What is the term for the process in which insects shed their exoskeleton to grow?

The process in which insects shed their exoskeleton to grow is known as molting. This phenomenon allows insects to break free from their old exoskeleton, which becomes too small as the insect grows, and to form a new, larger exoskeleton underneath. Molting is essential for the growth and development of insects, as they cannot grow their exoskeletons in the same way that animals with bones grow larger.

Other terms such as metamorphosis refer to the transformation process that some insects undergo from one life stage to another, such as from larva to adult, which involves multiple molts. Dissection pertains to the cutting apart of specimens for study and is not related to growth processes. Fecundity refers to the reproductive capacity of an organism, highlighting its ability to produce offspring, but it does not involve growth through molting. Understanding the terminology and processes related to insect development is vital in the context of pest management and environmental health.