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Journal of Experimental Biology 39,449-458 (1962)
Published by Company of Biologists 1962

The Imaginal Ecdysis of Blowflies. Evidence for a Change in the Mechanical Properties of the Cuticle at Expansion

C. B. COTTRELL ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge

1. Experiments in which blowflies (with proboscis and anus blocked at emergence) were subjected to artificial pressures of 7 cm. Hg. show that expansion is possible only during the period when air-swallowing movements occur.

2. At this time there is a change in the mechanical properties of the cuticle which is confined to the presumptive sclerite areas and enables them to expand.

3. Before and after air-swallowing application of identical artificial pressures merely results in the temporary distension of membranous areas and in the unfolding of the wing membrane (but not the expansion of the wing veins which are presumptive sclerite areas).

4. Prior to the cessation of air-swallowing, unfolding of the wing membranes under artificial pressure takes place without separation of the upper and lower lamellae, but after cessation, unfolding is usually accompanied by ‘bladdering’ of the wings, which become converted into blood-filled sacs.

Note:

Now at Department of Zoology, University College of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

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