Scale (zoology)

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

Fish scales

Scales of a snake, close up

Scales on the wings of a butterfly

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.

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