The structure and development of a surface pattern on the cuticle of the green vegetable bug Nezara viridula

Abstract

Adult Nezara possess an area of cuticle on the metathoracic sternite with a surface pattern of minute mushroom-like projections. The surface pattern is formed by two types of cell, one forming projections and the other depressions. The surface pattern is largely determined before epicuticle deposition by deformation of the epidermal surface. This is brought about by interactions between the moulting fluid secretions and the cells. Maintenance of shape of the cells may be associated with the presence of oriented cytoplasmic microtubules. The mushroom area may function as an external reservoir causing retarded evaporation of defensive secretions.