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An instar is a stage in the life cycle of an arthropod, such as an insect, that occurs between two successive molts. Arthropods have a rigid exoskeleton that they must shed to grow. This shedding process is called molting or ecdysis.12

After molting, the arthropod has a new, soft exoskeleton that hardens over time. The period between these molts is known as an instar. Arthropods typically go through several instars as they develop. The duration of each instar can vary, often becoming longer as the arthropod ages. Some arthropods stop molting once they reach sexual maturity, while others continue to molt throughout their lives.2

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