Reptile bodies are covered by small horny plates made of keratin under the skin instead of fur or feathers and these protect them from injury. Snakes even have a special protective transparent scale over each eye, called a spectacle.

In most reptiles the body scales overlap for protection and some have keeled scales. Here each scale has a raised line along its centre like a small fold which helps the reptile to move faster. In many reptiles the belly scales are much wider than those on the upper part of the body. Snakes may use these large overlapping belly scales to grip the ground as they slip over it. The scales are dry and snakes do not feel slimy!