The properties of the lining membrane of the insect tracheal system

Abstract

In the surface layer of the lining cuticle of the tracheae of adult Calliphora there is no sign of any waterproofing layer of cuticulin (sclerotin + lipid) as seen in the surface of the general body cuticle. In a few insects: Calliphora adult thorax, Rhodnius adult tracheae serving the ovary, Periplaneta abdominal tracheae, it has been possible to introduce silver hydroxide solution into the lumen of tracheae in the living insect. In each case the silver hydroxide reacted at room temperature with the argentaffin structures in the cuticle, as happens in the soft surface cuticle of Rhodnius larva before moulting or after gentle abrasion. In the thorax of Calliphora the taenidia of the tracheae are stiffened by argentaffin cuticulin. but immediately upon entering the cleft in the flight muscle the taenidia disappear and are replaced by simple folds, so that no stiff taenidia enter the muscle and there is no argentffin material deeper in the flight muscle system.