Plain-English definitions of the terms snake keepers actually encounter — anatomy, behavior, feeding, health, husbandry, shedding, taxonomy. More terms are added regularly.
- Brumation
- Brumation is a period of winter dormancy in snakes, marked by reduced activity, appetite, and metabolism in response to cooler temperatures and shorter days.
- Dysecdysis
- Dysecdysis is an incomplete or abnormal shedding cycle in a snake, where parts of the old skin — most often around the eyes or tail — fail to come off in one piece.
- Ecdysis
- Ecdysis is the normal process by which a snake sheds its outer layer of skin in one complete piece, allowing for growth and the renewal of worn or damaged scales.
- Gravid
- Gravid describes a female snake that is carrying developing eggs or embryos, the reptile equivalent of being pregnant.