Molting and Metamorphosis

Recent progress in insect metamorphosis is reviewed by this text, emphasizing two aspects – endocrine systems and epidermal-cuticular systems. In the first part of the book, the neuroendocrine system of the brain is discussed. For two classes of hormones – prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) and eclosion hormone (EH) – the structures have recently been elucidated and their neurosecretory cells localized. In addition, work on the biosynthesis, secretion, metabolism and mode of action of the molting hormone, ecdysteroid, is summarized. In the second part, the molecular transformation in the epidermal-cuticular system during metamorphosis is detailed, such as the molecular mechanisms of hardening and the pigmentation of cuticles after ecdysis. This section of the text also comprises articles on the control of expression of stage-specific genes in epidermis development.