On the structural and optical properties of the Hungarian Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis)

K. M. Samaun Reza; Weibin Wu; Mahiuddin Mahmud Romel; Richard Thelen; Guillaume Gomard; Hendrik Hölscher

doi:10.1117/12.2658343

27 April 2023 On the structural and optical properties of the Hungarian Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis)

K. M. Samaun Reza, Weibin Wu, Mahiuddin Mahmud Romel, Richard Thelen, Guillaume Gomard, Hendrik Hölscher

Proceedings Volume 12481, Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication XIII; 1248106 (2023) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2658343
Event: SPIE Smart Structures + Nondestructive Evaluation, 2023, Long Beach, California, United States

Abstract

Snakes optimize their body scales in terms of locomotion, thermoregulation, and conspicuousness for survival in their respective ecological niche. Here, we present our analysis of the scales of the Hungarian Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis). Micro-fibril structures with nano-scale steps are observed on the ventral scales. These structures are oriented from head to the tail direction. Interestingly, a ridge like reticulate structure is observed on the dorsal scales. Spectacle scales are mostly flat and have polygonal cracks on the surface. High optical transmittance is measured on the ventral and spectacle scales. However, much reduced transmission is recorded on the dark dorsal scales which can be attributed to the presence of melanin within the scales. The scales are water hydrophobic; however, the contact angles are not high enough to allow for self-cleaning properties.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

K. M. Samaun Reza, Weibin Wu, Mahiuddin Mahmud Romel, Richard Thelen, Guillaume Gomard, and Hendrik Hölscher "On the structural and optical properties of the Hungarian Meadow Viper (Vipera ursinii rakosiensis)", Proc. SPIE 12481, Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication XIII, 1248106 (27 April 2023); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2658343

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