The Phenomenon of Egg Mass Liquefaction in Nemotaulius hostilis (Hagen) (Trichoptera:Limnophilidae)

Experiments were conducted to determine why gelatinous egg masses of the caddisfly Nemotaulius hostilis (Hagen) liquefy upon emergence of first instar larvae. Larvae did not feed on the polysaccharide matrix and thus, consumption did not cause its liquefaction. Destruction of portions of the matrix by various mechanical means, including the simulation of larval movement by small pins moving under the influence of an oscillating magnetic field, did not result in liquefaction. End-attacking enzymes apparently did not cause degradation of the matrix either. We hypothesize that enzymes which attack the central portions of the polysaccharide chains are involved.