What is shedding of the external skeleton?

Shedding of the external skeleton, also known as molting or ecdysis, is a process by which certain animals, particularly arthropods like insects and crustaceans, discard their old exoskeleton to allow for growth. This process involves the secretion of a new exoskeletal layer beneath the old one, after which the old exoskeleton is split and removed. Shedding is crucial for development, as the rigid exoskeleton limits growth, and allows the organism to increase in size or change its shape. The new exoskeleton initially remains soft and must harden to provide adequate protection.