Zoology - Metamorphosis & Molting

ecdysis

the process of shedding old skin or exoskeleton in arthropods and reptiles.

molting

the process of shedding old feathers, skin, or exoskeleton to allow for growth.

hypodermis

the layer of tissue beneath the epidermis that provides insulation and stores fat.

cuticle/exoskeleton

a protective, outer layer that provides support and prevents water loss in arthropods and some other animals.

procuticle

the thick layer of the exoskeleton beneath the cuticle, providing structural support and protection.

epicuticle

the thin, outermost layer of the exoskeleton that is waterproof and helps prevent desiccation.

tanning

the process by which the cuticle or exoskeleton hardens and becomes more rigid after molting, often due to the incorporation of proteins and minerals.

sclerotization

the process of hardening the cuticle or exoskeleton through cross-linking of proteins, contributing to increased durability and strength.

4 stages of ecdysis

egg, larva, pupa, and adult.

ecdysal lines

the lines or markings that appear on the exoskeleton during the molting process, indicating where the old cuticle separates from the new one.

metamorphosis

the biological process where an organism undergoes significant physical changes after birth or hatching, transitioning through various life stages.

naiads

the immature aquatic stages of certain insects, such as dragonflies and mayflies, that undergo metamorphosis to become adults.

nymphs

the immature terrestrial or semi-terrestrial stages of certain insects, such as grasshoppers and true bugs, that undergo metamorphosis to become adults.

pupa

the life stage in which an insect undergoes transformation into its adult form, typically characterized by a non-feeding, encased state.

cocoon

a protective casing spun by some insect larvae during the pupal stage, where they undergo metamorphosis.

chrysalis

the pupal stage of butterflies, where they undergo transformation into adults, often encased in a hard shell.

eclosion

the process by which an insect emerges from its pupal case or egg, marking the transition to its next life stage.

instars

the stages of development between molts in the life cycle of an insect, particularly during the larval phase.

4 stages of ecdysis

inter-molt, pre-molt, ecdysis (shedding), and post-molt

metamorphisis - ametabolous

little change during metamorphosis

metamorphosis - hemimetebolous

incomplete metamorphosis

metamorphosis - Holometabolous

complete metamorphosis