A developmental study of the cuticular hydrocarbons of Sarcophaga bullata

Abstract

The accumulation of cuticular hydrocarbon was measured throughout the life of Sarcophaga bullata. Less than 5 μg hydrocarbon per insect are present until the third larval instar when synthesis increases the quantity present to 10 to 20 μg by pupariation. The rate of synthesis increases at this time to 5 to 8 μg/day and continues until 40 to 45 μg are present per insect. This amount remains constant until several days before the pupal-adult ecdysis when synthesis again occurs. The rate of synthesis by these pharate adults is >20 μg/day. When the adult emerges it contains between 90 and 100 μg which increases slightly during the adult stadium. Two periods of rapid accumulation of cuticular hydrocarbon are observed: (1) during pupariation and the 3 day period following pupariation, and (2) during the 4 day period preceding the pupal-adult ecdysis. When pupariation is inhibited by contact with water, the rate of hydrocarbon biosynthesis also fails to increase.