Shed snakeskin, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). This is the skin found between the scales from the head region of a royal python (Python regius), also known as a ball python. As the body of the snake grows, its skin does not, so, approximately every 4 to 6 weeks, a healthy adult snake will shed its skin. As well as being important for growth, skin shedding in a snake can help to remove harmful parasites. The skin that is found between snake scales is made of a flexible inner layer called an alpha-layer. It is composed of a fibrous structural protein called alpha-keratin that allows for flexibility and movement. Magnification: x450 when printed at 10cm wide.