The structure and growth rates of the cuticle of the stick-insect Heteropteryx dilatata.
Locust-style and pseudo-orthogonal structures were found in the cuticle of Heteropteryx dilatata, with the tibiae and femora containing both, and the ocular facets showing only helicoidal construction. The same epidermal cells appear to be competent to secrete both locust-style and pseudo-orthogonal cuticle structure. Curved fibres were found to exist and an apparent 'diagonal lattice' construction of the fibres in the thoracic and abdominal tergites and sternites at about 45 degrees to the insect's long axis. The advantages of flight have apparently been sacrificed for increased 'armour-plating' and the wings exhibit the characteristics of flightlessness. The minimum age post final moult of the insect as calculated from the growth layers was 7 weeks, the actual age being unknown. 'Trauma lines' and 'continuous lamellation' were seen and several possible explanations discussed.
Loder
P M
PM
Department of Zoology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.