昆虫生理学生物学 (607).pdfVIP

11 The Integument 1. Introduction The integument of insects (and other arthropods) comprises the basal lamina, epidermis, and cuticle. It is often thought of as the “skin” of an insect but it has many other functions (Locke, 1974). Not only does it provide physical protection for internal organs but, because of its rigidity, it serves as a skeleton to which muscles can be attached. It also reduces water loss to a very low level in most Insecta, a feature that has been of great significance in the evolution of this predominantly terrestrial class. In addition to these primary functions, the cuticular component of the integument performs a number of secondary duties. It acts as a metabolic reserve, to be used cyclically to construct the next stage, or during periods of great metabolic activity or starvation. It prevents entry of foreign material, both living and nonliving, into an insect. In many insects the waxy outer layer serves as a repository for contact sex pheromones (Chapter 13, Section 4.1.1). The color of insects is also a function of the integument, especially the cuticular component. The integument is not a uniform structure. On the contrary, both its cellular and acellular components may be differentiated in a variety of ways to suit an insect’s needs. Epidermal cells may form specialized glands that produce components of the cuticle or may develop into particular parts of sense organs. The cuticle itself is variously differentiated according to the function it is required to perform. Where muscles are attached or where abrasion may occur it is thick and rigid; at points of articulation it is flexible and elastic; over some sensory structures it may be extremely thin. 2. Structure The innermost component of the integument (Figure 11.1) is the basal lamina, an amorphous but selectively porous acellular layer that is atta