In Vitro Cultures of the Endocrine Organs Secreting Melanization and Reddish Coloration Hormone in the Common Armyworm, Leucania separata (Lepidoptera : Noctuidae)

Abstract

Suboesophageal ganglia of the common armyworm, Leucania separata, maintained for 10 days in vitro continued to secrete melanization and reddish coloration hormone. The medium containing armyworm hemolymph in which suboesophageal ganglia had been cultured for 5 days induced dark pigmentation of cuticles when it was injected into isolated abdomens prepared from crowded larvae, whereas the medium free of armyworm hemolymph did not. The medium in which suboesophageal ganglia were maintained for an additional 5 days did not show the endocrine activity.