Intermolt cuticle and muscle growth in Tipula larvae (Insecta, Diptera)

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Abstract
The head capsule of larval Tipula consists of three regions: (i) a heavily sclerotized anterior region that is free from the body and carries the mouthparts, (ii) a middle region permanently fused to the invaginated cervical cuticle, and (iii) a posterior region to which cuticle is added between ecdyses. Mandibular and head protractor muscles increase in size during the intermolt period by growing in parallel with the cuticle. Increased muscle power is thereby probably achieved without molting.

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