Cuticular lipids of insects

Cuticular lipids cover nearly all parts of insect and are the chief agent for restricting water loss. The structure of insect epicuticles is reviewed, with emphasis on the role of cuticular lipids and the metabolism of cuticular lipids. The chemical composition of insect cuticular lipids are discussed with particular emphasis on the types in which hydrocarbons, was esters and fatty alcohols predominate. What little evidence is available on the biosynthesis of insect cuticular lipids is discussed. One of six papers to be published from the Symposium on Natural Waxes, presented at the AOCS Meeting, San Francisco, April 1969.