Lizards undergo ecdysis, commonly known as shedding or molting. This involves the periodic removal of their outer skin. Shedding is a normal and necessary part of a lizard’s life cycle, serving various biological functions crucial for their health and development.
The Natural Process of Skin Shedding
Lizards shed their skin through a process involving their epidermis. Unlike snakes, which shed their entire skin in a single piece, most lizards shed in patches over days or weeks. This begins with a new epidermal layer forming beneath the old one. Specialized cells in this new layer secrete a fluid that helps separate the old skin from the underlying skin. This fluid can make the old skin appear dull or cloudy before it begins to peel away.
The outermost layer of a lizard’s skin, the stratum corneum, is composed of tough, dead cells. As new cells form and push upwards, older cells die and accumulate, forming the layer that will be shed.
Why Lizards Shed Their Skin
Shedding serves several biological purposes for lizards. A primary reason is to accommodate growth, as a lizard’s skin does not stretch or grow continuously like that of mammals. As a lizard grows, its old skin becomes too tight, requiring removal for a new, larger layer to form. This is particularly noticeable in young, rapidly growing lizards, which shed more frequently than adults.
Beyond growth, shedding helps repair and renew damaged skin. The process allows lizards to remove accumulated debris, minor injuries, or abrasions. Shedding also helps rid the body of external parasites. By discarding the old skin, lizards maintain a fresh, healthy, and protective outer layer.
Recognizing Normal Shedding
Observing specific signs can help identify when a lizard is preparing to shed. A common indicator is a dulling or fading of the lizard’s skin color, as the old skin loses its vibrancy. Some lizards may also develop cloudy or milky eyes due to fluid accumulating beneath the eye caps, which are also shed. Behavioral changes can accompany shedding, such as reduced appetite, increased hiding, or irritability.
Lizards often rub against objects in their enclosure, like rocks or branches, to help loosen and remove old skin. Shedding frequency varies depending on the lizard’s age, species, and overall health. Younger, actively growing lizards typically shed more often, sometimes every few weeks, while adult lizards may shed only a few times a year. The entire process can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
Assisting Your Lizard Through Shedding
Supporting a lizard through its shedding process primarily involves maintaining optimal environmental conditions in its habitat. Adequate humidity levels are important, as insufficient humidity can lead to incomplete shedding, known as dysecdysis. Misting the enclosure or providing a humid hide with moist substrate can help keep the skin supple and facilitate a smooth shed. Providing rough surfaces, such as branches, rocks, or textured decor, allows the lizard to rub against them and aid in skin removal.
Ensuring proper hydration by providing a water bowl for soaking or regular misting can also support skin elasticity. It is generally advisable to avoid pulling off shedding skin, as this can damage the new skin underneath if it is not fully separated. While most healthy lizards shed without intervention, persistent difficulty shedding, or retained skin around sensitive areas like eyes, toes, or the tail, can indicate underlying issues that might require veterinary attention.