Scute
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A scute or scutum is a bony external plate or scale overlaid with horn, as on the shell of a turtle, the skin of crocodilians, and the feet of birds. The term is also used to describe the anterior por
Scutes on an alligator foot
Scute of the carapace of a Texas tortoise
This detail of a Glyptodon displays its scutes. From the collection of the Children's Museum of Indianapolis.
The pineconefish
Scale (zoology)
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In zoology, a scale is a small rigid plate made out of keratin that grows out of vertebrate animals' skin to provide protection. In lepidopterans, scales are plates on the surface of the insect wing,
Scute
…describe the anterior portion of the mesothorax in insects as well as some arachnids (e.g., the family Ixodidae, the scale ticks). Scutes are similar to scales and serve the same function. Unlike the scales of lizards and snakes, which are formed from the epidermis, scutes are formed in the lower vascular layer…
Keeled scales of a colubrid snake (banded water snake; Nerodia fasciata)
Placoid scales on a lemon shark (Negaprion brevirostris)
Cycloid scales on a common roach (Rutilus rutilus)
Brightly colored scales on a gold dust day gecko