Labial scale
The labial scales refers to the scales of snakes and other scales reptiles that border the mouth opening. These do not include the median scales on the upper and lower jaws.[1] The term labial originates from Labia (Latin for "lip"), which refers to any lip-like structure. In snakes, there are two different types of labial scales: supralabials and sublabials. The numbers of these scales present, and sometimes the shapes and sizes, are some of many characteristics used to differentiate species from one another.
Supralabials
The supralabial scales are the scales that form part of the upper lip. They may also referred to as upper labials.[1]
Sublabials
The sublabial scales are the scales that form part of the lower lip. They may also referred to as infralabials or lower labials.[1]
Related scales
- Rostral scale: median scale tip of the snout bordering the mouth opening.
- Mental scale: median scale on the tip of the lower jaw.