How Do Spiders Lose Their Skin?

Spiders shed their skin periodically throughout their lives. This process is called ecdysis. The new exoskeleton is soft and flexible. However, it’s not as strong as the spider’s internal skeleton.

Exoskeletons of spiders are made from long-chain polysaccharides, called chitin. Chitin is flexible and can also be rigid. These properties make the exoskeleton flexible enough to allow the spider to move.

During molting, a spider breaks through the old exoskeleton, dissolves the living tissue, and creates a new exoskeleton. The new exoskeleton is larger than the previous one, but it is still not hard. It is soft and has flexible joints, allowing the spider to move.

In the final stage of the molting process, the spider will roll over on its back. This is because the legs must be freed from the old skin. If the legs are stuck, the spider will die. Otherwise, it will remain on its back and rest.

Throughout a spider’s life, it may molt up to 12 times. The number of molts varies with species.

During molting, the spider secretes special fluids and hormones to trigger the shedding of skin and the development of a new exoskeleton. Before molting, a spider stops feeding.

A molting spider must have a new, larger exoskeleton to provide structural support. A molting spider is vulnerable to predators without an exoskeleton.

Molting a spider can be a painful process for the animal. The new exoskeleton may be thin and wrinkled. You can watch a spider molt, but it’s best not to touch it.

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