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[[Image:Normal_ecdysis_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Normal ecdysis of head area (note the shed spectacles)''' © RVC]]]

[[Image:Normal_ecdysis_ed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''Normal ecdysis of head area (note the shed spectacles)''' © RVC]]

The entire skin is shed on a regular basis, often two to four times a year. The frequency depends upon the rapidity of growth, age, nutritional state, size and environmental factors which are an important consideration for appropriate [[Snake Housing|snake housing]].  

The entire skin is shed on a regular basis, often two to four times a year. The frequency depends upon the rapidity of growth, age, nutritional state, size and environmental factors which are an important consideration for appropriate [[Snake Housing|snake housing]].  

==The process==

==The process==

[[Ecdysis]] then occurs as the snake rubs itself on objects in the environment to loosen the old skin. Most snakes shed their skin in one piece, except for the giant snakes that may tear their moult. The process takes in total about two weeks.

[[Ecdysis]] then occurs as the snake rubs itself on objects in the environment to loosen the old skin. Most snakes shed their skin in one piece, except for the giant snakes that may tear their moult. The process takes in total about two weeks.

'''For more information on appropriate husbandry, including terrarium furniture that assists in the shedding process, see [[Snake Housing]]'''.  

'''For more information on appropriate husbandry, including terrarium furniture that assists in the shedding process, see''' [[Snake Housing]].  

==Spectacle==

==Spectacle==

[[Image:Eye_prior_to_shed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''[[Snake Eye|Eye]] prior to [[Ecdysis|shed]]''' © RVC]]

[[Image:Eye_prior_to_shed.jpg|250px|thumb|right|'''[[Snake Eye|Eye]] prior to [[Ecdysis|shed]]''' © RVC]]

Prior to shedding the [[Spectacle|spectacle]] becomes opaque and bluish-white from its normally transparent state. This results from a separation of the spectacle layers by a lymph-like fluid. In the wild this may render the snake partially blind and vulnerable to attack. During the actual shedding the spectacle returns to the transparent state. It is shed with the rest of the skin during [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]].   

Prior to shedding the [[Spectacle|spectacle]] becomes opaque and bluish-white in contrast to its normally transparent state. This results from a separation of the spectacle layers by a lymph-like fluid. In the wild this may render the snake partially blind and vulnerable to attack. During the actual shedding the spectacle returns to the transparent state. It is shed with the rest of the skin during [[Ecdysis|ecdysis]].   

 

==Dysecdysis==

==Dysecdysis==

[[Dysecdysis]] is improper or incomplete shedding. It may occur for various reasons including [[:Category:Snake Diseases|disease]] ([[Snake Mites|mites]], [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|malnutrition]], [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|dermatitis]] or trauma) and problems of captivity (incorrect [[Snake Housing|humidity]], incorrect [[Snake Handling and Restraint|handling)]]. Sometimes the spectacle fails to shed and remains as an opaque cover over the eye, restricting vision.   

[[Dysecdysis]] is improper or incomplete shedding. It may occur for various reasons including [[:Category:Snake Diseases|disease]] ([[Snake Mites|mites]], [[Snake Hypothiaminosis|malnutrition]], [[Snake Vesicular Dermatitis|dermatitis]] or trauma) and problems of captivity (incorrect [[Snake Housing|humidity]], incorrect [[Snake Handling and Restraint|handling)]]. Sometimes the spectacle fails to shed and remains as an opaque cover over the eye, restricting vision.   

'''For more information, see [[Snake Dysecdysis]]'''.

'''For more information, see''' [[Snake Dysecdysis]].

==References==

==References==

Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 52. ISBN 072169327X  

Mader, D.R. (2005). Reptile Medicine and Surgery. Saunders. pp. 52. ISBN 072169327X  

[[Category:Snake_Physiology]]

[[Category:Snake_Physiology]]