Electron microscopic study of cuticular and cellular structures of the body surface of the winter stonefly nymph, Taeniopteryx burksi Ricker and Ross (Plecoptera: Taeniopterygidae)
Scanning electron microscopy of the body surface of the stonefly nymph, Taeniopteryx burksi, shows a characteristic pattern of folds bearing microtrichia. Interspersed among the microtrichia are trichoid sensilla, and bulbiform and hemispheroidal structures. The ultrastructure of the bulbous structure is similar to that of the chloride cell complexes of perlid and nemourid larvae. Three specialized epidermal cells were observed when the hemispheroidal structure was examined by transmission electron microscopy. The central gland cell encloses an apical cavity which leads into a curved epicuticular appendage with a terminal pore. The gland cell is surrounded by two specialized epidermal cells.