- #1
tribdog
- 769
- 17
Just curious.
Do crocodiles molt?
Do crocodiles molt?
Last edited by a moderator:
Crocodilian Molting: An Intriguing Question in Reptile Biology
- Thread starter tribdog
- Start date
In summary, crocodiles do not molt like other reptiles do. Their skin is covered in non-overlapping scales that are shed individually, and they do not shed their skin all at once. This is different from lizards, which have similar scales but lack the bony plates found on crocodile scales. It is also mentioned that the process of shedding skin can be observed in other reptiles with legs, such as salamanders. However, the conversation also touches on the danger of keeping reptiles as pets, as well as the discomfort that may arise when watching a video of a snake shedding its skin.
- #2
mgb_phys
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 7,903
- 15
no
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Crocodilia.html
Last edited by a moderator:
- #3
tribdog
- 769
- 17
thank you. Too bad though.
Do any reptiles with legs molt?
Do any reptiles with legs molt?
- #4
mgb_phys
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
- 7,903
- 15
Well it does mean that if you see a crocodile skin by the side of the river that it contains a crocodile - which might come in useful !
- #5
tribdog
- 769
- 17
Do you ever get killed by the crocodile you see?
- #6
redargon
- 370
- 0
I thought lizards shed there skin, they've got legs, for the most part.
- #7
Borek
Mentor
- 29,046
- 4,419
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lO7Mll0XhzA
- #8
physics girl phd
- 931
- 3
I've seen a salamander molt (by one of brother's pets when we were kids). We carefully picked up its skin and floated it in some water in a "dixie" (aka. small disposable drinking) cup, and it floated up and spread out to look like a perfect salamander "ghost." Very cool.
We weren't allowed to keep crocodiles though... and our snake (a corn snake caught in Florida while visiting grandparents and taken home at the end of vacation) had to go back to Florida the next year (after it got loose in our house and was discovered by our mother in her shower).
We weren't allowed to keep crocodiles though... and our snake (a corn snake caught in Florida while visiting grandparents and taken home at the end of vacation) had to go back to Florida the next year (after it got loose in our house and was discovered by our mother in her shower).
- #9
edward
- 62
- 166
That video makes me want to crawl out of my skin.
FAQ: Crocodilian Molting: An Intriguing Question in Reptile Biology
Do all crocodiles molt?
Yes, all crocodiles molt. Molting is the process of shedding and replacing old skin to allow for growth and repair.
How often do crocodiles molt?
The frequency of molting varies among crocodile species, but on average, they molt once or twice a year. Younger crocodiles may molt more frequently as they grow faster.
What triggers the molting process in crocodiles?
The molting process is triggered by various factors such as environmental cues, hormones, and nutrition. Temperature and daylight changes can also play a role in signaling crocodiles to molt.
Can crocodiles die during molting?
Yes, molting can be a dangerous process for crocodiles. Their skin becomes more vulnerable during this time, and they are at a higher risk of injury or infection. However, if they successfully shed their old skin, they are at a lower risk of these issues in the future.
Is there a difference between molting in crocodiles and other reptiles?
Yes, there are some differences in the molting process between crocodiles and other reptiles. Unlike snakes and lizards, crocodiles do not shed their skin in one piece. Instead, they shed in small patches, making the process less noticeable. Additionally, crocodiles do not go through a complete shedding of their outer layer, as their protective scales do not shed.