What happens when an insect molts?

When an insect molts, it sheds its exoskeleton, which is essential for its growth and development. Insects have a hard outer covering known as the exoskeleton, and as they grow, they require a new, larger exoskeleton to accommodate their body size. During the molting process, also known as ecdysis, the old exoskeleton breaks away, and the insect emerges with a new, softer one that will harden over time. This process is crucial for insects as it allows them to grow, as they cannot increase in size with a rigid exoskeleton.

While some insects may develop larger wings, change color, or grow new legs over their life cycle, these changes are not directly related to the act of molting itself. Instead, they may occur at specific life stages, but the fundamental process of molting specifically refers to shedding the exoskeleton. Thus, the statement that an insect sheds its exoskeleton during molting accurately defines what happens in this critical biological process.