This molting Cicada is only half out of its larval skin, but it is already bigger than the exoskeleton it came out of. How is that possible?
Answer:
Because arthropods have an exoskeleton, their only chance to get bigger is when they shed their skin. As they emerge, while the new exoskeleton is still soft, they take in air or water to expand and stretch the new skin as much as possible. They pump body fluids from part to part, expanding legs, wings, etc. Once the new exoskeleton hardens, they can relax, with plenty of spare room inside to grow into.
Non-subscriber
