A question on snake skin

[nigel_b]

I spotted a shed snake-skin under a piece of tin in the forest today and wondered when it might have been shed? How long would you expect a snake skin to remain in tact out in the forest, under a bit of tin? Is this likely to be from last summer or more recent?

[ViperaBerus]

There are alot of things to consider before giving an accurate answer. Have you got a picture? What condition was it in? Was it wet? What was the surrounding area and drainage like? What species was it? Etc etc. Need muchos more data.

A shed snake skin can last quite a long time in the correct conditions.

[nigel_b]

It was dry, in several pieces each around an inch long. It had a really large scale underneath, with much smaller scales around the side and top. I seem to remember that defines the species but can't remember which. No photos I'm afraid.

[Meta menardi]

Found one from a lizard a few years ago, it was like a Lizard baby suit, little toes and everything.

I think a full shed skin will last no more thana week or so, and I was told this by a Wise Man. I have a bit of my window that I fight to keep unswept, I am growing a Teg in there, the exuvia are mounting up, since it is inside they are lasting without deterioration.

I also have almost a full cast from an adder, in one of those clip frames, it has lasted for 5 years so far.

[ViperaBerus]

They'll last in the wild for ages if kept away from rain and insects. I've still got a load that I use during lectures and some are over 25 years old. There's one under some refugia I check from a slow-worm that is 18 months old.

Originally Posted by nigel_b

It was dry, in several pieces each around an inch long. It had a really large scale underneath, with much smaller scales around the side and top. I seem to remember that defines the species but can't remember which. No photos I'm afraid.

Sounds like it is from late last year.