At the same time, a stick insect will also recycle the protein from the skin by eating it after shedding. The stick insect will not eat in the days prior to molting, so the old skin is a vital source of nutrients. All your stick insect questions covered for just $2.99 (or the equivalent in your currency)! In a species that has wings when adult, you can see the developing wings get a bit swollen before the molt.