Snakes have dry, smooth skin, covered in a network of overlapping scales. Contrary to popular belief, it’s neither wet nor slippery. The skin serves many critical functions. Snake skin aids locomotion, protects the body, retains moisture, and provides camouflage. Their long, limbless bodies come in a variety of sizes and colors, but all snakes shed their skin at regular intervals throughout the year. Continue reading to discover why snakes shed their skin.
All in One Piece
Snakes shed the outer layer of scales in a process called ecdysis, molting, or sloughing.
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In humans, as well as most other animals, the shedding process occurs gradually, as individual flakes of skin are lost and then replaced by new cells. Snakes, however, shed all at once in a long and challenging process. Their skin is composed of two layers: the epidermis and the dermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer of the skin, consisting of scales. These scales are made from keratin, the same substance as fingernails, horns, and hair. They also contain small amounts of a dark brown or black substance called melanin to protect the lower layers of the skin from the harsh rays of the sun. The dermis, beneath the epidermis, consists mainly of connective tissue, pigment cells, collagen, and nerve fibers.
Why Snakes Shed
A snake’s eyes turn cloudy or blue as the eye cap begins to loosen.
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Snakes shed their skin for numerous reasons. One is to replace old skin cells that have become worn and less effective over time. Scales need to be renewed regularly to do their job well. The molting process also serves to remove any dangerous parasites from the skin. Shedding allows young snakes to grow larger with each passing molt. The number of scales a snake has remains the same throughout its life, but the individual scales grow larger as the snake’s body grows.
The shedding process begins after the snake grows a new layer of skin directly beneath the old one. The skin will open up near the mouth and peel backward along the body. A lubricating fluid forms between the old and new layers of skin, making it easier for the snake to rub off the old scales against rocks or other rough surfaces.
Shedding can last for several days to weeks. During this time, the snake is vulnerable and must find a suitable place to hide as it sheds. The discarded skin often retains such a detailed imprint of the scales that it’s sometimes possible to identify the species just by examining the shed skin.
Snakes typically stop eating during a molt. Their eyes will then turn cloudy or blue as the eye cap (the scale over the eye) begins to loosen. The skin will also start to look discolored and hazy. At that point, the snake will be ready to remove its old layer. Don’t worry about trying to feed it; snakes can go weeks without food.
Shedding Frequency
Younger snakes shed more frequently than older ones.
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The frequency of ecdysis depends on numerous factors, including the snake’s age, diet, environment, and reproductive status. Age is the most important factor. Snakes shed often during their first year. Adult snakes, however, shed less frequently. The species of snake also plays a significant role in determining how often it sheds. Adult ball pythons typically shed every two to three months, though frequency can vary with age and conditions.
