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Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s3-98, 487-492, Copyright © 1957 by Company of Biologists

The Structure of Insect Tracheae

M. LOCKE 1

1 Department of Zoology, University of Cambridge; Department of Zoology, University College of the West Indies, Jamaica

Tracheae of Rhodnius prolixus Stahl have been studied with the light and electron microscopes. The tracheae have three cuticular components: a two-layered membrane lining the tube and the taenidia between it and the epithelium. The layer upon the lumen face is similar in appearance and properties to the cuticulin layer over the abdomen. The other layer is of chitin with the micelles axially oriented and protein with a stability suggesting tanning. A comparable but slightly thicker layer not penetrated by pore canals exists over the abdomen where it is sclerotized and lipid impregnated. The taenidia also contain chitin and protein but the micelles are arranged tangentially. A tube constructed in this way is well adapted to resist lateral compression while allowing changes in length.






© The Company of Biologists Ltd 1957