Obscure Scales

☀️The Importance of UVB Lighting for Reptiles.

Before herptile keeping became popular, little was actually known about specialized lighting requirements needed by these species. During this time, many were not exposed to UVB and would often develop Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) as a result.

With all new studies, research, and discoveries made, we have made huge strides in understanding the importance of UVB and Vitamin D3 synthesis.

☀️What Exactly is “UVB”?

Ultraviolet B (UVB) is a part of the spectrum of radiation produced by the sun. This light allows the synthesis or integration of Vitamin D3, which is crucial to absorb and effectively utilize calcium.

☀️How Does Vitamin D3 Synthesis Work?

The D3 cycle is a biological process that begins when a cholesterol called Pro-Vitamin D is produced in an animal’s skin. When reptiles bask in sunlight or UVB lights, the UVB rays interact with this cholesterol to turn it into Pre-Vitamin D.

After exposure to warmth and light, the Pre-Vitamin D is converted within the skin membrane to our beloved Vitamin D3. This compound is sent out into the blood plasma and carried to the liver where it converts to a hormone called calcidiol, which then takes its turn being carried around the body into the kidneys.

Now in the kidneys, some of the calcidiol hormones will turn into yet another hormone called calcitriol. This particular alloy is responsible for transporting calcium through the epithelial cells and into the reptile’s bloodstream.

☀️”If I Can Provide Calcium and D3 in Their Diet, Why Bother?”

While D3 can be provided through diet and supplements, there’s a great risk of developing health complications. Synthesizing D3 through UVB exposure, however, is a more controlled and balanced process that reduces the risk of excessive accumulation and overdose.

It’s too common that people overdose or underdose supplements; Vitamin D is toxic in excess amounts, causing severe kidney damage and calcification of soft tissues. Underdose results in the softening of bones, malfunction of the digestive tract, and irreversible nerve damage. Either can easily turn fatal.

Additionally, UVB exposure plays an important role in boosting immune response, stimulating beta endorphin production, and increasing pigmentation!

🌿Related Posts:
• Metabolic Bone Disease: What Is It?
• Bioactive Enclosures are Amazing! (coming soon!)

Photos courtesy of Arcadia (1) and Isaac Martins @ pseudo_nah (2).

🌈Structural Colouration in Reptiles!

Structural colouration, also known as the iridescence we see on some animals and plants, is the production of colour via microscopic structures that reflect and interfere with light. These special nano-structures act as prisms, diffracting light to create a rainbow of colours, commonly seen in species like the Brazilian Rainbow Boa (Epicrates c. cenchira) as seen below.

Rainbow Boas in particular create their popular iridescent sheen utilizing microscopic structures called iridophores on the scales’ surfaces. These are unique cells that possess stacked crystalline plates of guanine: A fundamental component of nucleic acids in DNA and RNA. Guanine is also used in nail polishes and eyeshadows for its metallic effects.

🌈How Does This Benefit Wild Boas?

Though other snakes and animals display this interesting light show, Brazilian Rainbow Boas and other iridescent, rainforest dwelling species use this as a way of camouflage. In the dappled light of their jungle habitat, their reflected colours mimic those of glistening water.

Photo courtesy of myself.
1.0 Brazilian Rainbow Boa (E. c. cenchira)

🦴Metabolic Bone Disease: What Is It?

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD), also known as Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSH), is a husbandry-linked disease that can occur in any animal. However, it is most commonly seen in reptiles and amphibians.

MBD is generally caused by an improper diet that is high in phosphorus and low in calcium and/or Vitamin D3, or in the case of many reptiles, can be caused by lack of UV-B light.

As a result of the decreased calcium and lack of Vitamin D3, excess parathyroid hormone begins resorbing the bones and breaking them down, causing the calcium to be released back into the bloodstream. While calcium does need to be in the blood for clotting and other vital functions, it does so at the expense of the bones.

🦴How Does MBD Present?

Common signs include:
• Swelling and softening of the jaw and facial bones (“rubber jaw”) due to decreased bone density
• Swelling and/or tremors of the limbs
• Limb and spinal fractures
• Anorexia
• Lethargy
• Stunted growth
• Mobility issues

🦴How Can We Prevent MBD?

Prevention, like with most illnesses, is key to evading the effects of MBD. Some cases can be reversed if caught early on, but many instances are irreversible.

Avoiding low-quality diets and understanding your individual animal’s needs is very important, as well as supplementing with a calcium powder and providing adequate UV-B lighting for proper synthesis and utilization.

🌿Related Posts:
• The Importance of UV-B Lighting in Reptiles (coming soon!)
• Feeder Insects: Which Are Best? (coming soon!)

Photo curtesy of Wendy Ontiveros.