LIZARD - AFRICAN STRIPED SKINK

Tail shedding involves a complex physiological mechanism.
Lizards have a predetermined weak point in their tail's vertebrae, called a "fracture plane". When threatened, the lizard contracts a specific muscle in its tail, called the "caudal autotomic muscle". Blood vessels in the tail constrict, reducing blood flow and minimizing bleeding. The muscle contraction and blood vessel constriction cause the tail to separate at the weak point. The lizard releases it's tail, which continues to wriggle and twitch, distracting the predator. The lizard forms a scar at the detachment point, protecting the wound from infection.
This remarkable process is made possible by specialized anatomy and physiology, allowing the lizards to shed their tails as a survival strategy.
Some lizards can shed their tails multiple times. Regrown tails might be smaller or differently colored. Tail shedding can also occur naturally as a part of a lizards's life cycle. This remarkable adaptation helps lizards survive and thrive in their environments.
Lizards can control the amount of tail shed, with some species shedding only a portion. The detached tail can continue to writhe for several minutes, confusing predators.
‪@EvelynJoubertNatureWithEve‬
#reptiles #reptile #outdoorphotography #wildlifephotography #naturephotography #nature #wildlife #skink #tailshedding #lizard #lizards