Abstract
The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is the most economically important insect pest of coffee globally. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) was used to reconstruct the respiratory system of this species for the first time; this is the smallest insect (ca. 2 mm long) for which this has been done to date. Anatomical details of the spiracles and tracheal tubes are described, images presented, and new terms introduced. The total volume and the relationship between tracheal lumen diameter, length and volume are also presented. The total length of the tracheal tubes are seventy times the length of the entire animal. Videos and a 3D model for use with mobile devices are included as supplementary information; these could be useful for future research and for teaching insect anatomy to students and the public in general.
Highlights
The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is the most economically important insect pest of coffee globally
As a result of the transparency achieved, in lateral view it is possible to observe a detail of the proventriculus and the mesothoracic spiracle (MsSP; Fig. 1) with two spiracular openings (SpO), and a detail of the fifth abdominal spiracle (Fig. 1Ab) in which dilatations of the lumina of the tracheal tubes can be distinguished as they converge on the spiracle
The second abdominal spiracle is shown in detail in an externally focused image of the spiracular opening (SpO) and the peritreme (Pe) sclerite that surrounds it (Fig. 2Ba)
Summary
The coffee berry borer (Hypothenemus hampei) is the most economically important insect pest of coffee globally. The tracheal respiratory system opens externally via seven pairs of spiracles (two thoracic [meso- and metathoracic] and five abdominal); these were clearly visible in both light microscopy slide preparations and in micro-CT reconstructed images.
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.
