Molt

To shed feathers, skin, hair, or an outer layer periodically, typically as a part of a natural growth cycle. This process allows animals to replace worn or damaged coverings and often involves a change in appearance, sometimes a complete shedding. Molting allows for improved camouflage, new colors for mating, or the growth of stronger or better-insulated layers. The timing of molting can vary depending on the species, environmental factors, and other physiological conditions.

Molt meaning with examples

• The robin began to molt its feathers in late summer, leaving behind scattered downy plumes in the garden. This annual molt was essential for replacing the worn flight feathers with new, strong ones, ensuring the bird could migrate efficiently. It temporarily became more vulnerable to predators during this time. Its once vibrant plumage became dull and patchy.
• During the hot summer months, the snakes in the terrarium would regularly molt their skin, leaving behind perfect translucent sheaths. This periodic molting helped the snakes to grow. As they shed their outer layer, the new, vibrant scales appeared underneath. The process allowed them to rid themselves of parasites. And accommodate a larger body.
• The crab underwent a dramatic molt, freeing itself from its old shell and revealing a soft, vulnerable new body underneath. It scurried for cover to avoid predation. This entire process took less than a day. The exoskeleton, a testament to its past form, lay discarded on the ocean floor. After a period of growth the shell would re-harden.
• As the caterpillar approached metamorphosis, it experienced a series of molts. The caterpillar progressively shed its skin, growing larger each time. The molting phases prepared it for the final molt, transforming it into a chrysalis, the protective casing for its transformation into a butterfly. This incredible life cycle required several molts.