INTEGUMENTARY CHANGES DURING MOULTING OF ARTHROPODS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THE SUBCUTICLE AND ECDYSIAL MEMBRANE.

Abstract

AbstractAt or shortly prior to the separation of the cuticle and the epidermis a cuticular layer appears to be added to the inner surface of the old cuticle. The term interzone cuticle is applied to this layer. The interzone cuticle appears to give rise to the ecdysial membrane.Ecdysial membranes are characterized by the fact that they (1) vary in position with respect to the moulting fluid and old cuticle, (2) are generally quite thin, transparent, delicate membranes, (3) contain chitin, (4) vary in their resistance to the action of the moulting fluid, and (5) generally have the same stainng properties as the subcuticle, due primarily to the presence of a mucous material present in the subcuticle which becomes attached to the inner surface of the ecdysial membrane and which is believed to function as a lubricant at ecdysis.The ecdysial membrane and subcuticle are structurally quite different when examined under the electron microscope.No particular evolutionary significance can be ascribed to the existence of an ecdysial membrane — such membranes being found all the way from the primitive Collembola to the advanced Hymenoptera. Any possible function(s) of the ecdysial membrane has yet to be discovered. Various functions are suggested for the subcuticle, all of which are consistent with its reactions to various histochemical reagents.Additional observations were made and discussed concerning (1) the reactions of various portions of the cuticle at various stages to the PAS test, (2) the staining reactions of cuticle undergoing enzymatic degradation by the moulting fluid, and (3) the distinct staining reactions of the intersegmental membranes and basement membranes.