scutellation

American  

[skyoot-l-ey-shuhn] / ˌskyut lˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

Zoology.

1. a scutellate state or formation; a scaly covering, as on a bird's foot.

2. an arrangement of scutella or scales.

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scutellation British  

/ ˌskjuːtɪˈleɪʃən /

noun

1. the way in which scales or plates are arranged in an animal

2. a covering of scales or scutella, as on a bird's leg

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Etymology

Origin of scutellation

First recorded in 1870–75; scutell(um) + -ation

Example Sentences

A wide range of variation in the characters of scutellation is present in specimens from most localities; it shows no significant clinal or geographic trends.

From A Revision of Snakes of the Genus Conophis (Family Colubridae, from Middle America) by Wellman, John

The external scutellation of the plastral hinge in adults also differs from that in juveniles.

From Natural History of the Ornate Box Turtle, Terrapene ornata ornata Agassiz by Legler, John M.

The scutellation of the cottonmouth closely resembles that of the other species of Agkistrodon.

From Natural History of Cottonmouth Moccasin, Agkistrodon piscovorus (Reptilia) by Burkett, Ray D.

The head scutellation of each specimen was examined for abnormalities.

From Morphological Variation in a Population of the Snake, Tantilla gracilis Baird and Girard by Cole, Charles J.

Furthermore, the populations of sacki inhabiting the Tepalcatepec Valley have characters of scutellation and coloration that distinguish them from other described subspecies of sacki.

From A New Subspecies of Lizard, Cnemidophorus sacki, from Michoacan, Mexico by Duellman, William E.