Studies on the neurosecretory system of Iphita limbata Stal.

Summary The present paper gives an account of some experiments upon the insect Iphita limbata Stal. (Hemiptera: Pyrrhocoridae). The experiments were carried out in order to find out whether in the adult animal there is a relationship between the activity of the neurosecretory cells and the water balance. Under varying conditions one group of the neurosecretory cells of the pars intercerebralis of the brain, the so called A-cells, show histological differences. It has been seen that under conditions stimulating hydration there is a marked retention of the stainable colloids in the cytoplasm of A cells. This retention probably indicates a relationship between the secretions of A cells and the water balance of the insect.The author is indebted to Mr. N. R. Prabhoo and Miss Maya Menon of this Department for a critical discussion of the paper.