Abstract
Biogenic magnetic particles have been detected in some migratory insects, which implies the basis of magnetoreception mechanism for orientation and navigation. Here, the biogenic magnetic particles in the migratory brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens were qualitatively measured by SQUID magnetometry, and their characteristics were further determined by Prussian Blue staining, electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The results indicate that there were remarkable magnetic materials in the abdomens and not in the head or thorax of the 3rd–5th instar nymphs, and in macropterous and brachypterous female and male adults of BPH. The size of magnetic particles was shown to be between 50–450 nm with a shape factor estimate of between 0.8–1.0 for all the tested BPHs. Moreover, the amount of magnetic particles was associated with the developmental stage (the 3rd–5th instar), wing form (macropterous vs. brachypterous) and sex. The macropterous female adults had the largest amount of magnetic particles. Although the existence of magnetic particles in the abdomens of BPH provides sound basis for the assumption of magnetic orientation, further behavioral studies and complementary physical characterization experiments should be conducted to determine whether the orientation behavior of BPH is associated with the magnetic particles detected in this study.
Highlights
Geomagnetic field if allowed to freely rotate
The hysteresis loops were clearly closed for the abdomens of either macropterous or brachypterous adults (Fig. 2), indicating that hysteresis and some kind of magnetic materials retained in the abdomens of brown planthopper (BPH) adults
In the stingless bee Scaptotrigona postica[35], iron granules were observed within size range of 40–160 nm while ferritin-like particles measuring 2.1 ± 0.5 nm were identified in the abdomens[36]
Summary
Geomagnetic field if allowed to freely rotate. Magnetite crystals in some animals smaller than single-domain size are referred to as superparamagnetic, and they do not have a permanent magnetic moment. Single domain magnetite and superparamagnetic crystals have both been proposed to function in the magnetoreception of some birds and fish based on anatomical analyses and the use of strong magnetic pulses[17,18,19,20]. Both forms of magnetite crystals are thought to transduce magnetic fields sensory information by interacting with mechanoreceptors of mechanosensitive ion channels when they move to align with magnetic fields[14,21]. Given the above assumptions, the existence and nature of magnetic particles in the nymphs, and macro-/brachy-pterous female and male adults of BPH was assessed using SQUID magnetometry, histological staining, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
