Snake Skin Ecdysis Explained

This is a U.S. news story, published by Live Science, that relates primarily to Massasauga news.

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shedding snake

Live Science

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Science

Why do snakes shed their skin?

Summary

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75% Informative

Snakes shed their skin in a process called "ecdysis," leaving behind papery sheds imprinted with the unique pattern of its scales.

By adulthood, snakes typically shed around three or four times a year.

A fresh shed may be up to 20% longer than the original snake, as this recently lubricated skin is stretchy.

The eastern massasauga rattlesnake (Sistrurus catenatus) in the U.S. is particularly susceptible to fungus that can obscure their eyes and their mouth.

The shedding ability is vital to a snake's survival, especially in species such as the eastern Massasauga .

In the wild, discarded skins can help scientists and conservationists protect these reptiles.

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