Normal molting in snakes is a complex process. The cells of the intermediate zone of the epidermis are capable of forming a new stratum corneum, which is called epidermal internal generation. The outer layers of living cells, which are located under the stratum corneum, are completely replaced as a result of the process. This process is biological, as a result, the reptile completely sheds the old skin and forms a new one.
Instructions
Step 1
The snake takes a long time to prepare for the skin change process. She becomes aggressive and restless, changes behavior, stops eating. Some snakes become lazy and lethargic, others nervous. Poisonous snakes are especially dangerous during molting. Outwardly, the preparation of the snake for molting is manifested as follows: the old skin grows dull and pale, the pattern becomes less clear, the shade changes near the eyes, becomes dull blue.
Step 2
In snakes, the first molt occurs immediately after birth or a week or two after the small snakes hatch from the egg. It mainly depends on the species. Young snakes most often change their skin - sometimes the snake scales are renewed every four weeks. The snake is getting older, and the process is carried out less and less. On average, an adult snake sheds its skin 2-4 times a year. How frequent the updates will be depends on many factors, including: the age of the snake, the stage of puberty, the presence of parasites and bacteria, and nutrition. Air humidity and temperature are also influenced.
Step 3
Normal molting takes place in several stages. The proliferation stage is characterized by dull, matte skin. This is followed by the phase of moulting divergence. The formation of internal epidermal generation occurs, a cavity is formed with lymph effusion into it. Proliferation is replaced by differentiation of cells, which will form a new stratum corneum with the formation of a thin gap in the intermediate zone, located between three layers of old cells and three new ones. When the internal epidermal generation of cells is formed, a cavity is formed - a zone of separation. Clouding of the eyes of snakes occurs during this period.
Step 4
Exfoliation is the next phase, in which the skin brightens and differs little from normal. Upon dissolution, the intermediate substance disappears and adhesion of proteins occurs, and after that the actual molt begins. The skin of the snake is shed by crawling out of it.
