Elsevier

Journal of Insect Physiology

Volume 9, Issue 1, January–February 1963, Pages 43-44, IN1, 45-46
Journal of Insect Physiology

The relation between epicuticular folding and the subsequent size of an insect

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Abstract

The abdominal cuticle of Rhodnius larvae stretches during feeding. At the start of the meal, the epicuticle is folded but the folds are pulled out at the end of the meal. The folding of the epicuticle is shown to bear a quantitative similarity to the amount of stretching that can occur, and this appears to be determined at the start of deposition of the new cuticle. It is suggested that defining the size of an insect is a general role of the epicuticle.

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Present address: The J. J. Thomson Physical Laboratory, The University, Reading, Berkshire.

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