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Journal of Experimental Biology 117,87-110 (1985)
Published by Company of Biologists 1985

The Ultrastructure of the Epicuticular Interference Reflectors of Tiger Beetles (Cicindela)

T.D. SCHULTZ 1 and M.A. RANKIN 1

1 Department of Zoology, University of Texas Austin, Texas 78712, U.S.A

Tiger beetles of the genus Cicindela exhibit iridescent structural coloration due to the presence of a non-ideal multilayer interference reflector located in the outermost 2 µm of the integument. The reflector is composed of alternating layers of electron-lucent and electron-dense material. This series of layers was distinguished from chitinous procuticle by its position, ultrastructure and solubility in dilute KOH. The reflector appears homologous with the inner epicuticle of current models. Measurements of surface reflectance, refractive index and the dimensions of the alternating layers suggests that the dense layer has a refractive index (RI) near 2.0 and may be a melanoprotein.

Key words: Interference colour, epicuticle, Cicindela

Accepted on December 4, 1984






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1985