What difference exists between the granular scales on a whiptail's upper body and the scales on its belly?
Answer
Upper scales are granular, becoming progressively larger toward the tail, while belly scales are noticeably larger and smoother
The textural quality and size of the scales vary significantly between the dorsal (upper) and ventral (belly) surfaces of the whiptail lizard. On the upper portion of the body, the scales are characteristically small and granular. As these granular scales progress toward the tail, they gradually increase in size. In contrast, the scales covering the ventral surface, or belly, are described as being noticeably larger and possessing a smoother texture compared to the granular scales found dorsally. This difference in integument texture is cited as a key characteristic used for identification.
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