Like all invertebrates scorpions have a exoskeleton and in order to grow they have to molt. Scorpions need 5 to 7 molts on average to reach maturity. Scorpions stop molting when they are adult unlike for example centipedes that molt their entire live. You can predict an upcoming molt based on a couple of things. Usually the scorpion stops eating some days to weeks before molting and in some cases you can see a color change.

After molting the scorpion is very soft and vulnerable. It takes anywhere from a couple of hours to some days for the scorpion to dry and harden up. During that time it is best not to touch it and to remove all feeder insects because they can damage and even kill your scorpions. Young Hottentotta species tend to eat each other after molting. That is the reason you can only keep adults communal.