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WHY DO TARANTULAS SHED THEIR SKIN?

Tarantulas have a stiff outer shell known as an exoskeleton which protects the spider's internal organs.

But to grow larger, they must shed their previous exoskeleton, and grow a new one.

To do this, the tarantula must contract its abdomen, pushing fluid into the upper body. It does this several times in its life. 

Before the tarantula starts moulting, it goes through several other physical changes.

A bald spot on the spider's abdomen becomes larger, and the skin underneath changes from pink to black.

The tarantula's eating habits also change in the lead-up to the molting.

The tarantula stops eating entirely and lays still for two weeks before it molts. 

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