Brochosomes are minute granules secreted by specialized cells lining the lumen of Malphigian tubules in homopteran insects. They have been reported on two different homopteran families, the Cicadellidae (leaf-hoppers) and Membracidae (tree-hoppers), but they have never been reported on members of the family Cercopidae (froghoppers), although they have been suspected to be produced by other homopteran families. These three families all belong to the subgroup Auchenorryncha, and often coexist in the same habitat. Many theories have been proposed regarding brochosome function, but no conclusive results have ever been reported.Scanning electron microscopy was used to study legs of five species of Cercopidae. Brochosomes were observed on legs of Lepyronid batrachoidea (Fig. 1), Clastoptera brunnea (Fig. 2), Philaronia bilineata (Fig. 3), and Aphozphoza media (Fig. 4). None was found on Clastoptera juniperina. The shape of the brochosomes remained fairly consistent on all species except Clastoptera brunnea. Normally the structure was a polyhedron consisting of 12 pentagons and 20 hexagons, appearing hollow and nearly spherical. However, on Clastoptera brunnea, the brochosomes were larger and appeared to be more faceted.
Microcirculatory Patterns in Adult Rat Cerebral Hypophysis: A Scanning Electron Microscope Study of Replicated Specimens.
