premolt
/priˈmoʊlt/
adjective
- Relating to the period just before an animal (such as an insect or crustacean) sheds its outer layer or exoskeleton.
- During the premolt phase, the spider's new skin forms underneath the old one.
- The premolt stage is when the lobster hides and stops eating.
- Scientists studied the premolt behavior of the crabs in the lab.
noun
- The period or condition just before molting (shedding of skin or exoskeleton).
- The reptile's premolt lasted for several days.
- In premolt, the shrimp's shell becomes soft and fragile.
- The caterpillar entered premolt and became less active.