<u><em>After egg hatches, the immature insect feeds and grows. Its exoskeleton is like a shell. Eventually, the larva or nymph must shed its unyielding overcoat to continue its development.
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<u><em>The exoskeleton which serves as its external backbone is used for protection and support. Without an exoskeleton, the insect could not survive. An old exoskeleton is shed when a new one is ready underneath, a process that can take days or weeks.</em></u>
