The Respiratory System of the Egg-Shell of Homorocoryphus Nitidulus Vicinus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)

Abstract

1. An account is given of the structure of the egg-shell of Homorocoryphus nitidulus vicinus based on conventional and scanning electron microscopy. 2. The respiratory rates of the egg in air and under various degrees of flooding have been measured. 3. The problems of oxygen diffusion through egg-shells of this type have been subject to mathematical analysis. 4. The hypothetical and observed results for oxygen diffusion compare favourably, confirming that the respiratory system functions as suggested. 5. The eggs of Homorocoryphus cannot be said to have a plastron, and it is suggested that water retention may be more important than a high respiratory efficiency under water. 6. A distinction is drawn between respiratory efficiency of an egg under water and plastron efficiency.