To identify the physiological basis of the DBL-1 dose-dependent response to anesthetics and body length and the worm-star phenotype displayed by animals deficient in DBL-1 signaling, we directly observed the 4-Aminohippuric Acid cuticle of wild-type and DBL-1 signaling variant strains using transmission electron Estradiol Cypionate microscopy. We developed a microwave-assisted protocol that effectively and more quickly processes C. elegans specimens compared to traditional benchtop approaches. Because worm-star formation is only seen in wild-type animals that have had their outer lipid layer extracted, we also used malachite green, a classic dye used to preserve and stain lipids on the cuticle surface that would otherwise be extracted from samples during preparation. This method differentiates the cuticular layers, which are thicker and readily distinguishable under the alae. We found that DBL-1 levels affect both the width and depth of the alae. Further, phospholipids on the outer surface of the cuticle of wild-type animals are bound by malachite green. This malachite green preservation of lipid was sensitive enough to reveal differences in the external surface of the cuticle that DiI staining could not resolve. Long animals overexpressing DBL-1 have a thicker layer of malachite green staining the surface, suggesting an increased surface lipid content in this strain. Consistent with the idea that animals deficient in DBL-1 pathway signaling display altered surface properties, small animals lacking DBL-1 have very little bound malachite green, indicating lipids are depleted on the outer surface of the cuticle in this background. This work demonstrates that C. elegans DBL-1 shares a similar function with other BMPs in regulation of extracellular matrix. We provide a mechanism to largely explain some of the dosedependent, seemingly disparate pleiotropic defects exhibited by DBL-1 pathway mutant animals. While previous work indicates the hypodermis is a main DBL-1 target tissue, we show that DBL-1 signaling targets cuticle, a specialized extracellular matrix secreted, at least in part, by the hypodermis.