4.5. Secretory products other than brochosomes

 

Brochosomes are not the only known secretory product of the Malpighian tubules of leafhoppers. In nymphs of several leafhopper taxa these organs produce alternative products. During the last nymphal instar the same secretory cells usually switch over to production of brochosomes (more...). Examples below show vacuoles containing such alternative secretory products. Their chemical composition has not been studied yet, and their function remains unknown. Similar products have been found in the Malpighian tubules of immature and adult treehoppers.

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