Foregut Morphology of Locusta migratoria (L.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae)

Abstract

The role of the foregut of adult Locusta migratoria in feeding was evaluated using light and scanning electron microscopy. the intima of the foregut possesses many spines, different regions of the foregut bearing spines with different morphologies. Crop and proventricular spines with multiple prongs were observed. Wear was observed on spines from month‐old locusts, revealing that considerable mechanical interaction with plant material occurs within the gut. Morphological evidence does not support a grinding or crushing function for the spines of the foregut. the foregut spines are most likely used to regulate the passage of food through the foregut. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved