ABSTRACT
The moulting process of insects is governed by the interaction of three hormones: prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), juvenile hormone, and ecdysone (see Doane, 1973; Wyatt, 1972; Wigglesworth, 1971 for recent reviews). To initiate the moult the brain releases PTTH which causes the secretion of ecdysone from the prothoracic glands. Ecdysone in turn triggers the detachment of the epidermis from the old cuticle and the subsequent secretion of the new cuticle. Whether this new cuticle is larval, pupal, or adult depends on the titre of juvenile hormone at the time of ecdysone secretion.
Copyright © 1974 The Company of Biologists Ltd.
1974
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