Entomology: Molting

What are the three main causes of mortality when molting?

- Getting stuck

- Water loss

- Predation

What is the term for when an insect removes their own appendage?

Autotomy

What is the Greek/Latin root for autotomy?

Self/cutting

How many steps are there in molting? Name them.

2: Apolysis and Ecdysis

What is the apolysis stage of molting?

When the old cuticle separates from the epidermis

What is the Greek/Latin root for apolysis?

From, off, or away/ a loosening

What is the ecdysis stage of molting?

The shedding of the old exoskeleton

What is the Greek/Latin root for ecdysis?

An escape, slipping out

How does the insect break out of the old exoskeleton?

1. Increase the pressure inside by bringing air into the tracheal system and contracting body muscles

2. Break the exoskeleton using ecdysial lines

3. Shed the exoskeleton

4. Maintain high body pressure to straighten out the new, somewhat folded exoskeleton

5. Sclerotization

What is the exuviae?

The old exoskeleton, after it's been shed

What is the Greek/Latin root of exuviae?

That which is taken off

When do most insects molt?

Early morning or evening, due to high moisture

When insects molt, what position do they assume and why?

On their backs, gravity helps straighten out the new exoskeleton, promotes blood flow, and is easier to get out of the exuviae

What internal systems does the exoskeleton line?

The foregut, midgut, tracheal system, and part of the reproductive system.

The exoskeleton has internal projections. What are they and what are their functions?

Apodemes, for muscle attachments, protection of internal structures, and strengthening.

What are sclerites?

Hard plates on the exocuticle

What is the Greek/Latin root of sclerites?

hard/having to do with

The cuticle has extensions such as spines, ridges, and folds. What are their functions?

- Innervation

- Defense Mechanisms

- Inter and intra sexual selection

- Pollen pockets (bees)

- Increase surface area (mantids)

What is an instar?

Stage between molts

What is the Greek/Latin root of instar?

A form, likeness

What is eclosion?

Hatching from an egg

What influences how often a species molts?

Nutrition and sex (females will molt more based on larger body size)