Acrida (1978) 7, 11-22

D.M. Baines (1978)
Observations on the peritrophic membrane of Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R. and F.) nymphs
[Observations sur la membrane péritrophique des larves de Locusta migratoria migratorioides (R. and F.)]
Acrida 7, 11-22
Abstract: The peritrophic membrane of Locusta is formed in all parts of the midgut and caeca. The membrane in the latter does not form a complete tube but strands pass into the midgut proper where thicker bands of membrane behind the caecal openings can be traced. The membrane in the midgut proper may consist of many lamellae.
No fundamental differences in the ultrastructure of a lamella of the membrane are apparent in different areas of the midgut and caeca or in different feeding states of the animal. No peritrophic membrane reaches the foregut.
Each lamella of the peritrophic membrane consists of an inner layer of hexagonally arranged chitinous fibres, with apertures of 0.2-03 µm. Attached to the outside of this is a layer of finely fibrous material. It is suggested that the hexagonal layer is formed between the microvilli of the epithelium and that, when this is released, it strips off from the microvilli some of the glycocalyx which then forms the more finely fibrous layer.
The configuration of the peritrophic membrane suggests that it has a protective function. Possible additional functions are discussed.
No periodic banding was seen in the peritrophic membrane of Locusta.

La membrane péritrophique de Locusta est constituée d'une part par des filaments élaborés dans chacun des coecums et d'autre part par des lamelles secrétées tout au long du mésentéron. La structure fine des filaments et des lamelles est indépendante des sites de sécrétion et de l'état alimentaire des criquets; aucune structure périodique n'a pu être observée.
Chaque lamelle comporte une couche interne de fibres chitineuses déposées selon les mailles d'un motif hexagonal (0,2 à 0,3 µm. de diamètre) qui semble correspondre aux microvillosités intestinales et à une couche externe de fibrilles. Cette seconde assise semble formée à partir du glycocalyse abrasé lors du. soulèvement de la couche interne.
Les diverses fonctions de la membrane péritrophique et notamment son rôle protecteur sont envisagés.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Locusta migratoria