What does the term "molt" refer to in the context of insects?

In the context of insects, "molt" specifically refers to the process by which insects shed their exoskeletons. This is a critical phase in their life cycle, allowing them to grow; as insects do not grow incrementally due to their rigid exoskeletons, molting is essential for them to increase in size and develop into the next stage of their life cycle. This process typically occurs several times throughout an insect's life, especially in the larval stages, and is necessary for continued growth and development. Understanding this term is important in pest control, as it can help identify the life stages of pests and inform effective management strategies. Other terms like growing larger, reproducing, or hibernating do not accurately capture the unique biological phenomenon that molting represents in the lifecycle of insects.