Out of the old and into the new

Today, millions of New Year's resolutions are going into effect, including many for a new image to go with the new year.  On New Year's Eve, the spider pictured below was also preparing to make changes in the new year.  The spider began its extreme New Year's makeover by dropping out of its old exoskeleton and emerging with a fresh new exoskeleton. 

An orchard orbweaver spider (Leucauge venusta) that had just molted.

However, rather than hoping to lose weight, the spider was preparing to increase in size.  Since the exoskeleton is relatively inflexible, a spider must shed its old exoskeleton and replace it with a roomier one in order to continue to grow.

The spider hanging below its old exoskeleton.