EGGS Eggs are laid under the armor of the female where they develop and hatch. The first stage after hatching is the only nymphal stage with legs, so the insects are called crawlers. Crawlers may stay under the maternal armor several hours until outside conditions, especially temperature and humidity, are good. After they leave the cover, they wander for a period ranging from minutes to days, but usually a few hours. Female nymphs shed their skin twice as they grow and develop.
Males have five stages, feeding and building armor only in the first two stages.
The cast skins, called exuviae, are incorporated into the armor at the narrow end forming a dot. They remain under armor in one place throughout their lives to feed and reproduce. Males are very different in appearance and behavior from females. They are tiny, winged creatures with eyes and legs. When mature they emerge from the armor in the late afternoon, living only a few hours to mate.