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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Caputo S, Agostino RG, Montali A, Tettamanti G, Giglio A. Anatomical changes of Tenebrio molitor and Tribolium castaneum during complete metamorphosis. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:19-40. [PMID: 38409390 PMCID: PMC10997553 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03877-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
In holometabolous insects, extensive reorganisation of tissues and cells occurs at the pupal stage. The remodelling of the external exoskeleton and internal organs that intervenes during metamorphosis has been traditionally studied in many insect species based on histological or ultrastructural methods. This study demonstrates the use of synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast micro-computed tomography as a powerful, non-destructive tool for in situ morphological observation of anatomical structures at the pupal stage in two Tenebrionid beetles, i.e. Tribolium castaneum and Tenebrio molitor, known as important pests, as well as emerging and promising models in experimental biology. Virtual sections and three-dimensional reconstructions were performed on both males and females at early, intermediate, and late pupal stage. The dataset allowed us to observe the remodelling of the gut and nervous system as well as the shaping of the female and male reproductive system at different pupal ages in both mealworm and red flour beetles. Moreover, we observed that the timing and duration pattern of organ development varied between the species analysed, likely related to the species-specific adaptations of the pre-imaginal stages to environmental conditions, which ultimately affect their life cycle. This research provides new knowledge on the morphological modifications that occur during the pupal stage of holometabolous insects and provides a baseline set of information on beetle metamorphosis that may support future research in forensics, physiology, and ecology as well as an image atlas for educational purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Division of Frascati, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Caputo
- University of Calabria, Department of Environmental Engineering, Rende, Italy
| | - Raffaele G Agostino
- University of Calabria, Department of Physics and STAR research infrastructure, Rende, Italy
| | - Aurora Montali
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Tettamanti
- University of Insubria, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, Varese, Italy
- Interuniversity Center for Studies on Bioinspired Agro-environmental Technology (BAT Center), University of Napoli Federico II, Portici, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- University of Calabria, Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, Rende, Italy.
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Vranić S, Vesović N, Antonijević L, Vlajić A, Todosijević M, Pavlović D, Pantelić D, Ćurčić S, Vujisić L. Morphology of the pygidial glands and chemical composition of their secretions in two species of tiger beetles (Carabidae: Cicindelinae). ZOOLOGY 2024; 162:126142. [PMID: 38244262 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Pygidial glands are a common feature of all adephagans and their products play an important role in defense against predators. The morphology of the pygidial glands and the chemistry of their secretion were studied for the first time in two species of tiger beetles - Cicindela (Cicindela) sylvicola Dejean, 1822 and Cylindera (Cylindera) germanica (Linnaeus, 1758). The glands were examined by both bright-field microscopy and nonlinear microscopy. All morphological structures of the glands were measured and described in detail. The structures mentioned were compared with those of related taxa. The secretion extracts from the pygidial glands of the investigated taxa contained a total of 24 compounds, which were detected by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The secretion mixture of C. (C.) germanica was more complex (21 chemicals) than that of C. (C.) sylvicola (11 ones). Benzaldehyde was present in both secretion samples. Hydrocarbons were the most abundant group of secretory compounds. The purpose of the compounds, their distribution within the subfamily Cicindelinae and their effects on the ecology of the group were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofija Vranić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Vesović
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Lana Antonijević
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Aleksandar Vlajić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Todosijević
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danica Pavlović
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Pantelić
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, National Institute of the Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Srećko Ćurčić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljubodrag Vujisić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
