ussinakkused

Ussinakkused refers to a phenomenon observed in certain species of snakes where their tails can detach. This is an involuntary defensive mechanism, often triggered by extreme stress or predation attempts. The detached tail continues to writhe and twitch for a period, which can distract a predator, allowing the snake to escape. This process is distinct from the shedding of skin, which is a normal part of a snake's growth cycle.

While often referred to as "autotomy" in scientific literature, the term "ussinakkused" is a vernacular term used in some regions, particularly in Estonia, to describe this specific tail detachment in snakes. The detached portion of the tail does not regenerate in most snake species, though some lizards are capable of regrowing their tails. The snake will typically have a blunt or scarred end where the tail was lost. Survival rates for snakes that have undergone ussinakkused can vary depending on the species, the severity of the detachment, and the subsequent ability of the snake to navigate, hunt, and thermoregulate without its tail. The tail segment that detaches is usually the distal portion, meaning the end part.