Significance The tiny insect renal (Malpighian) tubule can transport fluid at unparalleled speed, suggesting unique specializations. Here we show that strategic allocation of major intrinsic proteins (MIPs) to specific cells within the tubule allows the separation of metabolically intense active cation transport from passive chloride and water conductance. This specialized renal architecture is general to at least many higher insects, providing a clue to the unique success of the class Insecta in colonizing an extraordinary range of ecological niches.