FOREGUT MORPHOLOGY OF LOCUSTA-MIGRATORIA (L) (ORTHOPTERA, ACRIDIDAE)

The role of the foregut of adult Locusta migratoria in feeding was eva luated using light and scanning electron microscopy. The intima of the foregut possesses many spines, different regions of the foregut beari ng spines with different morphologies. Crop and proventricular spines with multiple prongs were observed. Wear was observed on spines from m onth-old locusts, revealing that considerable mechanical interaction w ith plant material occurs within the gut. Morphological evidence does not support a grinding or crushing function for the spines of the fore gut. The foregut spines are most likely used to regulate the passage o f food through the foregut.