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Beaded Scales on Sanzinia-Theories?

Doug T Apr 01, 2010 01:38 PM

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Something most folks don't know about sanzinia is that they have beaded scales on their heads. In fact close up shots would be confused for stone gardens or polished aggregate in cement. I don't know any other snake that has these scales to this extent.

Thing is, this baffles me completely. I have no idea what sort of evolutionary relic this might be for, or even if it has modern advantages.

I'd love to hear what you guys think could be the reason for these beaded irregular scales.

Doug T

Doug Taylor Reptiles

Replies (1)

quasimoto May 31, 2010 05:06 PM

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Maybe it's a protection thing? It seems to me that beaded scales like that would offer a more armor like protection. I dont know anything about what sort of animals these snakes eat, but it seems like it could be to protect its head when attacking other animals. Just my 0.02

Rory

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