Yes, lizards shed their skin. This natural process, known as ecdysis, allows lizards to grow and maintain healthy skin. Unlike humans, whose skin cells are constantly replaced, lizards periodically shed their entire outer layer of skin. This shedding is a normal part of their life cycle.
The Biological Process of Shedding
Lizards shed their skin primarily because it does not grow with them. As a lizard grows larger, its existing skin becomes too tight and must be replaced to accommodate increasing body size. This process also allows lizards to repair damaged or worn-out skin and helps remove external parasites.
The shedding process begins as a new layer of skin forms underneath the old one. A fluid, often described as lymph, accumulates between the old and new layers, helping to loosen the old skin. As the outer skin separates, the lizard may rub against rough surfaces like rocks or branches to help dislodge it. Many lizards then use their mouths to pull off the skin, sometimes even eating the shed skin to reabsorb nutrients like calcium.
Unlike snakes, which often shed their skin in a single, complete piece, most lizards typically shed in patches or fragments. While some species, like alligator lizards, may shed in one piece, it is common for lizard shed to appear as multiple pieces. For healthy sheds, the skin should come off without significant difficulty.
Understanding a Lizard’s Shedding Cycle
The frequency of a lizard’s shedding cycle varies significantly depending on species, age, and growth rate. Young, rapidly growing lizards, especially juveniles, shed much more frequently than adult lizards, sometimes as often as every two weeks. Adult lizards might shed only a few times a year, with the process typically taking a few days to a couple of weeks.
Environmental conditions play a significant role in a successful shed. Proper humidity, adequate temperature, and a balanced diet are important for healthy skin and an unhindered shedding process. Insufficient humidity is a common cause of shedding problems, as it can make the old skin dry and difficult to separate.
Before shedding, lizards often display noticeable signs. Their skin may appear dull or faded, and in some species, their eyes might become cloudy or bluish due to fluid accumulating underneath the eye caps. Behavioral changes, such as reduced appetite, increased irritability, or seeking secluded spots, can also indicate a lizard is preparing to shed.
A normal shed results in the complete removal of old skin, even if it comes off in pieces. If patches of old skin remain, particularly around the toes, tail, or eye caps, it is known as an incomplete shed or dysecdysis. Retained skin can constrict blood flow and potentially lead to serious issues, including loss of digits or tail tips. To support a lizard through shedding, maintain appropriate humidity, provide rough surfaces for rubbing, and ensure proper nutrition. A gentle, warm soak can also help loosen stubborn skin.