The nitrogen metabolism of an insect (Lucilia sericata Mg.)

Abstract

In sterile larvae of Lucilia sericata and in non-sterile larvae of Calliphora and Wohlfahrtia the total amts. of NH3 excreted (as NH4HCO3) in relation to unit body-wt. are approx. the same. The deaminating enzyme of Lucilia is aa strong in larvae reared on a sterile casein diet as in those reared on contaminated meat. Whereas the excretion of NH3 by larvae depends on protein feeding, the excretion of uric acid and allantoin does not. Feeding larvae hydrolyze glycogen. Larvae are killed by strong concs. of amino-acids or glucose in the food and probably do not absorb moderate concs. Urea is present in very small amts. in all stages, but absent from excreta of sterile larvae. Urease and allantoinase are absent at all stages; small amts. of creatine and traces of creatinine are present. Dietary creatinine is not metabolized. Purine oxidases are probably absent.