Previous studies have suggested that there are little interspecific functional or structural differences in snake skin among species. Morphological examination of the Calabar burrowing python (Calabaria reinhardtii) revealed a proliferation of the thickness of the integumentary layers, a highly-organized lamellate arrangement of the dermal collagen bundles, and a reduction in the size of the interscale hinge region of the integument. Comparisons with other snakes suggest that these integumentary specializations are unique to C. reinhardtii. Biomechanical testing demonstrated that the skin of C. reinhardtii is more resistant to penetration than the skin of the other tested snake species. The laminar arrangement of the collagen bundles provides for penetrative resistance, even while maintaining the flexibility characteristic of snake skin. Considering the life history of this species, it is hypothesized that the specialized integument of C. reinhardtii is a passive defensive mechanism against penetrative bites from maternal rodents and predators.