What is the term for offspring that hatch with only six pairs of legs before their first molt?
Answer
Mancae
The initial stage of development for woodlice offspring is characterized by hatching as mancae. These newly emerged individuals are notably underdeveloped in terms of leg structure, possessing only six pairs of legs, or twelve total legs, when they first leave the mother's protective brood pouch. After they undergo their very first molt, which involves shedding the posterior half of the exoskeleton, they gain the definitive seventh pair of legs, at which point they transition into the juvenile stage. This entire developmental sequence highlights the importance of the molting process, not just for increasing size, but for achieving the full adult complement of appendages.
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