Microstructure-mediated Optical Effects in Southern African Snakes

Microstructure-mediated Optical Effects in Southern African Snakes

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The scales of the African Viper Bitis click here 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 here may play a role in improving the ecological performance of the snake in its natural environment.