Cytochemistry of the very early stages of in situ coagulation in Calpodes ethlius (Lepidoptera)

Abstract

Coagulation and phagocytosis are defence reactions which insects use in response to the introduction of foreign particles into their hemocoel. Coagulation occurs within 10 s of injection of latex beads and ink particles into a midfifth larval instar of Calpodes ethlius. A stringy, flocculent coagulum forms, trapping the particles and hemocytes. The hemocytes then go on to phagocytize the particles.The coagulum stains with alcian blue and lanthanum and dialyzed iron. The surface coat of granular hemocytes stains differently after coagulation has taken place with the same stains and with ruthenium red. There is no corresponding change in staining of the surface coat of plasmatocytes.