Which description accurately characterizes the scales on the body of the Western Blind Snake?
Answer
They are tight-fitting, overlapping, and hexagonal, providing a robust covering
The entire body covering of *R. humilis* is modified to resist the harsh conditions found beneath the surface. The scales are not designed for slick movement over open ground, which is why the belly scales are not noticeably enlarged. Instead, they are structured to be tight-fitting and overlapping, exhibiting a hexagonal pattern. This specific arrangement creates a smooth yet very robust exterior surface that is highly resistant to abrasion caused by friction against soil particles as the snake burrows.
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