Abstract
Eggs of Cyclocephala immaculata Olivier absorb water from the soil, increasing ca. threefold in weight during the first 10 days of embryonic development. Eggs developed normally at soil moistures of 12.5% and above, but shriveled and died in drier soils. Length of incubation period, survival, and final egg weight did not differ at soil moistures within the range required for survival; however, few eggs were laid in dry soil or when soil moisture approached field capacity. Oviposition in soil moisture gradients indicated that the depth at which eggs are laid can vary in response to moisture levels. The chorion of the egg is covered densely and uniformly by minute tubercles, but specialized hydropyles are absent. The eggs are most susceptible to desiccation when newly laid or close to hatching, but are relatively resistant during the middle stage of development. These differences are associated with changes in the thickness of the serosal cuticle.
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