THE RELATION OF ABDOMINAL DISTENSION AND NUTRITION TO MOLTING IN RHODNIUS PROLIXUS (STÅHL) (HEMIPTERA)

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Abstract
When fourth-instar nymphs of Rhodnius prolixus feed on 0.15 molar NaCl solution, the solution moves out of the gut into the haemolymph space, collapsing the gut within 36 hours after feeding; the abdominal walls are still stretched. Under these conditions the molting cycle is initiated. When similar nymphs are fed 0.15 M NaCl plus 6% dextran, the solution remains in the gut: therefore the gut and the abdomen are stretched. The amount of distension is similar to that in animals fed on blood. Under these conditions the molting cycle is initiated. As there are no available nutrients in either of these diets, molting can be initiated solely by the mechanical stimulus of abdominal distension. The histology of epidermal cells, fat body cells, sternal intersegmental muscles, and oenocytes of nymphs fed rabbit blood, saline, and dextran in saline are compared.

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