Moulting phase of a Southern Hawkerdragonfly (Aeshna cyanea). Arthropodspossess an exoskeleton which provides support and defends the animal from mechanical injury. The exoskeleton however, is rigid and limits growth, and is periodicallyshed. The new exoskeleton is initially soft but hardens after the moulting of the exuvium (the old one).   Source : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aeshna_cyanea_freshly_slipped_with_time.jpg

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