Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The final step in the metamorphosis, if all goes well: The case splits open, and the winged creature molts, ready to take its first flight in pursuit of prey, leaving the exuviae behind.
From Seattle Times • Aug. 11, 2022
Because molting can be so energetically costly, birds schedule their molts between other demanding tasks, like breeding and migration.
From Slate • Nov. 24, 2020
A few days, a few molts, and a few milkweed leaves later, the caterpillar was about a half-inch long and fattening up, following a timetable nearly as reliable as a Swiss watch.
From The New Yorker • Feb. 20, 2019
The young caterpillars go through five series of molts and instars over a period of 10 to 14 days before forming their chrysalis and transforming within it for seven to 10 days.
From Washington Times • Jun. 4, 2017
As it gets bigger it molts several times, splitting the old skin with its head and wriggling out, revealing stretchy skin underneath.
From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman
