The extraembryonic serosa protects the insect egg against desiccation

• Published in: Proceedings of the Royal Society. B, Biological sciences Vol. 280; no. 1764; pp. 1 - 8
• Main Authors: Jacobs, Chris G. C., Rezende, Gustavo L., Lamers, Gerda E. M., van der Zee, Maurijn
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Royal Society 07.08.2013
• Subjects: Animal cuticle; Arthropods; Eggs; Embryos; Extraembryonic membranes; Hatching; Humidity; Insect cuticle; Insect eggs; Serosa

Insects have been extraordinarily successful in occupying terrestrial habitats, in contrast to their mostly aquatic sister group, the crustaceans. This success is typically attributed to adult traits such as flight, whereas little attention has been paid to adaptation of the egg. An evolutionary nov...