Microdermatoglyphics: Basal Patterns and Transition Zones

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Abstract
The dorsal scale microdermatoglyphic patterns of 104 species of snakes were photographed under the scanning electron microscope to determine whether such patterns exhibit variability on the area of the scale generally overlapped by its cephalad neighbor. Nearly all species were found to have a distinctive pattern at the base of the scale, which grades into the apical pattern over a short zone of transition. These basal patterns had been largely overlooked in the past as they were difficult to isolate. Several species of snakes were found to have distinctive neonatal microdermatoglyphic patterns covering the entire scale which are similar to adult basal patterns. The taxonomic utility of these patterns was assessed, and found to be significant, particularly in those taxa where morphotypic gradients can be constructed.

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