4.4. Changes of secretory programs in ontogenesis
- One of the most interesting properties of the Malpighian
tubule secretory cells that produce
brochosomes is their ability to switch from one type of product to another.
The following schemes illustrate the ontogenetic patterns observed in different
leafhopper taxa.
- 1. Brochosomes are produced
from the 1st nymphal (=larval) instar on without any changes.
-
2. Nymphs and adults produce different
types of brochosomes. The change takes place during the last (5th) nymphal
instar.
-
- 3. Nymphs produce secretory products other than brochosomes. They
start producing brochosomes during the last (5th) nymphal instar.
-
- 4. Nymphs, adult males, and
young females produce similar brochosomes. In females with developing eggs
a new type of brochosomes replaces the former type.
nymph   |
adult |
mature female |
- References: Rakitov, 1999, 2000, 2001
- Development of brochosomes
- Secretory products other than
brochosomes
- Back to Contents
