what is alligator scute
Reptiles with prominent scutes include crocodiles, alligators, and turtles. Scutes on alligators and crocodiles are the bony, ridged plates that make up the animalâs tough skin, protecting it from predators and possibly helping it regulate its temperature.These scutes have a bony base and are known as osteoderms.In turtles and tortoises, the entire carapace, or upper shell, is a structure of fused scutes. The scutes running down the center of the shell along the spine are called central scutes.hese scutes have a bony base and are known as osteoderms. In turtles and tortoises, the entire carapace, or upper shell, is a structure of fused scutes. The scutes running down the center of the shell along the spine are called central scutes.