Exuvia
- Pronunciation
- /eck-SOO-vee-uh/
- Category
- Physiology
- Singular
- Exuvia
- Plural
- Exuviae
Definition
The shed exoskeleton or outer skin of an arthropod, such as an insect or arachnid, after it has molted.
Etymology
From Latin 'exuviae', meaning 'things stripped from a body', from 'exuere', meaning 'to take off'.
Example
After molting, the dragonfly leaves behind its exuvia attached to the reeds by the water.
Synonyms
- Shed skin
- Molted exoskeleton
Related Terms
- Molting
- Exoskeleton
- Instar
Usage Notes
Exuviae are often used in studies to identify and understand the developmental stages of insects and arachnids.