molted

Molting, or ecdysis in arthropods, is the process of shedding the outer covering or skin. It is a normal part of growth and renewal in many animals, including insects, arachnids, crustaceans, reptiles, and amphibians. The shedding allows tissue expansion and replacement of worn or damaged surfaces. The old covering may be left behind as an exoskeleton or discarded skin, called an exuvia or cast.

In arthropods with a hard exoskeleton, growth occurs only through molting. The process is hormonally controlled and comprises pre-molt, ecdysis, and post-molt stages. During pre-molt, a new cuticle forms beneath the old one. Ecdysis is the shedding event, and afterward the new cuticle hardens through sclerotization. Exuviae are commonly found in the environment and used to assess populations or development stages.

Some vertebrates shed skin rather than an exoskeleton. Amphibians replace the outer epidermis, and many reptiles shed in patches or as a complete wrap. Certain fish shed scales or skin in localized events. Molting timing varies and may be seasonal or tied to growth cycles or environmental conditions such as temperature and food availability.

Molting supports development, tissue renewal, and the maintenance of a protective barrier against desiccation and pathogens. During shedding, animals may become more vulnerable and seek shelter. Exuviae and molt timing can provide useful clues in ecological surveys, pest management, and evolutionary studies.