Do insect hairs continuously grow and shed like mammal hairs?

Do insect hairs (setae) continuously grow and shed like many mammal hairs do, or does a certain amount of setae come with each molt?

If, for example, someone were to pluck off a bunch of a caterpillar's (or any other inesct's) setae, could they grow back or would it have to wait until its next molt to get more?

I'm asking because apparently setae connect underneath the exoskeleton, and aren't necessarily just protrusions of the hard outer layer as I once thought. (correct me if I'm wrong)

If you have any information or articles on insect setae please let me know, I'm doing some research and google isn't super helpful.

Posted Sep 13, 2025, 10:54 PM UTC

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