mesocuticle

The mesocuticle is a thin, waxy layer found in the cuticle of certain plants and some arthropods. In plants, it is located between the epicuticle, the outermost layer, and the underlying cuticle proper. Its primary function is to provide an additional barrier against water loss, helping to conserve moisture in arid or exposed environments. The mesocuticle is composed mainly of cutin and waxes, similar to the cuticle proper, but its structure and deposition may differ. It plays a role in the overall hydrophobicity of the plant surface.

In some arthropod groups, the term mesocuticle refers to a specific layer within their exoskeleton. This layer is part of the cuticle and is situated between the epicuticle and the endocuticle. It is generally less sclerotized than the endocuticle and may contribute to the flexibility and resilience of the arthropod's outer covering. The exact composition and role of the mesocuticle can vary significantly between different arthropod species and is an area of ongoing research in entomology and comparative anatomy. Understanding the mesocuticle is important for comprehending cuticular structure and function in both plant physiology and arthropod biology.