Fundamentals of Entomology (2+1)

Absorption

• In many insects absorption of nutrients occurs through microvilli of midgut epithelial cells by diffusion. Absorption of water and ions occur through rectum. In cockroach lipid absorption occurs through crop. In termites and scarabaeids (White grubs) absorption occurs through ileum.
• In solid feeders, resorption of water from the faeces occurs in the rectum and the faeces is expelled as pellets. In sap feeders (liquid feeders) the faeces is liquid like. The liquid faeces of homopteran bugs (aphids, mealy bugs, Scales and psyllids) with soluble sugars and amino acids is known as honey dew, which attracts ants for feeding.