Histomorphology of the Hindgut of Adult Julodis ehrenbergii Laporte, 1835 (Coleoptera: Buprestidae).

Abstract

The histomorphological features of the internal system in insects are considered important for understanding their biology. Julodis ehrenbergii Laporte, commonly known as the "jewel beetle or metallic wood-boring beetle," belongs to the family Buprestidae, and it is generally known that it feeds on pistachio, oak, blackberry apricot, and Alhagi mannifera Jaub. & Spach plants. This research reports for the first time the histomorphological features of the hindgut of adult J. ehrenbergii using light and scanning electron microscopy. Some characteristics, such as the epithelial layer, cuticle layer, and cross-sectional shape of regions belonging to the hindgut, were described in detail. Three regions that have a straight tubular structure are covered with a muscle layer and tracheal network. The epithelium of the whole hindgut is made up of cuboidal cells. The cuticle layer located on the apical surface of the cells is distinguished as endocuticle and exocuticle. These findings not only provide a foundation for understanding the hindgut morphology of J. ehrenbergii but also offer insights into the evolutionary adaptations of Coleoptera, contributing to broader entomological and ecological studies.