[Morphology of hemolymph cells in cabbage butterfly catterpillars]

Using morphological and cytochemical methods, a comparative analysis of the haemocytes isolated from 5-aged caterpillars of cabbage butterfly was made. The following groups of haemocytes were found in haemolymph: proleucocytes--7%, macronucleocytes--25, micronucleocytes--48, enocytoides--5, phagocytes--15%, and single eosinophil-like cells. The number of haemocytes in each group is closely related to their functional activity. Micronucleocytes, phagocytes and macronucleocytes are most numerous in 5-aged larvae before their pupation. This phenomenon is in connection with pinocytotic activity of micronucleocytes, and with phagocytotic function of phagocytes and macronucleocytes. The liquid media of haemolymph is rich in proteins and polysaccharides.