail and up to the cloaca can be very useful for identifying species. Determining if the subcaudal scales (the scales below the cloaca) are divided or not can delineate entire families of snakes. Photos ...