Wildman Scale Types
Definition
A three-category classification of hair cuticle scales: imbricate (overlapping, widespread in mammals), coronal (stacked rings, common in small rodents), and spinous (petal-like, found in some mustelids and bats).
- Category count
- Three: imbricate, coronal, spinous
- Imbricate
- Overlapping scales, widespread in mammals
- Coronal
- Stacked ring pattern, common in small rodents
- Spinous
- Petal-like scales, found in some mustelids and bats
Common questions
How is the Wildman scale pattern actually examined?+
An examiner makes a cuticle cast or impression of the hair surface, usually with a clear varnish or similar medium, then views the scale pattern under a microscope to classify it into one of the three categories.
Can scale pattern alone identify the exact species?+
Rarely on its own. Scale pattern narrows the likely animal group and is combined with the medulla structure, cross-sectional shape, and overall diameter to reach a more specific identification.
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