Abstract
Changes in the composition of the extensible cuticle through the 5th larval instar of Rhodnius prolixus were measured and related to the physiological and developmental state of the larva. Particular attention was paid to the extractable proteins and their characteristics are related to the plasticisation and stretch of the cuticle during the feeding process. There are eight major soluble proteins in the cuticle; three are acidic and five are basic. A model of the cuticle structure held together by ionic and hydrophobic interactions between the constituents is proposed. Polymorphism as a reason for the large number of proteins in ‘soft’ cuticles is refuted on the evidence available. A novel type of transitory cuticle is formed after the feeding of larvae. The role of this cuticle is discussed and a multiple function proposed for it.
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