Insect cuticular growth layers seen under the scanning electron microscope: A new display method

Abstract

The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is demonstrated as a useful tool in the study of insect cuticular growth layers. The helicoids present in the endocuticle are shown to be comprised of discrete chitin fibrils, orientated in a staggered manner. Surface relief is used to explain the appearance of daily growth layer images under the SEM, the bulk of this work being performed on the short-horned grasshopper, Romalea microptera.