Snakes are reptiles of the order Squamata that have no limbs on their long, scaly bodies. These reptiles routinely undergo ecdysis, which is the shedding of a layer of skin. They do this to accommodate their growth, repair or replace old or damaged skin, and to get rid of parasites. Some snakes shed or molt their skin in one long piece, while others tear it in various places during the process. Though their growth rate slows as they age, snakes are indeterminate growers, meaning they never stop growing. Juvenile snakes may shed their skin every 4-6 weeks, while adult snakes shed a few times a year. Continue reading to discover what influences ecdysis in snakes.
Why Snakes Shed
Some snakes shed their skin in one piece.
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As a snake grows, its skin doesn’t grow along with it. So, as it gets longer and wider, it has to molt to make way for another layer of skin to accommodate its larger body. A snake needs new skin the same way kids need new clothes when they outgrow their old ones.
Another reason snakes shed their skin is to get rid of parasites. Parasites attach themselves to the skin, so when the skin is removed, most of the parasites are removed as well. Snakes are not able to wash these parasites off their body, so shedding is necessary.
How Often Snakes Shed
The molting process serves to remove dangerous parasites from a snake’s skin.
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There is no specific time of year associated with snakes’ shedding. They can shed almost any time of year. Young snakes shed their skin often as they grow and develop. The age of the reptile plays an important role in how often it sheds.
These reptiles shed their skin throughout their lives. Adult snakes typically molt from three to six times per year. Younger snakes shed more often than older ones because they are growing and expanding more rapidly than adults.
The Pre-Shedding Period
Snake’s eyes will turn blue when they shed.
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Though the actual shedding process takes a relatively short time, snakes go through a pre-shedding stage. The pre-shedding stage can last from several days to weeks. The skin takes on a dull color as it begins to detach from the snake’s body. This color change is an indication that shedding, or ecdysis, is imminent. Next, the snake’s eyes turn a milky blue. The blue color is a result of fluid buildup between the old skin and the new skin over its eyes. When its eyes turn this color, this reptile isn’t able to see very well. This makes the shedding process stressful.
After the skin over its eyes is renewed, its eyes go back to their normal color. Then, the reptile starts shedding the rest of its skin about 24 hours later. The exact amount of time it takes for a snake to shed its skin depends on its size and species.
Shedding Tools
Shedding or molting is a regular feature of a snake’s life.
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Snakes in the wild rub their bodies against rocks, tree stumps, or sturdy plant stems. They move their body over the surface of the object, slowly sloughing off the skin. Larger snakes are likely to choose a sturdy tree stump or fallen log that they can press against to molt. Alternatively, smaller snakes need only a small rock to help remove their dead skin.
If you find a snake skin, look around for a surface, such as a rock or log, where the snake may have shed its skin. It’s not always easy to find the place where a snake sheds its skin. Snakes sometimes slither along for several feet, leaving their outgrown skin behind as they go.
The Rattlesnake Shedding Process
When rattlesnakes shed, they create longer rattles.
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Of course, a rattlesnake sheds its skin for the same reasons other snakes do. However, they have an adaptation that’s unique to them.
Newborn baby rattlesnakes don’t have rattles. So, a baby can shake its tail as much as it wants, but it’s not going to make a sound! If you look closely at the rattle of an adult rattlesnake, you’ll see it’s made up of segments. These segments are made of keratin. When a baby rattlesnake sheds its skin for the first time, it’s left with the first segment of its rattle. Each time a rattlesnake sheds, it gains a new segment in its rattle.
Shedding Takes Focus
Some snakes are notorious for never skipping a meal, but most molting snakes are not interested in eating. Snakes often become very sluggish and lethargic right before and during the shedding process. They focus all of their attention and energy on growing new skin and getting rid of the old one. The snake’s energy is focused solely on shedding its old skin. As soon as it’s finished shedding, it will be ready for a meal.
