Pore Canals in the Egg Membranes of Locustana pardalina Walk

Abstract

IT has been shown by Slifer¹ that in the egg of Melanoplus differentialis water is taken up through a small, circular, specialized area (the hydropyle) in the yellow cuticle. This structure, consisting of two layers, is situated at the posterior tip of the egg and is a secretary product of a group of enlarged serosal cells (hydropyle cells). According to her description, these two layers are continuous with the so-called yellow and white cuticles which cover the remainder of the egg. The outer layer of the hydropyle is several times thicker than the corresponding layer of the unspecialized yellow cuticle and is also distinctly striated. These striations (pore canals) run at right angles to the surface. Slifer also described the inner layer of the hydropyle as being continuous with the white cuticle and of the same structure.