title: Insect cuticular growth layers seen under the scanning electron microscope: A new display method.
abstract: The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is demonstrated as a useful tool in the study of insect cuticular growth layers. The helicoids present in the endocuticle are shown to be comprised of discrete chitin fibrils, orientated in a staggered manner. Surface relief is used to explain the appearance of daily growth layer images under the SEM, the bulk of this work being performed on the short-horned grasshopper, Romalea microptera.
authors.affiliation: University of Bristol Department of Zoology, Woodland Road, Bristol, BS8 1UG UK.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Hughes