Noun
epicuticle (plural epicuticles)
(biology) The outermost portion of the exoskeleton of an insect or arthropod.
It has an inner and outer component; the outer component has just two layers (whereas body cuticle has four), and these outer layers (in particular the inner epicuticle) are dehydrated and strongly tanned, affording toughness. Source: Internet
Moulting fluid is then secreted into the exuvial space between the old cuticle and the epidermis, this contains inactive enzymes which are activated only after the new epicuticle is secreted. Source: Internet