Histology of the midgut and peritrophic membrane in Lymantria dispar caterpillars fed on leaves of Quercus cerris or Robinia pseudoacacia

Abstract

The structure of the columnar cells, goblet cells and peritrophic membrane was studied in the midgut of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) caterpillars fed with a suitable (Quercus cerris L.) or an unsuitable (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) host. Columnar cells in the midgut of caterpillars fed on R. pseudoacacia leaves were elongated with small nuclei, partial loss of microvilli and vacuolated cytoplasm. The number and height of goblet cells and their nuclei were greater in caterpillars fed on Q. cerris leaves in comparison with larvae fed on R. pseudoacacia leaves. Peritrophic membranes were thin and delicate in the midgut of caterpillars fed on R. pseudoacacia leaves.