Pill bug 1/2 way through molt

Nanchantress

Sixth Instar
I had read that the back half of a pill bug molts first, followed in a couple days by the front half. Just happened to see one of mine 1/2 way through its molt and snapped a picture. I found about 100 of these one day in my backyard and threw them in an aquarium with some of my roaches. I don't know exactly what they are but I think some kind of Armadillidium possibly.

 
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I love how isopods molt because it's such a fun example to show people and they can be common enough that you can find a molting one outside without much difficulty. Good photo too! It's probably A. vulgare, I had a few of those living with my peppereds until they multiplied to literally a few hundred and started to bother the roaches!

 
I shot a video on this a few months back. It really is neat how they do it:

 
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