Snake discovery zoo skin#
Snakes shed their skin for a number of reasons: young snakes shed to grow, injured snakes shed to heal, and adult snakes shed as they go through hormonal changes - like when they are ready to mate, lay eggs or give birth.Ī Gaboon viper's fangs can be 2 inches (5 centimeters) long, making them the longest fangs of any venomous snake.
They are made out of keratin, the same material as our hair and fingernails. Snakes’ skin is comprised of interlocking scales - an armor that protects them from hazards in their environment, such as sharp thorns and rough terrain. Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute Why and how do they shed their skin? The rhinoceros snake gets its name from the scaly "horn" on the tip of its snout. Then, the old spectacles are shed along with the rest of their skin. Before snakes shed, two fresh lenses grow into place. What’s one of your favorite fact about snakes?Ī fun fact about snakes is that they cannot blink because they do not have eyelids! Instead, they have a spectacle, or “eye cap,” for protection.
Even once they reach the “green” stage, their colors continue to change throughout their lifetime. Despite the “green” in their name, they could be red, yellow, green, blue, black or white! It all depends on their age and hormones. Their colors are so vibrant, and it’s always a surprise what color they are going to be. I do! I love working with green tree pythons. Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Instituteĭo snakes have ears? How well can they see? How do scales help them slither? Get the scoop on your friend, the snake, from Reptile Discovery Center keeper Robin Saunders! Do you have a favorite species of snake?
Green tree pythons rest coiled up, hanging horizontally on branches. They dangle their tails to lure curious prey, and then hold onto the branch with their tail when they strike.
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