Stumbling upon a snakeskin in the wild can be a thrilling discovery, evoking a mix of awe, curiosity, and for some, apprehension. These discarded integuments can provide invaluable insights into the serpents that once inhabited them. Here’s a guide to help you identify a shed snakeskin and perhaps even determine the species of its previous owner.
Size and Length
Begin with the most evident factor: size. A longer skin indicates a larger snake, but remember, shed skins can stretch and may appear longer than the snake itself.
Examining Scale Patterns
Scales are the fingerprints of snakes. Their arrangement, shape, and size can tell you a lot.
– Smooth vs. Keeled Scales:Some snakes have smooth scales, while others have keeled scales (with a raised ridge). The presence of keeled scales might point towards certain species like rat snakes or water snakes.
– Scale Arrangement:The layout of the scales, especially on the head and around the eyes, can be distinct for various snake families.
Checking for Specialized Scales
Certain snake species possess specialized scales that can be definitive for identification.
– Heat-sensing Pits:If the shed skin shows evidence of heat-sensing pits (usually found in pit vipers), it could be from species like rattlesnakes, copperheads, or cottonmouths.
– Underside Scales:The belly scales, or scutes, are broader and can help identify if a snake is from the boa or python family, as they have distinctive patterns.
Distinct Markings
While color might not always be evident in a shed skin, specific patterns might still be discernible:
– Bands or Rings: Found in species like king snakes or coral snakes.
– Blotches: Characteristic of species such as the boa constrictor or hognose snakes.
– Stripes: Garter snakes and some species of kingsnakes have longitudinal stripes.
Head Shape and Scale Arrangement
While the detailed structure of the head might not always be preserved in the shed skin, certain features can still be useful:
– Scale Arrangement: Some snakes, like pythons and boas, have a series of small scales on the top of their heads. In contrast, many colubrids have larger, plate-like scales there.
– Heat-sensing Pits: If the shed is well-preserved and comes from a pit viper (like rattlesnakes or copperheads), you might be able to identify the heat-sensing pits located between the nostril and the eye.
Location of Discovery
Consider where you found the skin. Different snake species inhabit specific environments, so your location can narrow down the possibilities.
Consult Field Guides and Apps
To further refine your identification, consult field guides specific to your region. Nowadays, there are also smartphone apps designed to assist in identifying snake species from images.
