External Morphology, Defensive Adaptations, Aposematic Coloration, and Sexual Dimorphism of the Fifth Instar Larva of Cricula Silkmoth, Helfer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) from Thailand.

This study explores the external morphology of larva of Helfer at the fifth instar stage, focusing on sexual dimorphism, scoli, and fluorescence hair warts. The larva displays a black body adorned with varying shades of orange to crimson-red transverse stripes and small yellow dorsal spots. Longitudinal stripes with fluorescent warts are observed in the subspiracular region, accompanied by an overall coverage of long white hairs.

Snakeskin, a membrane protein associated with smooth septate junctions, is required for intestinal barrier function in Drosophila.

Septate junctions (SJs) are the membrane specializations observed between epithelial cells in invertebrates. SJs play a crucial role in epithelial barrier function by restricting the free diffusion of solutes through the intercellular space. In arthropod species, two morphologically different types of SJs have been described: pleated septate junctions (pSJs) and smooth septate junctions (sSJs), which are specific to ectodermal and endodermal epithelia, respectively.