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Science 26 January 1979:
Vol. 203. no. 4378, pp. 367 - 369
DOI: 10.1126/science.203.4378.367
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Articles

Wax Secretion and Color Phases of the Desert Tenebrionid Beetle Cryptoglossa verrucosa (LeConte)

NEIL F. HADLEY 1

1 Department of Zoology, Arizona State University, Tempe 85281

The desert beetle Cryptoglossa verrucosa(LeConte) exhibits distinct color phases that range from light blue to jet black when subjected to extremes of low and high humidity, respectively. The color phases are created by "wax filaments" that spread from the tips of miniature tubercles that cover the cuticle surface. The meshwork that accumulates at low humidity reduces transcuticular water loss and may lower the rate at which body temperature rises under a radiation load by increasing reflectance.

Submitted on November 17, 1978


THIS ARTICLE HAS BEEN CITED BY OTHER ARTICLES:
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Camouflage by Integumentary Wetting in Bark Bugs.
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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)