Identification of a specialized lipid barrier for Drosophila metamorphosis.

Hyperlong hydrocarbon lipids form an anatomically distinct dehydration barrier in Drosophila melanogaster pupae, enabling early metamorphosis while differing from adult barriers.

• Why it matters: Terrestrial insects shift from humid to dry conditions at metamorphosis, but the developmental mechanism preventing dehydration is unclear.
• What they did: The study identifies pupal barrier hydrocarbons, traces their larval oenocyte production and fat-body storage for cuticle delivery at pupariation, and tests the role of the fatty acid elongase EloHL.
• The result: EloHL is required for hyperlong hydrocarbon biosynthesis and a functional dehydration barrier in early metamorphosis, and hyperlong barrier hydrocarbons persist in adult Drosophila mojavensis despite typical genus-wide shortening during maturation.

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