Author： LESCHEN RICHARD A. B. CUTLER BRUCE
Publisher： Entomological Society of America
ISSN： 1938-2901
Source： Annals of the Entomological Society of America, Vol.87, Iss.6, 1994-11, pp. : 918-921
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Abstract
Cuticular calcium mineralization is rare among insects and has been reported previously from the puparia and larvae of some Diptera. We report for the first time cuticular calcium from adult cuticle in Coleoptera, in certain members of tenebrionids in the subfamily Phrenapetinae. Calcium occurs in two mineralized forms: as large crystals with irregular faces and as fine filaments. Locations of these mineralized structures are limited to areas of rigidity in the beetle. Data suggest that calcium present is in the form of calcium carbonate. The distribution of cuticular calcium among members suggests a single origin among members of Phrenapetinae.
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