THE CATERPILLAR LAB VIDEO RESOURCES
SHEDDING
As caterpillars grow larger, their bodies become so large that they no longer fit inside their own skin! The too-small skin, which is also called the caterpillar’s exoskeleton, must be shed off. In these videos, you’ll get an insider’s view of the shedding process, which happens several times during every caterpillar’s life. For more detailed information about shedding, check out our original resources on this page.
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Polyphemus Moth (Antheraea polyphemus)
What does a caterpillar’s shedding process look like? Check out this video to see for your self—it’s one of our most popular shedding videos, and one of our most detailed as well. Click on the PDF below for a detailed narrative.
PDF description of this video. Find more resources like this on each video page
Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis)
Imperial caterpillars are very large, very hairy and have a thicker skin than many other species. We find it an interesting shed to watch! Click on the PDF below for a detailed explanation of what happens.
PDF description of this video. Find more resources like this on each video page
Black-etched Prominent (Cerura scitisripta)
Many prominent moth caterpillars have strange antlers, tails, and fins. It is interesting to watch them shed as there are often unexpected surprises. Watch this caterpillar flex its newly shed tails! Click the link below the video for a detailed explanation of what’s happening here.
PDF description of this video. Find more resources like this on each video page
Cottonwood Dagger (Acronicta lepusculina)
Do hairy caterpillars have to shed their skins too? You bet! Watch this mop-of-a-caterpillar shed and then fluff up its new hair! Click the link below the video for a detailed explanation of what’s happening here.
PDF description of this video. Find more resources like this on each video page
Tent Caterpillar (Malacosoma americana)
Have you ever seen tent caterpillars’ silken nests up in trees? In this video, you’ll get an up-close look at how they shed their skin. Click the PDF below for a detailed explanation of what happens.
PDF description of this video. Find more resources like this on each video page