What structural feature is noted as the most consistent tactile identifier for this species?
Answer
Keeled dorsal scales.
When an observer must confirm identification based purely on physical attributes, certain traits are more reliable than the highly variable coloration. The texture of the scales covering the back is emphasized as the most consistent identifier across all life stages. The presence of keeled dorsal scales provides a tactile reference point that remains unchanged from juvenile to adult, making it a reliable characteristic to look for, even when patterns are obscured or coloration is ambiguous.
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