TIL the black scales of gaboon vipers are super hydrophobic. Water running off washes away any dirt on them too. Dirt will thus only stick to light scales leaving their camouflage pattern intact.
The picture shows a close up of their skin. You can see tiny water droplets curling up on the black scales, as is typical on repellant surfaces.
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This was a nice brief read, also the images are pretty cool - if you like microphotography I suggest taking a look
Some of the most beautiful creatures, too.