Diamond (drawing pattern)
As diamond special characteristics are in the body markings of reptiles , particulary that of snakes . These are mostly large diamond patches that dominate the pattern of the snake and run as a row either over the back or the flanks of the animal. The typical diamond is regularly shaped and surrounded by a row of scales in a contrasting color, towards the center diamonds can become lighter or darker.
Like most other drawing elements, the diamonds serve the snakes as camouflage in the undergrowth or foliage. Accordingly, they are mainly found in forest snake species such as the Gaboon viper ( Bitis gabonica ), the bushmaster ( Lachesis muta ). The diamond rattlesnake ( Crotalus adamanteus ) is named after the characteristic drawing on the back.