Pupation in drosophila melanogaster and the effect of the Lethalcryptocephal mutation

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Abstract
The events of normal pupation in Drosophila melanogaster are described in detail from the time of gas bubble expulsion until the completion of pupation with the eversion of the cephalic complex. The importance of the internal gas bubble for posterior movement of the prepupa is examined and its relation to the expulsion of the larval mouthparts and the creation of the anterior gas space described.The phenotype of lethalcryptocephal homozygotes, which characteristically cannot evert their heads, is re‐examined. Observations of larval lethality and multiple mouthparts in 1 (2)crc larvae and pupae are described. These new aspects of the mutant phenotype are discussed with respect to the abnormalities of pupation. Fristrom's hypothesis that the basic mutant lesion is an increased stiffness of the pupal cuticle due to an excess chitin deposition is re‐evaluated.