The Molting Process for Insect Growth

The Molting Process for Insect Growth Molting,  known technically as ecdysis, is literally a period of growth for insects. In humans, an analogy can be drawn to molting as a period of personal transformation, such as the shedding of ones old self and the emergence of a new and improved person. Insects grow in increments. Each stage of growth ends with molting, the process of shedding and replacing the rigid exoskeleton. People often think molting is the simple act of an insect breaking out of its skin and leaving it behind. In truth, the process is complex and involves several parts. When Insects Molt After egg hatches, the immature insect feeds and grows. Its exoskeleton is like a shell. Eventually, the larva or nymph must shed its unyielding overcoat to continue its development. The exoskeleton which serves as its  external backbone is used for protection and support. Without an  exoskeleton, the insect could not survive. An old exoskeleton is shed when a new one is ready underneath, a process that can take days or weeks. Understanding the Exoskeleton To understand how molting occurs, it helps to know the three layers of the insect exoskeleton. The outermost layer is called the cuticle. The cuticle protects the insect against physical injury and water loss, as well as provides rigidity for muscle. It is this outermost layer that sheds during a molt. Underneath the cuticle is the epidermis. It is responsible for secreting a new cuticle when it is time to shed the old one. Underneath the epidermis is the basement membrane. This membrane is what separates the insect’s main body from its exoskeleton. The Process of Molting In molting, the epidermis separates from the outermost cuticle. Then, the epidermis forms a protective layer around itself  and secretes chemicals that break down the insides of the old cuticle. That protective layer becomes part of the new cuticle. When the epidermis has formed the new cuticle, muscular contractions and air intake cause the insect’s body to swell, thus splitting open the remains of the old cuticle. Finally, the new cuticle hardens. The bug squeezes out from the outgrown exoskeleton. The insect must continue to swell and expand the new cuticle, so it is large enough to allow room for more growth. The new overcoat is soft and much paler than the former one, but over a few hours, it becomes darker and begins to harden. Within a few days, the insect appears to be a slightly larger copy of its former self. Pros and Cons of Molting For some insects, a  big benefit to having a system of molting for growth is that it allows damaged tissue and missing limbs to be  regenerated  or substantially reformed. Complete regeneration may require a series of molts, the stump becoming a little larger with each molt until it is a normal or nearly back to normal size. A  major disadvantage to having to molt  as a system of growth is that the animal in question is entirely incapacitated during the process. An insect is completely vulnerable to a predator attack while undergoing molting.

Pope Benedict II

Pope Benedict II Pope Benedict II was known for: His extensive knowledge of  Scripture. Benedict was also known to have a fine singing voice. Occupations: PopeSaint Places of Residence and Influence: Italy Important Dates: Confirmed as Pope:  June 26, 684Died:  , 685 About Pope Benedict II: Benedict was Roman, and at an early age he was sent to the schola cantorum, where he became extremely knowledgeable in Scripture.  As a priest he was humble, generous, and good to the poor. He also became known for his singing. Benedict was elected pope shortly after the death of Leo II in June of 683, but it took more than eleven months for his election to be confirmed by Emperor Constantine Pogonatus. The delay inspired him to get the emperor to sign a decree putting an end to the requirement of an emperors confirmation. In spite of this decree,  future popes would  still undergo  an imperial  confirmation process. As pope, Benedict worked to suppress Monothelitism. He restored many churches of Rome, helped the clergy and supported the care of the poor. Benedict died in May of 685. He was succeeded by John V. More Pope Benedict II Resources: Popes BenedictAll about the popes and antipopes  who have gone by the name of Benedict through the Middle Ages and beyond. Pope Benedict II in Print The links below will take you to a site where you can compare prices at booksellers across the web. More in-depth info about the book may be found by clicking on to the books page at one of the online merchants. by Richard P. McBrien by P. G. Maxwell-Stuart Pope Benedict II on the Web Pope St. Benedict IIConcise biography by Horace K. Mann at the Catholic Encyclopedia.St. Benedict IIAdmiring bio at Christs Faithful People. The PapacyChronological List of PopesWhos Who Directories: Chronological Index Geographical Index Index by Profession, Achievement, or Role in Society The text of this document is copyright  ©2014 Melissa Snell. You may download or print this document for personal or school use, as long as the URL below is included. Permission is not granted to reproduce this document on another website. For publication permission, please visit Abouts Reprint Permissions page. The URL for this document is:http://historymedren.about.com/od/bwho/fl/Pope-Benedict-II.htm