Ultrastructure of malpighian tubules of adult flesh fly, Sarcophaga ruficornis Fab. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Ultrastructure of Malpighian tubules of adult flesh fly, Sarcophaga ruficornis Fab. (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)

Abstract – The Malpighian tubules of flesh fly Sarcophaga ruficornis (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) were studied by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. There are four tubules two on each side of the alimentary canal, opening into it by a common ureter. The tubular epithelium consists of two types of cells viz. principal cells and stellate cells. The principal cells show all the characteristics of transporting epithelia having well developed basal membrane infoldings and luminal microvilli both of which intimately associated with mitochondria. The central cytoplasm contains clear vacuoles and vacuoles filled with secretory materials, mineral concretions or spherocrystals and endoplasmic reticulum. The mineral concretions are also observed between the luminal microvilli and in the lumen of the tubule suggesting their extrusion into the lumen by exocytosis. Several formed bodies are also observed in the lumen. Stellate cells are characterized by simple membrane infoldings and the luminal microvilli devoid of mitochondria. The cells are separated by septate junctions. The Malpighian tubules are richly supplied by tracheae.

Key words: Malpighian tubules, SEM, TEM, Adult flesh fly, Sarcophaga ruficornis.