The Formation and Structure of a special Waterabsorbing Area in the Membranes covering the Grasshopper Egg

Needham (p. 1272, 1931) divides all eggs into three classes: (a) those which, when first laid, contain too little inorganic matter and water for their complete development and which, consequently, must take in these substances, as well as oxygen, from the medium surrounding them; (b) those which are dependent upon their environment for additional water and oxygen; and (c) those which need only oxygen. Many insect eggs, available data indicate, belong to the second group, and during their development require, besides oxygen, a supply of water greater than that with which they are furnished at the time when they are laid.