PIGMENT MIGRATION IN THE EYES OF THE MOTH, EPHESTIA KUEHNIELLA ZELLER

Abstract

The structure of the eye of E. kuehniella and the movement of the pigment cells in response to changes in light intensity are descr. Low temps., chloretone, and high tensions of CO2, all cause the pigment cells to move into the light position, i.e., towards the basement membrane. Movement of only a few cells can be induced in an eye by covering it, except for a small area, with an opaque mixture. Cutting the optic nerve results in movement of the cells to the light position, from which they cannot subsequently be induced to migrate. Apparently the movement of the accessory pigment cells is more probably controlled by a nervous mechanism than a hormonal one. It is unlikely that they act as independent effectors.