Nanomorphology of horny scale of Dipsadinae snakes (Squamata: Colubridae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.30972/fac.3417464Keywords:
Morphological adaptations, Dipsadinae, Horny scale, Microstructure, Snake, UltrastructureAbstract
This study focuses on the analysis of the nanostructure of the horny scales in four species of snakes of the subfamily Dipsadinae from Argentina, examining the microscopic characteristics of the surface of the cephalic and body scales by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results reveal a configuration of cellular morphotypes in the scale hinge and basal areas common to all scales and species analysed; cellular variability was observed in the apical region of the scales, where different cellular morphotypes were identified in the various taxa. This structural variability, as well as the presence of microornamentations (microtufts, ridges, or raised structures), point to intergeneric microstructural differences that could be related to both phylogenetic and functional factors, specific to each type of scale in response to the environment where the species inhabit.
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