embryonic/larval crystal cell [FBbt_00001690]

Hemocyte of the embryo and larva. A cell that is slightly larger than the plasmatocytes and is distinguished by containing large crystalline inclusions of prophenol oxidase that are not membrane bound (Brehelin, 1982. Crystal cells represent less than 5% of all mature larval hemocytes. They are non-phagocytic cells that facilitate innate immune and wound-healing responses by mediating the process of melanization. (Ferguson and Martinez-Agosto, 2014, Rizki, 1978, Lanot et al., 2001, Brehelin, 1982, Russo et al., 1996, Shrestha and Gateff, 1982, Rizki et al., 1980)