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Windfelder AG, Steinbart J, Flögel U, Scherberich J, Kampschulte M, Krombach GA, Vilcinskas A. A quantitative micro-tomographic gut atlas of the lepidopteran model insect Manduca sexta. iScience 2023; 26:106801. [PMID: 37378344 PMCID: PMC10291339 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The tobacco hornworm is used extensively as a model system for ecotoxicology, immunology and gut physiology. Here, we established a micro-computed tomography approach based on the oral application of the clinical contrast agent iodixanol, allowing for a high-resolution quantitative analysis of the Manduca sexta gut. This technique permitted the identification of previously unknown and understudied structures, such as the crop or gastric ceca, and revealed the underlying complexity of the hindgut folding pattern, which is involved in fecal pellet formation. The acquired data enabled the volume rendering of all gut parts, the reliable calculation of their volumes, and the virtual endoscopy of the entire alimentary tract. It can provide information for accurate orientation in histology uses, enable quantitative anatomical phenotyping in three dimensions, and allow the calculation of locally effective midgut concentrations of applied chemicals. This atlas will provide critical insights into the evolution of the alimentary tract in lepidopterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton G. Windfelder
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Jessica Steinbart
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan Scherberich
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Marian Kampschulte
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Gabriele A. Krombach
- Laboratory of Experimental Radiology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University-Hospital Giessen, Germany
| | - Andreas Vilcinskas
- Branch Bioresources, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology IME, Giessen, Germany
- Institute for Insect Biotechnology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Vommaro ML, Donato S, Lo LK, Brandmayr P, Giglio A. Anatomical study of the red flour beetle using synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast micro-tomography. J Anat 2023; 242:510-524. [PMID: 36417320 PMCID: PMC9919503 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast microtomography (SR-PhC micro-CT) is well established, fast and non-destructive imaging technique for data acquisition that is currently being used to obtain new insights into insect anatomy and function in physiological, morphological and phylogenetic studies. In this study, we described in situ the internal organs of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum Herbst 1797, a widespread pest of cereals and stored food causing serious damage to the human economy. Two-dimensional virtual sections and volumetric reconstructions of the nervous, alimentary and reproductive systems were carried out in both sexes. The results provided a comprehensive overview of the morphological characteristics of this species, such as the different maturation stages of ovarioles and the realistic location, size and shape of internal organs. Given the great interest in this model species in experimental biology and forensic entomology, complete knowledge of the general anatomy is required for future functional applications in pest control and experimental studies. In addition, this study confirms SR-PhC micro-CT as a powerful and innovative tool in entomology, particularly suitable for small species and chitinized structures that are difficult to analyse using conventional dissection and histological methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luigia Vommaro
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Sandro Donato
- Department of Physics, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy.,Division of Frascati, Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare, Rome, Italy
| | - Lai Ka Lo
- Animal Evolutionary Ecology Group, Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Pietro Brandmayr
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Anita Giglio
- Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, Cosenza, Italy
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Exploring Compound Eyes in Adults of Four Coleopteran Species Using Synchrotron X-ray Phase-Contrast Microtomography (SR-PhC Micro-CT). Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050741. [PMID: 35629408 PMCID: PMC9145526 DOI: 10.3390/life12050741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Compound eyes in insects are primary visual receptors of surrounding environments. They show considerable design variations, from the apposition vision of most day-active species to the superposition vision of nocturnal insects, that sacrifice resolution to increase sensitivity and are able to overcome the challenges of vision during lightless hours or in dim habitats. In this study, Synchrotron radiation X-ray phase-contrast microtomography was used to describe the eye structure of four coleopteran species, showing species-specific habitat demands and different feeding habits, namely the saproxylic Clinidium canaliculatum (Costa, 1839) (Rhysodidae), the omnivorous Tenebrio molitor (Linnaeus, 1758) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbest, 1797) (Tenebrionidae), and the generalist predator Pterostichus melas italicus (Dejean, 1828) (Carabidae). Virtual sections and 3D volume renderings of the heads were performed to evaluate the application and limitations of this technique for studying the internal dioptrical and sensorial parts of eyes, and to avoid time-consuming methods such as ultrastructural analyses and classic histology. Morphological parameters such as the area of the corneal facet lens and cornea, interocular distance, facet density and corneal lens thickness were measured, and differences among the studied species were discussed concerning the differences in lifestyle and habitat preferences making different demands on the visual system. Our imaging results provide, for the first time, morphological descriptions of the compound eyes in these species, supplementing their ecological and behavioural traits.
