Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
19:14
Early Metamorphic Insertion Technology for Insect Flight Behavior Monitoring
Published on: July 12, 2014
METABOLISM DURING EMBRYONIC AND METAMORPHIC DEVELOPMENT OF INSECTS
1Bureau of Entomology, United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, and the Zoological Laboratory, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia.
The Journal of General Physiology
|October 30, 2009
Summary
Insect metabolism varies by egg-laying location, with soil-dwelling species exhibiting longer developmental periods. Energy expenditure is highest during embryonic development, and respiratory quotients are low during insect metamorphosis.
Area of Science:
- Insect physiology
- Developmental biology
- Metabolic studies
Background:
- Insect development involves distinct embryonic, larval, pupal, and adult stages, each with unique physiological demands.
- Metabolic rate, indicated by carbon dioxide (CO2) output and oxygen intake, is a key indicator of developmental activity and energy utilization in insects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic rates and physiological changes during insect embryonic and metamorphic development.
- To compare metabolic patterns between insect species based on egg deposition sites (foliage vs. soil).
- To analyze respiratory quotients and pH changes during key developmental transitions.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of carbon dioxide (CO2) output and oxygen intake to assess metabolic rates.
- Observation of physiological changes, including histolysis, during prepupal and pupal stages.
- Monitoring of pH levels throughout embryonic and metamorphic development in various insect species.
Main Results:
- Foliage-dwelling insects (e.g., Leptinotarsa decemlineata) show a short formative and extended growth period during embryonic development, while soil-dwelling species (e.g., Cotinis nitida) have prolonged formative and growth phases.
- Intensive histolysis occurs during the prepupal stage, decreasing in the pupal stage. Greater energy change is observed during embryonic development compared to metamorphosis.
- Low respiratory quotients (0.42–0.71) were recorded during embryonic and pupal development, similar to hibernating forms. pH shifts from neutral to acidic during early metamorphosis, reverting to neutral by completion. Some species exhibit an acidic to neutral pH shift during embryogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Insect egg-laying strategies significantly influence developmental metabolic timing.
- Metabolic activity peaks during embryonic development, with distinct physiological events like histolysis characterizing metamorphosis.
- Low respiratory quotients and specific pH changes are characteristic of insect embryonic and metamorphic development, potentially linked to resource utilization and developmental transitions.
Related Concept Videos
00:52What is Metabolism?
Overview
01:40Overview of Metabolism
Living cells constantly carry out various chemical reactions which are necessary for their proper functioning. These reactions are interlinked to one another via multiple pathways. The collection of these chemical reactions is known as metabolism.
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
01:47Osmoregulation in Insects
Malpighian tubules are specialized structures found in the digestive systems of many arthropods, including most insects, that handle excretion and osmoregulation. The tubules are typically arranged in pairs and have a convoluted structure that increases their surface area.
01:30Introduction to Metabolism
Metabolism encompasses all biochemical reactions in a living organism, facilitating both the breakdown and synthesis of biomolecules. These metabolic processes are categorized into catabolic and anabolic pathways, which operate in a coordinated manner to ensure energy balance and cellular function.Catabolic Pathways and Energy ReleaseCatabolic pathways involve the breakdown of complex macromolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins into smaller structures like monosaccharides, fatty...