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Journal of Experimental Biology 57,765-769 (1972)
Published by Company of Biologists 1972

On the Suggestion that the Secretion from the Metathoracic Scent Glands of A Surface-Dwelling Aquatic Insect, Gerris Najas (De Geer), (Heteroptera; Gerridae) has a Waterproofing Function

B. W. STADDON ¹

¹ Department of Zoology, University College Cardiff

1. Experiments have been carried out which give no support to the suggestion that the secretion from the metathoracic scent glands of the pond skater Gerris najas has a waterproofing function.

2. The ability of the hair pile to resist wetting by surface forces was determined by treatment with graded solutions of pure methyl alcohol in water.

3. In experiments of up to 7.5 weeks duration it was found that the hydrofuge hair pile of insects with sealed scent gland openings was no less resistant to wetting by surface forces than that of the controls.