Since an arthropod has an exoskeleton, it cannot grow bigger than the skeleton it is currently wearing. Therefore, they moult during which time they crack open their skeleton and step out of it. They then swell up to a bigger size and then harden another skeleton on their outside. But while they are moulting, they aer engangered because all of their soft body parts are exposed to the weather and to predators.
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.
the outter skin. as the arthropod grows, the outter skin doesn't grow with it. than it gets rid of it by molting!
The main reason is how weak and vulnerable they are just after molting. The new exoskeleton is still soft to allow growth of the animal. The other is the reason they hide DURING molting - it renders them immobile, some species have to lie on their back for hours on end and can't defend themselves.
Most only do so in larval/juvenile stages, when it's time to grow. Some arthropods such as tarantula females continue growing and molting until death. Also, when damage has occurred (torn off leg for example) molting can be induced earlier to develop and grow new appendages. :)
An arthropod
The exoskelton of an arthropod is hard, and thus cannot accomodate growth. So an arthropod must periodically replace it.
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.
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.
exoskeleton, chitin, molting
This is how they grow. The old exoskeleton splits, then the body expands rapidly before the new exoskeleton hardens.
the outter skin. as the arthropod grows, the outter skin doesn't grow with it. than it gets rid of it by molting!
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.
Molting
Molting
Molting
Its new exoskeleton is soft.
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.