How to Count Scales

Some may be wondering why someone would bother counting scales, and examining size & shape. Well, when you come across say a Garter snake, it is really the only accurate way to differentiate the different species and sub-species. That is the purpose of this site, not only to help people learn how to count & recognize scale numbers and shapes, but to understand where & what all these body parts are.

This page will include:

Keeled/Smooth Scales Counting Scale Rows Ventral/Vent Scale(s)

Caudals Upper/Lower Labials Head Structure

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Keeled/Smooth Scales

The difference between Keeled & Smooth scales is simple. Basically when people or books talk about keeled scales they are talking about the rough scales. For example Garter & Gopher snakes have very “strong” keeled scales (meaning they are very rough feeling), and when you look at them closely you will notice that they have raised lines going down the middle of each scale. These generally get smoother as you move closer to the Ventrals, and the tail.

Smooth scaled snakes, as I’m sure you have figured out, have smooth scales. They lack the raised lines and feel really almost soft to the touch. Perhaps this smooth feeling is the reason some people think they are slimy.

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Counting Scale Rows on snakes

To understand how to properly count the scales on a snake, one must first know which scales to count. This is easy enough; if you look on the underside of a snake you will notice that there is 1 row of really wide scales. These are called the Ventrals, or Ventral scales. When counting the number of scale rows you do not count the Ventrals. If you look just above the Ventral row, you will see that the scales become smaller, and this usually progresses as it nears the top.

The first scale row, which is also the last on the other side, will almost always be the largest (aside from the Ventrals). This makes it easy to know where to start and finish. Make sure when doing this that you start with the first row after the Ventrals, and go all the way around to the opposite side of the Ventrals.

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Ventral/Vent Scale(s)

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