Hidden Armour: The Passive Protective Function of Caudal Osteoderms in Snakes.

ABSTRACT: Dermal armour, consisting of bony dermal structures known as osteoderms (ODs), is widespread in squamate reptiles. However, in some limbless taxa such as snakes, ODs are rare, probably due to a trade-off between mechanical protection and the demands of locomotion and consumption of large prey. Recent findings of ODs restricted to the distal body regions of sand boas (Eryx, Erycidae) challenge this paradigm, suggesting they provide passive mechanical protection against aggressive prey without significantly impairing locomotion. Building on these findings, we have continued the search and identified three additional snake species that have well-developed caudal ODs, including the first-ever discovery of ODs in shield-tailed snakes (Uropeltidae). In these fossorial species, which are characte

SUBMITTER: Frydlova P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11846078 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature