Abstract
The scales of the African Viper Bitis arietans were tested for optical effects. Spectral intensity was recorded at incident angles over the visible spectrum for dark, pale, and ventral scale regions. The lowest spectral intensity recordings were associated with scales which have the greatest level of micro-structuring. Our results indicate that scale appearance in B. arietans is a product of microstructure-mediated optical effects. The optical effect may play a role in improving the ecological performance of the snake in its natural environment.
Highlights
Some species of snake have microstructures called ‘microornamentation’ on their scales [1]
This study aims to investigate if microornamentation creates optical effects in the scales of B. arietans
Shed skin from a B. arietans was collected from the National Zoological Gardens
Summary
Some species of snake have microstructures called ‘microornamentation’ on their scales [1]. The spatial arrangement of microornamentation determines the optical properties of the scale, typically its reflectance. Optical effects such as structural colour are produced through the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with microornamentation [2]. The resulting light reflected off an animal’s integument determines the animal’s visual appearance [3] and impacts its ecological relationships. This study aims to investigate if microornamentation creates optical effects in the scales of B. arietans
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