Ecdysis's the molting of the cuticula in arthropods and related groups (Ecdysozoa). Since the cuticula of these animals's also the skeletal support (the exoskeleton) of the body and's inelastic, it's shed during growth and a new, larger covering's formed. The old, empty exoskeleton's called an exuvia (or "exuvium"). After molting, an arthropod's described as teneral; it's "fresh", pale and soft-bodied. Within one or two hours, the cuticle hardens and darkens following a tanning process similar… (More on Ecdysis)