The in vitro development of the pupal integument and the effects of ecdysteroids in Tenebrio molitor (Insecta, Coleoptera).

In order to study the pupal-adult metamorphosis of Tenebrio in vitro, pupal sternites of different ages were cultured in Landureau's medium and their development systematically observed by electron microscopy. In hormone-free medium, explants taken from young pupae do not secrete pupal postecdysial cuticle in vitro, and the epidermis spontaneously detaches from the pupal cuticle. On the contrary, explants taken from pharate adults continue to secrete adult preecdysial cuticle in vitro, and the epidermis never detaches from the cuticle. Ecdysterone in physiological concentrations (0.2 to 4 micrograms/ml) induces the secretion of a new cuticle in explants from young pupae but the epidermis remains undifferentiated. Ecdysone is necessary for the induction of some adult differentiation. Moreover, the quality of the cuticle secreted in vitro is increased by the addition of 2% foetal calf serum; the best results have thus far been obtained in a medium containing 0.2 microgram/ml ecdysone, 1 microgram/ml ecdysterone, and 2% foetal calf serum.