vertebral scales

{{Short description|Scales on the back of a snake}}

Image:AB 053 Banded Krait.JPG]]

Vertebral scales, in snakes, are large scales along the top of the back of the snake, i.e., the uppermost row. They are a specialised form of dorsal scales.

"Vertebral" is a term associated with the backbone, but also central scales such as on the carapace of a chelonian shell.Spawls S, Howell K, Drewes R, Ashe J. 2004. A Field Guide To The Reptiles Of East Africa. London: A & C Black Publishers Ltd. 543 pp. {{ISBN|0-7136-6817-2}}.