The resistance of epicuticular components of an insect to extraction with lipid solvents.
The cuticle of the Calpodes caterpillar has been treated with lipid solvents and acids prior to examination in the electron microscope. The 'oriented lipid layer', the 'cuticulin layer' and the 'wax canal filaments' are resistant to the action of lipid solvents. The 'cuticulin layer' and the 'oriented lipid layer' are resistant to acids. Terminology of epicuticular structures is discussed and two changes are suggested firstly, to provide a nomenclature that can be applied to homologous structures in the cuticles of other insect species and secondly, to remove ambiguities arising from the results of this investigation.
Filshie
B K
BK
Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Florida 33152, U.S.A. On leave from the Division of Entomology, C.S.I.R.O. Canberra, Australia.