The cuticle covers the entire body, the tracheal system and the fore- and hindgut of insects. It is the first barrier against pathogens and parasites, prevents rapid dehydration but also stabilises the body, its organs and appendages, and shapes locomotion. More specialised functions include aspects of insecticide resistance, nutrition and differential wettability. Several of these functions are also found in the peritrophic membrane hinting at an important role of chitin. Cuticle colouration and chemistry, central to communication and camouflage, will not covered in this meeting.
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