ecdysis

(noun)

the shedding of an outer layer of skin in snakes, crustaceans and insects; moulting

Related Terms

Examples of ecdysis in the following topics:

  • Phylum Nematoda

    • The name derives from the word ecdysis, which refers to the shedding, or molting, of the exoskeleton.
    • The embryonic development stage lasts for 14 hours; development then continues through four successive larval stages with ecdysis between each stage (L1, L2, L3, and L4) ultimately leading to the development of a young male or female adult worm.
    • It must be shed (a process called ecdysis) in order for them to grow.

  • Superphylum Ecdysozoa

    • The process of molting and replacing the cuticle is called ecdysis, which is the derivation of the superphylum's name.

  • Constructing an Animal Phylogenetic Tree

    • Ecdysozoa includes nematodes and arthropods; named for a commonly-found characteristic among the group: exoskeletal molting (termed ecdysis).

  • Phylum Arthropoda

    • In order to grow, the arthropod must shed the exoskeleton during a process called ecdysis ("to strip off"); this is a cumbersome method of growth.