Histomorphological Structure of the Hindgut of Copris felschei Reitter, 1892 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): Light and Electron Microscopy Studies

Beetles in the genus Copris (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are coprophagous insects colloquially referred to as ″tunnelers″ due to their behavior of creating channels in feces. These beetles utilize dead organisms and non-living organic matter as food sources, playing a vital role in nutrient cycling and contributing to the survival of other organisms in their ecosystem. To date, no studies have investigated the hindgut in Copris. This study aims to detail the histomorphological structure of the hindgut of Copris felschei Reitter, 1892 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) using light and scanning electron microscopy. The alimentary canal in Coleoptera generally consists of three main sections: the foregut, midgut and hindgut, with C. felschei′s hindgut primarily comprising the ileum, colon and rectum. The anatomical and histological characteristics of the ileum and colon are almost similar, covered by the Malpighian tubules′ distal ends. Scanning electron microscopy images (SEM) revealed a significant presence of muscle tissue surrounding the ileum and colon surfaces. Their epithelium is cylindrical, featuring visible oval nuclei bordered by a thin cuticle. The rectum connects the colon to the anus and is surrounded by intima, a single layer of squamous epithelium, and a thick muscle layer. These findings are expected to enhance our understanding of the alimentary canal in Coleoptera including Scarabaeidae and contribute to future research.