Apolysis

Apolysis (Ancient Greek: ἀπόλυσις "discharge, lit.

absolution") is the separation of the cuticle from the epidermis in arthropods and related groups (Ecdysozoa).

Since the cuticle of these animals is also the skeletal support of the body and is inelastic, it is shed during growth and a new covering of larger dimensions is formed.

Ecdysis is the actual emergence of the arthropod into the environment and always occurs directly after apolysis.

The newly emerged animal then hardens and continues its life.