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Virtual sections and 3D reconstructions of female reproductive system in a carabid beetle using synchrotron X-ray phase-contrast microtomography. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Vesović N, Nenadić M, Soković M, Ćirić A, Vujisić L, Todosijević M, Stevanović N, Perić-Mataruga V, Ilijin L, Ćurčić S. Pygidial glands of the blue ground beetle Carabus intricatus: chemical composition of the secretion and its antimicrobial activity. Naturwissenschaften 2022; 109:19. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-022-01790-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Vranić S, Vujisić L, Vesović N, Jeremić M, Pantelić D, Todosijević M, Pavlović D, Ćurčić NB, Radovanović M, Petrović MD, Ćurčić S. Secretions of Pygidial Defensive Glands in Three Species of the Genus Bembidion (Carabidae), and Morphology of Pygidial Glands in B. (Peryphanes) dalmatinum. ANN ZOOL FENN 2022. [DOI: 10.5735/086.059.0112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofija Vranić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Ljubodrag Vujisić
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nikola Vesović
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milica Jeremić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Dejan Pantelić
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, RS-11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marina Todosijević
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 12–16, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Danica Pavlović
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, RS-11080 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina B. Ćurčić
- Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Đure Jakšića 9, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milan Radovanović
- Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Đure Jakšića 9, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Marko D. Petrović
- Geographical Institute “Jovan Cvijić”, Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Đure Jakšića 9, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Srećko Ćurčić
- Institute of Zoology, Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Studentski Trg 16, RS-11000 Belgrade, Serbia
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Vranić S, Vesović N, Vujisić L, Pavlović D, Pantelić D, Todosijević M, Ćurčić S. Pygidial glands of three ground beetle taxa (Insecta, Coleoptera, Carabidae): a study on their morphology and chemical composition of their secretions. ZOOLOGY 2021; 148:125948. [PMID: 34343745 DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2021.125948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Morphology of the pygidial glands and chemical compositions of their secretion were analysed in the adults of three selected ground beetle taxa. Secretions of pygidial glands of Cychrus (Cychrus) semigranosus, Patrobus atrorufus and Pterostichus (Platysma) niger were chemically tested. Additionally, pygidial glands of the latter two species were investigated using bright-field microscopy and nonlinear microscopy and morphological features of the glands were described in detail. Both C. (C.) semigranosus and P. atrorufus were studied for the first time in terms of chemical ecology, while the latter species was analysed for the first time in terms of pygidial gland morphology. Altogether, eight compounds were detected in the dichloromethane extracts of the pygidial gland secretions of the three ground beetle taxa analysed. The simplest secretion mixtures were present in C. (C.) semigranosus and P. atrorufus (with two compounds each), while the extract of P. (P.) niger contained five compounds. The presence of 1-tetradecanol in the secretion of P. (P.) niger represents the first finding of this compound from the pygidial gland secretion extracts of ground beetles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofija Vranić
- Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Nikola Vesović
- Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Ljubodrag Vujisić
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Danica Pavlović
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, Belgrade, 11080, Serbia
| | - Dejan Pantelić
- Institute of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, Pregrevica 118, Belgrade, 11080, Serbia
| | - Marina Todosijević
- University of Belgrade - Faculty of Chemistry, Studentski Trg 12-16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Srećko Ćurčić
- Institute of Zoology, University of Belgrade - Faculty of Biology, Studentski Trg 16, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
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Pygidial Glands in Carabidae, an Overview of Morphology and Chemical Secretion. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11060562. [PMID: 34203641 PMCID: PMC8232188 DOI: 10.3390/life11060562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Predator community structure is an important selective element shaping the evolution of prey defence traits and strategies. Carabid beetles are one of the most diverse families of Coleoptera, and their success in terrestrial ecosystems is related to considerable morphological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations that provide protection against predators. Their most common form of defence is the chemical secretion from paired abdominal pygidial glands that produce a heterogeneous set of carboxylic acids, quinones, hydrocarbons, phenols, aldehydes, and esters. This review attempts to update and summarise what is known about the pygidial glands, with particular reference to the morphology of the glands and the biological function of the secretions.
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Martín-Vega D, Wicklein M, Simonsen TJ, Garbout A, Ahmed F, Hall MJ. Anatomical reconfiguration of the optic lobe during metamorphosis in the blow fly Calliphora vicina (Diptera: Calliphoridae) revealed by X-ray micro-computed tomography. ZOOL ANZ 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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