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Role of Hormones in Insect Metamorphosis
Insect metamorphosis is controlled by hormones produced by three glands namely;
- Neurosecretory cells (in the brain ganglia).
- Corpora allata (located in the mandibular segment).
- Prothoracic glands (in the thorax).
During larval stages of the insect, the corpora allata produces juvenile hormone.
Juvenile hormone leads to formation of larval cuticle; therefore moulting does not go beyond the larval stage. When the larva matures, the corpus allatum disintegrates. At this time the neurosecretory cells stimulates the prothoracic glands to secrete moulting hormone (ecdysone). Ecdysone causes moulting leading to the laying of the adult cuticle.
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