Observations on the fine structure of the developing cuticle of a soil mite Oppia coloradensis (Acarina: Cryptostigmata)
1970 - Volume: 12 Issue: 2 pages: 421-431
Keywords
Acari
Oppia coloradensis
Abstract
Whole mites were fixed with glutaraldehyde and osmium and embedded in a mixed resin of Epon and Araldite. Sections were stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate and viewed on a Zeiss transmission electron miscroscope. As new adult cuticle is produced beneath sclerotized, tritonymphal cuticle in the pre-ecdysial condition, numerous granules are secreted in layers by the hypodermis. These granules apparently coalesce Into microfibers which are arranged in a parabolic pattern. The fibers are then consolidated to form laminations as the cuticle matures. An ecdysial space is present between the pharate adult and the tritonymphal cuticle. An epicuticle is present which consists of several layers. The fine structure of the epicuticle reveals a cement layer, a lipid layer with wax blooms, a cuticulin layer, and a proteinaceous layer below. The cement layer appears to cover the wax blooms and probably is a distinct factor in the water balance mechanism of this mite
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