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The scales on the body of the snake are called the dorsal or costal scales. Sometimes there is a special row of large scales along the top of the back of the snake, i.e., the uppermost row, called the vertebral scales.
In snakes, the dorsal scales are the longitudinal series of plates that encircle the body, but do not include the ventral scales. [1] 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 ...
Body slender and laterally compressed, tail long. Head elongated and distinct from neck. Pupil of eye round. [2]Dorsal scales smooth or weakly keeled, with apical pits, and arranged in 15 or 17 rows at midbody.
The shape and number of scales on the head, back and belly are characteristic to family, genus and species. Scales have a nomenclature analogous to the position on the body. In "advanced" (Caenophidian) snakes, the broad belly scales and rows of dorsal scales correspond to the vertebrae, allowing scientists to count the vertebrae without ...
Scale arrangement includes 23 dorsal scale rows at midbody (rarely 19 or 21), 211-250 ventral scales, a divided anal scale, and 60-91 paired subcaudal scales (Schultz 1996; Arnold 2002). Ventral scales are sharply angled where the underside meets the side of the body, which enhances the species' climbing ability. Lifespan is estimated at 25 to ...
The loreal scale is at least twice as long as it is high. Two postoculars are present; the temporals are 1+2. Seven upper labials (rarely six) occur, the third and fourth (or third) of which enter the orbit; the three lower labials contact the single pair of chin shields. The dorsal scales are smooth, in 17 rows. The ventrals are 146-161 in count.
The blotched snake has 25 dorsal scales (rarely 23 or 27). The lateral scales are smooth. The ventral scales number 187–224 in males and 205–234 in females. They have 56-90 subcaudals. In most cases the anal plate is divided. Each scale has a dark brown spot on a yellowish-white or pinkish-white background. The dark brown pigment predominates.
The top of the head is covered with small obtusely keeled scales, except for the nasals and internasals which are enlarged. Interorbitals: 8 to 10. Circumorbitals: 10 to 15. The eye is separated from the labials by one or two rows of scales. Supralabial scales: 12 to 14. Dorsal scales tubercularly keeled, in 40 to 49 rows. Ventral scales: 162-186.