Molting in an amphibian, diemyctylus

Abstract The shedding of epidermis in this species, as in most amphibia, is periodic. A single outer layer of cells separates nearly simultaneously over the whole body; two hours to ten days may be required for the process. In the first three months of laboratory existence the average frequency of molting was 9 per cent. In nature the frequency was only 2 per cent; this increased during the life in confinement in five months up to 25 per cent. Death in the laboratory was usually preceded by numerous molts. The time of a molt is not normally determined by any one of a number of ordinary external conditions which were modified; but nevertheless several means were found of inducing molting. These were, in order of their efficacy: bandaging with gauze on body or tail, wrapping the body with thread, stitching the body wall, applying hot water, and transplanting skin. Molting frequencies up to 98 per cent may thus be obtained. Since molting is periodic and simultaneous, it is evidently coordinated. Experimental induction requires a latent period of six to ninety‐six hours, depending upon the stimulus. Recent skin grafts molt with the host, so that the coordination is probably chemical. The primary significance of molting in all groups of animals is possibly the getting rid of unautolyzable waste materials, i.e., worn epithelial structures.