Moulting

 Yesterday, my wife fell into a minor panic. All day long, Madam was not detectable. My morning visit today revealed why - she was moulting again. This apparently occurs every 14 to 15 days, and we have witnessed it twice already.
Wikipedia says:
Ecdysis is the moulting of the cuticula in arthropods and related groups (Ecdysozoa). Since the cuticula of these animals is also the skeletal support (the exoskeleton) of the body and is inelastic, it is shed during growth and a new, larger covering is formed. The old, empty exoskeleton is called an exuvia (or "exuvium").
And here is a picture of Madam's exuvia, with the "breaking point" clearly visible at the head.

It is most astonishing that even the antennae are "exchanged" in this process.
The picture below shows her right after the moulting - if you look closely, there are two drops of fluid on her left antenna, right were it protrudes from the head. This must be some kind of fluid to assist with the whole process.

And here is a picture of the "new" Madam - she has grown considerably in the last two weeks. The vicia plant she's calling home provides a cornucopia of food, plus shade and secluded places to retire, kick back, and shed the old skin.

And yes, our vicia plant blooms - with mostly blue, with some white ones, too.
By the way, Madam is not from Carolina - she is from Europe. I identified her today as mantis religiosa, or European Mantis. It is clearly determinable by the black spot she has at her "fore-legs" - you can see this very good in the picture of her exuvia above.
How do I know that? well, I bought a book. About insects. Lots of pictures of crawly, multi-legged critters in it (although no spiders ... what a great relief). Never thought that I would ever become interested in this matter ...