Mandible associated glands in queens of the slave-making ant Polyergus rufescens (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

A first description of the structural organization of two exocrine glands associated with the mandibles of queens of the obligatory slave-making ant Polyergus rufescens is reported. The mandibular gland consists of clustered bicellular secretory units connected by means of cuticular ducts to a big r...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Insectes sociaux 2004-01, Vol.51 (1), p.74-80
Main Authors: GRASSO, D. A, ROMANI, R, CASTRACANI, C, VISICCHIO, R, MORI, A, ISIDORO, N, LE MOLI, F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Animal and plant ecology
Animal, plant and microbial ecology
Animals
Autoecology
Biological and medical sciences
Formicidae
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Polyergus rufescens
Protozoa. Invertebrata
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Summary:A first description of the structural organization of two exocrine glands associated with the mandibles of queens of the obligatory slave-making ant Polyergus rufescens is reported. The mandibular gland consists of clustered bicellular secretory units connected by means of cuticular ducts to a big reservoir. The reservoir continues in a duct that opens proximally on the mandible cuticle. Intra-mandibular glands are isolated bicellular secretory units connected to the external pores through a cuticular duct. No reservoir has been observed. In both cases the secretory cells belong to the 3 super(rd) class. Functional aspects of the investigated glands are discussed taking also into account for the parasitic habit of this slave-making species.
ISSN:0020-1812
1420-9098
DOI:10.1007/s00040-003-0700-6