How many large, symmetrical plates cover the top of the Nerodia sipedon head?
Answer
Nine
The Northern Water Snake possesses a specific cranial scale pattern that aids in field identification, particularly when differentiating it from venomous species. Specifically, it is characterized by having exactly nine large, symmetrical plates covering the top surface of its head. This feature contrasts sharply with the heavily scaled or pit-viper characteristic heads of some other snakes found in its habitat. Recognizing this specific scale count is a key anatomical marker for correctly identifying this nonvenomous species when visual pattern cues might be obscured by age or environment.
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