A fine structural analysis of serosal cuticulogenesis in the egg of Locusta migratoria migratorioides

The typical outer coat (the yellow cuticle) disclosed in the Locusta migratoria migratorioldes egg appears to be a usual formation in Acrididae; its physiological significance is discussed. There is a diversification of the epicuticle in the anterior egg pole, very likely related to a diversified water permeability of the egg. Three main regions of the endocuticle show that the cuticulogenesis proceeds in three main phases, each region being characterized by its own texture. The change in texture appears to be related to changes in water loading by the developing egg. Elucidation of the factors controlling the texture of the serosal cuticle was attempted. The assumption, that change in texture may reflect a phase behaviour reminiscent of that of a lyotropic liquid crystal polymer in aqueous solution, is discussed.