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

Abstract

Sterile larvae of Lucilia sericata were reared on a synthetic diet with lanolin as the source of sterol. The larvae excrete allantoin but not uric acid, which accumulates in the tissues; the pupae produce large quantities of uric acid but no allantoin. Adults and eggs produce both allantoin and uric acid. Uricase is present in eggs, larvae, and adults, but absent from prepupae and pupae. It disappears suddenly and entirely when the larvae leave the meat and become prepupae and it reappears equally abruptly immediately after emergence.