A comparative study of eggshell proteins in lepidoptera

As a first step in the study of chorion composition, biochemical development and morphogenesis, we have studied the proteins of moth chorions (eggshells). We draw attention to the extensive similarities of these proteins in a variety of species. We also report that the eggshell proteins are deposited in succession, each with its characteristic time table. This phenomenon may be related to the morphogenesis of chorion.