Male antennae in Bombus pascuorum Scop. have been investigated in order to ascertain the presence of epidermal glands. Antennomeres ranging from A3 to A12 are provided, in their ventro-lateral side, with a multiporous area showing a tyloidlike appearance. Light microscopy observations confirm the presence of two types of glandular complexes, belonging to the l" and 3` d class of secretory cells respectively. We hypothesize that these glands produce a sex pheromone, which plays a crucial role during courtship behaviour. We also show some other peculiar antennal features in species belonging to Apidae, Andrenidae and Antophoridae.
Male antennal glands in Bombus pascuorum Scop.: morphology, possible function and comparison with other Hymenoptera Aculeata
ROMANI, Roberto;ISIDORO, Nunzio;BIN, Ferdinando
2002
Abstract
Male antennae in Bombus pascuorum Scop. have been investigated in order to ascertain the presence of epidermal glands. Antennomeres ranging from A3 to A12 are provided, in their ventro-lateral side, with a multiporous area showing a tyloidlike appearance. Light microscopy observations confirm the presence of two types of glandular complexes, belonging to the l" and 3` d class of secretory cells respectively. We hypothesize that these glands produce a sex pheromone, which plays a crucial role during courtship behaviour. We also show some other peculiar antennal features in species belonging to Apidae, Andrenidae and Antophoridae.File in questo prodotto:
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