This is how they grow.
The old exoskeleton splits, then the body expands rapidly before the new exoskeleton hardens.
The exoskelton of an arthropod is hard, and thus cannot accomodate growth. So an arthropod must periodically replace it.
exoskeleton, chitin, molting
the outter skin. as the arthropod grows, the outter skin doesn't grow with it. than it gets rid of it by molting!
Arthropods molt (moult) in a process called ecdysis. It is necessary for growth because of the inflexibility of the exoskeleton. The old shell remnants are called exuviae. Note that the term 'anthropod' should not be confused with 'arthropod'; anthropods are humans or humanoids and do not moult in the canonic sense.
Molting
Molting
Ecdysis is when an arthropod molts its exoskeleton. Molting is necessary. The arthropod exoskeleton is inflexible, so, for it to grow larger, arthropods must molt.
Its new exoskeleton is soft.
Molting
Ecdysis, commonly known as molting. During molting, arthropods shed their old exoskeleton and form a new, larger one to accommodate their growth. This process is essential for arthropods to maintain their size and continue their development.
Molting is beneficial because it allows animals to shed old feathers, exoskeletons, or skin, which can help in removing parasites and damaged tissues. It also enables growth of new feathers, exoskeletons, or skin, which is necessary for physiological functions and survival. Lastly, molting can help animals adapt to changing environmental conditions by allowing for improved insulation or camouflage.
an arthropod sheds it old exoskeleton when it has grown to a point where it needs a larger exoskeleton. This process is called ecdysis.