Molting in insects

 When an insect gets too big for its exoskeleton, it sheds it. This process known as molting might sound matter-of-fact, but it’s not. Insects stop eating, many lie still, and they become more vulnerable to predators. Now, a study of mayfly larvae has revealed another difficulty: While molting, insects can’t breathe. Alarmingly, the respiratory impairment grows more severe with higher temperatures, suggesting that climate change and other stressors could make molting an even greater challenge.

Steps in molting -

step 1 - Increase activity of epidermal cells

step 2 - apolysis occurs; Epidermal cells separate from old cuticle

step 3 - Epidermal cells secrete molting fluid

step 4 - Epidermal cells secrete new epicuticle. Separates epidermal cells from molting fluid

step 5 - Molting fluid becomes active and breaks down old endocuticle

step 6 - Old endocuticle is absorbed by epidermal cells. 90% used to form new cuticle

step 7 - Exocuticle and Epicuticle are not broken down by molting fluid

step 8 - New cuticle is wrinkled under old cuticle (insect needs to expand)

step 9 - Exdysial sutures form

step 10 - ecdysis occurs where insect comes out of new form

step 11 - Following ecdysis, insect may be light color and soft. Hardens and darkens with time

step 12 - may eat old skin for nutrients

Subcribe on Youtube - IGNOU SERVICE

For PDF copy of Solved Assignment

WhatsApp Us - 9113311883(Paid)