The basicoxal gland, a new exocrine structure in poneromorph ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract

 AbstractBillen, J. and Ito, F. 2006. The basicoxal gland, a new exocrine structure in poneromorph ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae). -Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 87 : 291-296The tegumental epithelium of the outer dorsolateral region in the proximal part of the coxae in the mid-and hindlegs of both workers and queens of the ants Odontomachus rixosus and O. simillimus is differentiated into a conspicuous and hitherto unknown exocrine gland. The glandular cells display a clear microvillar differentiation of their apical cell membrane, and are lined with the tegumental cuticle, which in this part contains crack-like channels perpendicular to its surface, that carry the glandular secretions to the outside. Apical microvilli support the transport of substances, and contain an extension of tubular smooth endoplasmic reticulum in their centre. The function of the gland may be that of providing lubricant substances to the articulation region of the generally heavily sclerotized ponerine ant species. The gland is also found in several other ponerine and amblyoponine species, but not in the ectatommine species studied. The foreleg coxae lack a basicoxal gland in all species examined, which may be explained by the more limited articulation between the thorax and the coxae in the forelegs compared to the mid-and hindlegs.

Nest Architectural Patterns by Three Wasp Species (Vespa velutina, Polistes flavus and Sceliphron formosum) with Reference to Their Behavior

“…For this purpose, an impressive muscular supply surrounded the glands reservoir. Billen and Ito 16 showed that the secretion was forced into the venom gland duct by muscle contraction; it was carried straight through the sting and injected it into the victim. In the southeast Asian Stenogastrinae, the secretion of Dufour's gland was used in larval nutrition and nest defense.…”

A novel exocrine gland in the trochanter of ant legs

“…Its presence in all the species examined and its occurrence in the three leg pairs and in both workers and queens indicate that it is probably a common structure with a general function. Its appearance closely resembles that of the basicoxal gland (Billen and Ito 2006) and of the glandular epithelium in the proximal part of the basitarsus (see figure 11 in Billen 1997). The position of these glands in all three cases is in the articulation region with the next leg segment or thorax, which is suggestive for a function of producing lubricant substances (Fig.…”

“…Such function finds additional support in the precise anatomical position, as the trochanter gland occurs ventrally, which is where the up‐and‐down movement between the coxa and the trochanter is maximal, whereas the basicoxal gland occurs dorsally (which likewise is where the mainly anteroposterior coxal movements against the corresponding thoracic cavity are maximal). The basicoxal gland is absent in the forelegs, which can be explained by the limited movements between the thorax and the foreleg coxae (Billen and Ito 2006). The manoeuvrability between the coxa and trochanter, however, is high in the three leg pairs, and helps explain the presence of the trochanter gland in all legs.…”

“…The spectacular variety of the exocrine system in ants is well illustrated in the number of glands that can be found in their legs. Exocrine glands have indeed been found in the coxa, femur, tibia, basitarsus, the tarsomeres and the pretarsus [see Billen and Ito (2006), and references therein]. This list comprises all leg segments, except for the trochanter, in which so far no glands have been reported among ants.…”

Epidermis Associated with Wax Secretion in theHarpactor angulosus(Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

“…The presence of glandular epidermis is common in eussocial Hymenoptera, and it is associated with the secretion of pheromones or wax used for nest building (Guerino and CruzÐLandim 2003, Eelen et al 2004, