The word “scute” comes from the Latin word for “shield” and that’s what these tough horny plates are—alligator shields. They cover the alligator’s back sides and tail and are made of keratin the same substance as human fingernails and hair.
Scutes are not attached to the alligator’s skeleton—they’re only attached to the tough skin that covers the skeleton. An alligator grows a new set of scutes every year and as the alligator grows so do the scutes. The size and shape of the scutes can give you a pretty good idea of how old an alligator is.
Alligators have two types of scutes:
The large square-shaped scutes along the alligator’s back are called dermal scutes.
The much smaller triangular-shaped scutes along the alligator’s sides are called marginal scutes.
If you look closely at an alligator’s scutes you’ll see that each one has a tiny hole in the center. This is where a blood vessel and a nerve pass through to the alligator’s skin.
The scutes provide protection for the alligator but they also have other important jobs. They help the alligator regulate its body temperature and they give the alligator’s skin a rougher surface so it can grip the wet slippery mud at the bottom of the swamp.
So the next time you see an alligator basking in the sun or swimming through the swamp take a closer look at its scutes. They’re not just there for looks—they’re essential to the alligator’s survival in the wild.
What are scutes?
Answer: Scutes are external bony plates that are found on the back of some reptiles such as crocodiles and alligators.
How many scutes does an alligator have?
Answer: An alligator has about 80 to 100 scutes.
Do scutes provide protection for alligators?
Answer: Yes scutes help to protect alligators from predators and other dangers.
Are scutes made of bone?
Answer: Yes scutes are made of bone and are covered with a layer of tough skin.
Do all reptiles have scutes?
Answer: No not all reptiles have scutes.
What other animals have scutes?
Answer: In addition to reptiles some fish and turtles also have scutes.
What are scutes made of?
Answer: Scutes are made of bone and are covered with a layer of tough skin.
How many scutes does an alligator have?
Answer: An alligator has about 80 to 100 scutes.
Do scutes provide protection?
Answer: Yes scutes can help to protect alligators from predators and other dangers.
What is the purpose of scutes?
Answer: Scutes are external bony plates that help to protect alligators from predators and other dangers.
Do alligators have scutes on their belly?
Answer: No alligators do not have scutes on their belly.
Where are scutes located on an alligator?
Answer: Scutes are located on the alligator’s back.
How many scutes does an alligator have?
Answer: An alligator has about 80 to 100 scutes.
What is the purpose of scutes?
Answer: The purpose of scutes is to provide protection from predators and other dangers.
What are scutes made of?
Answer: Scutes are made of bone and are covered with a layer of tough skin.
