Feature scales (zoology)

Not to be confused with Feature scaling.

Feature scales are enlarged scales found on various reptiles. Despite their close resemblance to osteoderms, they have no boney component to them.^[1] Examples of reptiles that are known to possess feature scales are Iguanas,^[2] and many non-avian dinosaurs such as Carnotaurus,^[1] Brachylophosaurus,^[3] Diplodocids,^[4] and Ceratopsians.^[5] The term was first coined by Phil R. Bell in 2012 in reference to the midline scutes of the Hadrosaurid Saurolophus.^[6]

The feature scales on the Green Iguana form bumps on the lateral sides of the neck, and dorsal spines along the midline. Large feature scales are also present just below the jaw. ^{[7] [1]}

Feature scales are distinguished from basement scales (typical, small scales that make up most of the overall scales), by their notable size difference, being significantly larger.^[6]

See also

• Scale (zoology)
• Osteoderm
• Reptile scales
• Scute