How the simple shape and soft body of the larvae might explain the success of endopterygote insects.

The body forms of the larvae of most endopterygote insects are remarkably similar. I argue that their typical worm-like shape cuts costs; in particular, this allows the larvae to benefit from cheaper moulting and from less costly provision of fuel and oxygen to their respiring tissues. Furthermore, the shape confers a reduction of larval mortality in moulting.

Insect homeostasis: past and future.

Most of my work has been on the hormonal control of fluid secretion by insect Malpighian tubules. My present purpose is mostly to describe some previously unpublished results in this area and put them in context of what was already known. In this, I hope to draw attention to some areas where future research might be productive.

Limitation of size by hypoxia in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.

The size of an organism is of fundamental importance in all biological processes. It dictates many of the critical interactions and physical factors that delimit the envelope within which an organism can grow. We investigated the effects of reduced oxygen on size and development in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, and showed that limiting the oxygen in the environment limits both whole animal and cell size.