Loreal scales

In snakes, the loreal scales are those on the side of the head located between the postnasal and preocular scales. The number and location of these scales varies greatly. For example, they are absent in most coral snakes, while most crotalines have at least one on either side of the head and often two or more. In some species of snakes, the postnasal and upper preocular may be in contact with each other, so that the loreals may be above or below this point of contact.