Moulting of insect tracheae captured by light and electron-microscopy in the metathoracic femur of a third instar locust Locusta migratoria

► Light and electron-micrographs of moulting insect tracheae are presented. ► Both tracheae and tracheoles increase in size and shed their cuticle lining. ► Retention of cuticle lining is therefore not a defining feature of all tracheoles.