Can I tell if they molted?

[Headspace]

Help me out here, guys.

This new batch of Tenodera nymphs all appeared to get larger, and fatter, about the same time. They live in canning jars with a stick to hang from. I usually don't seperate them until they're big enough to kill each other.

After they were about a week old most of them appeared to get bigger, and fatter, just about overnight. Is it possible that they molted without my knowing? I remember it being totally obvious when they molted the last time I did this, but I'm not entirely sure since it's been many years.

 

[ismart]

You would see sheddings in there enclosures if they molted. There abdomins can expand quite abit when well fed making them look bigger. Hope this helps.

 

[collinchang635]

Or when they stop eating for awhile. A sign that they are going to molt.

 

[joossa]

Moltings with the little ones can be easily missed especially if you have many in one container. The smaller instars tend to molt quicker than the adults. The larger ones do show the characteristics before molting more often than the younger ones: refusing food, limited movement, and a steady, repeated tremble.

 

[Rick]

You should see the old skins.

 

[Headspace]

Oh wow.

One really did molt, now I can totally tell the difference. I'd forgotten how dramatic the size difference is between molts. Awesome!