Final answer:
Pill bugs molt about 4-5 times over their lives in order to grow larger. Molting is the process of shedding their exoskeleton and replacing it with a larger one. The frequency of molting can vary depending on the age of the pill bug and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pill bugs, also known as sow bugs or woodlice, molt about 4-5 times over the course of their lives. Molting is the process of shedding their exoskeleton to grow larger. During molting, the pill bug splits open the old exoskeleton and pulls out, leaving behind a new, soft exoskeleton that quickly hardens. This allows the pill bug to grow and continue its lifecycle.
Pill bugs typically molt more frequently when they are younger and growing rapidly. As they mature, the molting process slows down.
Pill bugs need to molt in order to grow because their exoskeleton does not grow with them. Molting provides them with an opportunity to shed their exoskeleton and replace it with a larger one. The frequency of molting can vary depending on environmental factors such as temperature and food availability.