2004 Volume 69 Issue 1 Pages 1-6
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.