Autotomy
Videos
Autotomy is the behaviour whereby an animal sheds or discards an appendage, usually as a self-preservation mechanism to elude a predator's grasp or to distract the predator and thereby allow escape. S
A white-headed dwarf gecko with tail lost due to autotomy
A lizard tail shed by autotomy
The conspicuous change in the tail pattern of this marbled gecko indicates regeneration after autotomy.
A fish scale gecko showing both autotomized scales and tail
Spiny mouse
Videos
The term spiny mouse refers to any species of rodent within the genus Acomys. Similar in appearance to mice of the genus Mus, spiny mice are small mammals with bare tails which contain osteoderms, a r
Autotomy
…autotomy planes, and these species were placed in the squamate taxonomy as being an ancestor of current existing geckos. At least two species of African spiny mice, Acomys kempi and Acomys percivali, are capable of autotomic release of skin, e.g. upon being captured by a predator. They are the first mammals known…
Sinaistachelmaus
Desiccated spiny mouse (Acomys) corpse. Note the shortened tail, probably the result of a degloving injury.
Cardiocranius
Tenerife rat restoration