HYDROGEN ION CONCENTRATIONS WITHIN THE ALIMENTARY TRACT OF INSECTS

Abstract

Larvæ of Psychoda and of Chironomus (diptera) maintained in solutions of appropriate indicators show that the typical acidities (pH) prevailing within the several regions of the digestive tract are: esophagus 7.1; cardiac chamber 6.2; mesenteron 7.5; the latter being functionally an intestine. The acidity of the hindgut, pH 6.4, is due to the discharge of the malphigian tubules.