Scale (zoology)

For other uses of the word "scale" see scale (disambiguation)

In zoology, a scale is a small, hard plate that grows out of an animal's skin to give it protection. Fish and reptiles have scales.

Fish scales

Scales of a snake, close up

Scales on the wings of a butterfly

In animals such as butterflies and moths, scales are plates on the surface of the insect wing. They are often beautifully coloured.