Rolly pollies, commonly known as woodlice or pill bugs, shed their skin. This process, termed molting, is a recurring event in their life cycle. As crustaceans, they must periodically discard their rigid outer covering to accommodate growth and maintain their health. This shedding is a crucial biological necessity that allows them to continue developing throughout their lifespan.
The Unique Molting Process
Rolly pollies exhibit a distinctive two-stage molting process. Unlike insects that shed their entire exoskeleton at once, rolly pollies first shed the posterior half of their body. After this initial shedding, they typically wait for a period of one to three days before molting the anterior portion of their body.
This staggered molting strategy allows the rolly polly to maintain some mobility and reduce its vulnerability during the process. By shedding in two distinct phases, the animal is never entirely without a hardened protective layer, offering continuous support and defense. After completely shedding, the rolly polly often consumes its discarded exoskeleton, known as the exuvia. This behavior helps them reclaim nutrients and calcium to strengthen their new cuticle.
Reasons Behind Skin Shedding
Molting is essential for rolly pollies’ survival and development. The primary reason for shedding their skin is to facilitate growth; their hard, inelastic exoskeleton cannot expand with their increasing body size. By molting, they can produce a larger outer layer, enabling them to grow in stages.
Beyond growth, molting also serves for repair and regeneration. The process allows them to replace any damaged or worn parts of their cuticle. A new exoskeleton provides renewed protection against physical damage and dehydration. This regular renewal ensures their outer defense remains intact throughout their life.
Observing a Recently Molted Rolly Polly
Observing a rolly polly after it has molted reveals distinct changes. A newly molted individual will often appear noticeably lighter in color, typically a pale white or grey. Their new exoskeleton is initially soft and pliable, making them more vulnerable to predators and desiccation.
During this delicate period, rolly pollies seek secluded, damp environments to hide and allow their new cuticle to harden. This hardening can take several hours to a few days, depending on environmental conditions. Evidence of molting can be found in their habitat as translucent, shell-like remnants of their discarded exoskeleton, particularly the two distinct halves. These delicate castings are a clear sign of a successful molt.