Scale (zoology)
- For other uses of the word "scale" see scale (disambiguation)
In zoology, a scale is a small, hard plate that grows out of an animal's skin to give it protection. Fish and reptiles have scales.
In animals such as butterflies and moths, scales are plates on the surface of the insect wing. They are often beautifully coloured.
Scale (zoology) Media
Keeled scales of a colubrid snake (banded water snake; Nerodia fasciata)
Brightly colored scales on a gold dust day gecko
Scales on talons of a Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)
Scale-covered Indian pangolin
Scales on a luna moth (Actias luna)
Generalized structure of a keeled, lanceolate scale from a jumping spider
Ganoid scales on a carboniferous fish Amblypterus striatus
Placoid scales on a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris)
Cycloid scales on a common roach (Rutilus rutilus)