Background: Many insects eat green leaves but excrete black feces using an unknown mechanism. Results: Hindgut cells produce prophenoloxidase and secrete it into the hindgut content. Conclusion: Prophenoloxidase induces the hindgut content and feces melanization by which bacteria flora are reduced. Significance: This is a first-time disclosure of the enigma of insect black feces and its biological significance.
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