Scale (zoology)

For other uses of the word "scale" see scale (disambiguation)

Fish scales

Scales of a snake, close up

Scales on the wings of a butterfly

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

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  Keeled scales of a colubrid snake (banded water snake; Nerodia fasciata)

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  Brightly colored scales on a gold dust day gecko

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  Scales on talons of a Steller's sea eagle (Haliaeetus pelagicus)

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  Scale-covered Indian pangolin

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  Scales on a luna moth (Actias luna)

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  Generalized structure of a keeled, lanceolate scale from a jumping spider

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  Ganoid scales on a carboniferous fish Amblypterus striatus

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  Placoid scales on a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris)

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  Cycloid scales on a common roach (Rutilus rutilus)