exuviae noun (alt. exuvia, singular?), technically plural but often used as a singular - the cast-off exoskeleton ("skin") left over from a molt.

exuviate verb - to cast off a skin, to molt.

exuviation - the act of casting off a skin

Forms sometimes used are exuvium (singular) and exuvia plural are sometimes seen, but usage is not completely consistent. Gordh (1) lists exuvia as an alternative spelling (but does not state whether singular or plural) and states that exuvium is an incorrect singular form.

Photos of exuviae:

Remarks

The exuviae often maintain the shape of the creature they were shed from.

See Also

Discussion of singular/plural issues

integument

Print References

Gordh, entries for exuviae, exuviate, exuviation (1)

Internet References

Wikipedia--Exuvia

Works Cited

1.	A Dictionary of Entomology George Gordh, David H. Headrick. 2003. CABI Publishing.

Contributed by Chuck Entz on 31 May, 2007 - 2:15am
Additional contributions by cotinis
Last updated 31 March, 2008 - 9:37am

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