Morphology of Malpighian Tubules of Diatraea saccharalis (F.) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) at Final Larval Development

Abstract

The anatomy and histology of the Malpighian tubules of Diatraea saccharalis larvae have been studied by stereoscope, light and scanning electron microscopy. Tubules lie between hindgut and mid-midgut; and may be subdivided into proximal, middle and distal region. Two ampullae inserted laterally before the pylorus show 2 tubules derived from each. One tubule bifurcates into 2 in the third abdominal segment; these loop backward to the hindgut to form the cryptonephridial system. Whereas larvae have 6 complete tubules, 3 on each side, histological analysis reveals 1 layer containing 2 cells, forming the lumen, microvilli at the top of cells, tracheae and tracheoles, and crystals in the tubule lumen, mainly in the middle and distal regions.