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1 September 2016 Self and Conspecific Dermatophagy in the Aquatic Salamander Amphiuma tridactylum
Clifford L. Fontenot, John A. Pojman
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Abstract

Dermatophagy, the practice of eating shed skin, in amphibians and reptiles has been reported anecdotally in the literature, but the process and purpose remains poorly understood. We document a fortuitous observation of whole-skin shedding and conspecific dermatophagy in Amphiuma tridactylum (Three-toed Amphiuma), and report on 2 additional observations of self-dermatophagy. Shed skins are potential protein and nutrient sources, and we suggest that dermatophagy may be a much more common occurrence than originally thought.

Clifford L. Fontenot and John A. Pojman "Self and Conspecific Dermatophagy in the Aquatic Salamander Amphiuma tridactylum," Southeastern Naturalist 15(3), (1 September 2016). https://doi.org/10.1656/058.015.0312
Published: 1 September 2016
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