Nitrogen Excretion in Insects

 

Roger Gordon

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 1985, Volume 6

Abstract

This exercise enables students to gain insight into the process of excretion in insects. Rate of excretion and hemolymph volume in the migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, are measured using spectrophotometry. The capacity of two insects, the cockroach, Periplaneta americana, and L. migratoria, to detoxify ammonia via uricotelism is examined by measuring the concentration of uric acid in the insects’ hemolymph and feces. Uric acid is quantified by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The anatomy of the insect’s excretory system is studied by dissection.

Keywords:  cockroach, spectrophotometry, uric acid, feces, excretion, locust, hemolymph, Locusta migratoria, Periplaneta americana

Memorial University of Newfoundland (1984)