What texture characterizes the dorsal scales of the Western Rattlesnake skin?
Answer
Keeled, giving a rough or matte appearance
The skin texture of the Western Rattlesnake is distinctly characterized by keeled dorsal scales. A keel is a ridge running down the center of each scale. This structure results in the snake having a rough or matte surface appearance, contrasting sharply with the smooth sheen often observed on many non-venomous snakes. This texture is functional, as the broken-up, non-reflective surface aids significantly in the snake's camouflage by helping to obscure its outline against uneven ground surfaces, such as rocky outcrops or dry vegetation.
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