What happens to an insect's exoskeleton when it molts?

When an insect molts, its exoskeleton is shed to allow for growth and development. This process is crucial because, as insects grow, their rigid exoskeletons do not expand. Instead, they produce a new exoskeleton underneath the old one. As they prepare to molt, they release enzymes that help to separate the old exoskeleton from the underlying tissues. During the molting process, the insect will push off the old exoskeleton, which is eventually discarded. This shedding allows for the insect to emerge larger and to continue its life cycle.

Insects may exhibit temporary changes in their exoskeleton during or after molting—like becoming soft or translucent immediately after shedding—however, the defining and key process here is the actual shedding of the old exoskeleton to facilitate growth.