Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I remember reading a thread a while back on the subject of pitting in the scales of snakes, but a search of the forums by the word "pitting" only lead to a no reply thread and a few from the turtle forums. Upon close inspection it seems one of my snakes has some random pitting along some of his scales. What exactly is it? Is it contagious..to be trasmitted to other snakes? Is there anything that can be done? How common is it? any info is greatly appreciated. thanks a lot.
-Sam.

>>I remember reading a thread a while back on the subject of pitting in the scales of snakes, but a search of the forums by the word "pitting" only lead to a no reply thread and a few from the turtle forums. Upon close inspection it seems one of my snakes has some random pitting along some of his scales. What exactly is it? Is it contagious..to be trasmitted to other snakes? Is there anything that can be done? How common is it? any info is greatly appreciated. thanks a lot.
>>-Sam.

I wouldn't say "pitting" is random, exactly. Unless you are referring to some kind of physical injury, pitting probably has to do with "apical pits". Most snakes who's skins I've examined have "paired" apical pits, meaning there's two tiny pits at the tip of each scale. In rare instances there could be one or three, I think. I don't know too much about it, but I think it's believed by most that the pits are some form of heat sensing devise which evolved in snakes for thermoregulation mainly. However, in Crotalids and some Boids, heat-sensing pits have a different use too. There are large pits on the labial scales, or between, which aid in locating warm-blooded prey. Thus, we have pit vipers, etc. I think this is a somewhat overlooked aspect of ophidian anatomy.

PS: Can you describe the pitting in your snake, or show us a pic? If they are truly random, make sure they're not moving around.

TC

Sam

I was the one who posted this topic before. I believe in my case it was due to overly dry conditions. When I checked my humidity it was less than 20%. I corrected my humidity and this made a difference. Dryness is usually worse in winter especially in the northerly climates like Im in here in Wisconsin.

Keith
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The pitting is sort of random. It's similar to the kind that Keith Had in his king. The thing is, mine is a splendida, and its home range is almost totally arid. I guess I can try and raise humidity, but I don't want to overdo it. Terry, I'd post a pic but my camera wouldn't be able to pick up the fine detail along the scales that a human eye can see. Keith had a pic a while ago. I guess I'm sort of stumped. My main concern is health. If pitting does not affect the snake in a negative manner, I guess it isnt a huge deal. Do either of you know of any negative effects? In addition, Keith, how exactly was the snake's pitting improved afterward? Are the indentations only temporary, to be relieved after each shed? Thanks for your reply guys, I appreciate the advice. By the way, it has nothing to do with injury, my snake has perfect health & never refuses a meal.
-Sam.

Contrary to popular belief, Desert kingsnakes (Splendida) are not only from arid regions. They are down here on the South Texas coast were water is plentiful and humidity is always high. I would try to raise the humidity. You cannot over do it.
Even Splendida found in the desert are found near a water supply.
I have also seen huge, older snakes get those dimples in the scales, maybe they are wrinkles. LOL!!!
John Lassiter

>>The pitting is sort of random. It's similar to the kind that Keith Had in his king. The thing is, mine is a splendida, and its home range is almost totally arid. I guess I can try and raise humidity, but I don't want to overdo it. Terry, I'd post a pic but my camera wouldn't be able to pick up the fine detail along the scales that a human eye can see. Keith had a pic a while ago. I guess I'm sort of stumped. My main concern is health. If pitting does not affect the snake in a negative manner, I guess it isnt a huge deal. Do either of you know of any negative effects? In addition, Keith, how exactly was the snake's pitting improved afterward? Are the indentations only temporary, to be relieved after each shed? Thanks for your reply guys, I appreciate the advice. By the way, it has nothing to do with injury, my snake has perfect health & never refuses a meal.
>>-Sam.

I wouldn't call it pitting, Sam. I would call it dimpling or indentations. Pitting has kind of a negative ring to it, if your not referring to the apical pits, or whatever. I've seen this "dimpling" before. I usually thought of it as a drying of the snakes skin, and kind of an imbalance of pressure on the scales. I would raise the humidity, as suggested by others, but also try a moist hide...

Notice the moist hide box in the front of photo and a water jug and dry hide in rear. Snakes often soak in water jugs too, if they're feeling dried out. Here's a pic of part of one of my racks...

Notice the large water jugs in front and dry hides in back. This setup works great if there's plenty of humidity in the room. Most of my snakes don't need any humidity help. But in the winter time with the heat on constantly, I have to keep a humidifier in my Herp Room. Most of the snakes I keep active (babies, etc) don't do that well with humidity bt. 20 and 30%. I often spray cages and add moist hides.

I've seen quite a few desert kings in AZ, where it is hot and dry most of the year. Have you noticed the kings are active mostly on moist nights and go weeks at a time w/o showing themselves during drought times. In the wintertime they avoid the dry and the cold by staying underground too. I don't think they need it super humid, but they do need proper temps and humdity, a secure hide area, and some choices.

I brumate most of my snakes, when I have a choice, and it helps to avoid some of these kinds of problems. Your snake will probably be fine in the spring. I wouldn't worry too much. Interesting question.

TC

Terry, your posts have been extremely helpful. I'm going to dig into my snake literature to further examine the subject, meanwhile I will go ahead and raise humidity by spraying his tank every other day or so. He's always got a full water bowl. Thanks alot.
-Sam