The fine morphology of glandular structures associated with the antennae is reported for the first time in a social parasite ant, the obligate slave-maker Polyergus rufescens (Latreille, 1798). In this species, external pores have been detected through scanning electron microscopy only on the scape of the female castes (queen and worker). Each pore is associated internally with a bicellular secretory unit by means of a cuticular duct. The number of secretory cells appears to be higher in queens than in workers. Similar exocrine structures have been found also in workers of Formica cunicularia Latreille, 1798, a common host species of P. rufescens. The possible functional role of this gland is discussed.
Antennal glands of the slave-making ant Polyergus rufescens and its slave species Formica cunicularia (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)
ROMANI, Roberto;ISIDORO, Nunzio;LE MOLI, Francesco
2006
Abstract
The fine morphology of glandular structures associated with the antennae is reported for the first time in a social parasite ant, the obligate slave-maker Polyergus rufescens (Latreille, 1798). In this species, external pores have been detected through scanning electron microscopy only on the scape of the female castes (queen and worker). Each pore is associated internally with a bicellular secretory unit by means of a cuticular duct. The number of secretory cells appears to be higher in queens than in workers. Similar exocrine structures have been found also in workers of Formica cunicularia Latreille, 1798, a common host species of P. rufescens. The possible functional role of this gland is discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
