Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised Aug 5, 2026

Temporal scales

In reptiles, the temporal scales are located on the side of the head between the parietal scales and the supralabial scales, and behind the postocular scales.

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Aug 5, 2026
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Nomenclature of scales (top view of head) source ↗

In reptiles, the temporal scales are located on the side of the head between the parietal scales and the supralabial scales, and behind the postocular scales.1

There are two types of temporal scales:1

  • Anterior temporals are in contact with the postocular scales.
  • Posterior temporals are in vertical rows not in contact with the postocular scales; sometimes called secondary and tertiary temporals.
Chequered Keelback Xenochrophis piscator source ↗
Glossy-bellied Racer Coluber ventromaculatus source ↗
Banded Krait Bungarus fasciatus source ↗
See also

See also

References

References

  1. U.S. Navy. 1991. Poisonous Snakes of the World. US Govt. New York: Dover Publications Inc. 203 pp. ISBN 0-486-26629-X.