Katydid (molting)

Description:

I had never seen it but this is a katydid molting. Molting is the process by which insects grow. Generally accomplished through the early years of the insect's existence, molting allows the body of the insect to expand under controlled and protected conditions. In comparison, our (human) bodies expand with the growing of our bones and muscles as we age. Insects, on the other hand, utilize what is called an exoskeleton. This exoskeleton is basically their underlying bone structure that is located on the outside of their bodies with corresponding organs and muscles located underneath this hard shell. So in order for the insect to grow - i.e. increase in size - the insect must shed its current skin in favor of the new skin underneath. This process is known in the insect world was molting.