epicuticulares

Epicuticular is an adjective used in biology to describe structures and substances on the outer surface of an organism’s integument. In botany, it refers to the epicuticular wax layer on the outer surface of leaves, stems, and fruits. In entomology and arthropod biology, it refers to the epicuticle, the outermost layer of the cuticle. The term encompasses both the waxy coating and the surface features that sit on or bound to the outermost cuticle.

In plants, epicuticular waxes are complex mixtures of long-chain lipids such as hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes, and esters secreted by epidermal cells. They form crystals or films that cover the cuticle, often giving surfaces a whitish bloom or glossy appearance. This layer helps reduce water loss, reflects excess light, and influences surface wettability and interactions with pests. Wax composition and structure vary by species, developmental stage, and environmental conditions, contributing to adaptation to climate and habitat.

In insects and other arthropods, the epicuticle is the outermost layer of the cuticle and may be coated by a wax layer. Epicuticular lipids contribute to desiccation resistance and chemical protection, and can mediate communication through cuticular hydrocarbons. The epicuticular surface can be smooth or decorated with scales, granules, or platelets, and is commonly examined with electron microscopy and chemical analysis to understand its role in physiology and ecology.

The term epicuticular thus signifies features or substances located on the outer surface of an organism’s integument, with context-dependent specifics in plants versus insects.