Moulting in nematodes: The formation of the adult cuticle during the final moult of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis.

The process of moulting and the formation of the new cuticle during the final moult of the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis have been described. After separation of the hypodermis from the old cuticle, the new cuticle is secreted by the hypodermis. The first layers to be formed are the outer trilaminate membrane and the fibre layers. The struts of the cuticle separate out from the fibrillar and granular components of the outer cuticle. There is no reabsorption of the old cuticle.