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Created: 2011-06-16
Updated: 2011-06-16

Skin protects from dehydration: file snake


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Slide_show_arrows  1 of 1 ChersydrusGranulatusRooij / Nelly de Roo.. / LicensePD - Public Domain

The skin of file snakes protects from dehydration because it is hygroscopic, absorbing moisture from the air.

Biomimicry Taxonomy
 
Taxonomy_1 Maintain physical integrity >
Taxonomy_2 Protect from abiotic factors >
Taxonomy_3 Loss of liquids
Biomimetic Application Ideas
 
  • Water loss protection
  • Pollutant capture from smoke stacks
  • Water capture and movement

> Visit strategy page

[Collapse all sections] Summary
"The granular skin of Acrochordus is hygroscopic and imbibes water which moves rapidly over the body surface through interscalar channels. Consequently, the integument is easily wetted to bear a superficial aqueous film = 5.4 mg water per cm² of skin surface. Although file snakes are aquatic, they can become entrapped in drying ephemeral pools and have been observed on tidal mud flats where they are potentially exposed to intense heat and dehydration. Superficial water films, therefore, have a potentially important biological role in reducing dehydration of skin or body while extending the time available for terrestrial sojourns between areas of water." (Lillywhite and Sanmartino 1993:99)
About the inspiring organism
Med_chersydrusgranulatusrooij Little filesnake, Marine File Snake
Acrochordus granulatus SCHNEIDER 1799
[Warzenschlange, sudostasiatische warzenschlange]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: TIGR Reptile Database
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist
Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Water loss protection. Water capture and movement. Removing dissolved pollutants from air emissions of smoke stacks. Creating clothing that reduces dehydration in desert environments.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Construction, manufacturing

Experts
Seahorse Key/Marine Laboratory
Harvey B. Lillywhite
Department of Zoology, University of Florida
References
Lillywhite, H. B.; Sanmartino, V. 1993. Permeability and water relations of hygroscopic skin of the file snake, Acrochordus granulatus. Copeia. 1: 99-103.
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