Rattlesnakes undergo ecdysis, commonly known as shedding their skin. This process replaces their old, outer skin layer with a new one. Shedding is a fundamental part of a rattlesnake’s life cycle, supporting continued growth and overall health.
Timing and Influences on Shedding
Rattlesnakes do not shed on a fixed schedule; frequency varies based on several factors. Younger, rapidly growing rattlesnakes shed more often. Hatchlings may shed every two to four weeks, while juveniles shed three to six times per year. As rattlesnakes mature, their growth rate slows, reducing shedding frequency to one to two times annually.
Food availability also plays a role; consistent food supply leads to faster growth and more frequent shedding. Warmer temperatures can accelerate metabolism and growth, contributing to more frequent cycles. Shedding also helps rattlesnakes remove external parasites or repair minor skin damage. Each event requires significant metabolic energy and time, sometimes taking around 28 days.
The Shedding Event
The shedding process begins with noticeable changes in the rattlesnake’s appearance. Its skin may become dull, and its eyes turn cloudy or milky, a phase often referred to as the “blue phase.” This visual change occurs due to a lubricating fluid accumulating between the old and new skin layers. The snake’s belly might also take on a pinkish hue.
During this pre-shedding period, rattlesnakes often exhibit behavioral shifts. They may become more reclusive, seeking secluded areas, and can appear more irritable. Their vision is temporarily impaired by the cloudy eye caps, which can lead them to stop eating.
To initiate shedding, the rattlesnake rubs its snout against rough surfaces like rocks or branches. This helps create a tear in the old skin, typically around the mouth. Once torn, the snake slowly crawls out of the old layer, turning it inside out. The entire old skin, including the eye caps, is usually shed in one continuous piece.
Visual Cues and Post-Shedding Changes
A dull skin coloration and cloudy, milky eyes are clear indicators that a rattlesnake is preparing to shed. During this vulnerable period, its diminished eyesight makes it more susceptible to threats, leading it to seek hidden locations for safety.
After successfully shedding, the rattlesnake emerges with a noticeably different look. Its eyes become clear again, and its skin appears vibrant, bright, and shiny. This fresh outer layer is not only visually striking but also serves practical purposes. The new skin accommodates the snake’s continued growth and helps eliminate any external parasites or minor injuries that may have been present on the old skin. Each shedding event also adds a new segment to the base of the rattlesnake’s rattle.