LE FUNZIONI COMPLEMENTARI E ALTERNATIVE DEI TUBULI MALPIGHIANI DEGLI INSETTI

Complementary and alternative functions of insects Malpighian Tubules The Malpighian Tubules are gut regions where excretion takes place. However, there are other functions that Malpighian Tubules can perform simultaneously with the excretion (i.e. complementary functions), and other functions that they can perform suspending the excretion, and restoring it later (i.e. alternative functions). The complementary functions are related to production of mucofibrils, minerals, brocosomes, defensive products and viscous substances for the protection of eggs and juvenile instars. In some species, the phenomenon of bioluminescence takes place in Malpighian Tubules, and – even in this case – it can be considered as a complementary function. Furthermore, the alternative functions of Malpighian Tubules only relate to the production of substances for the construction of the cocoon have been found.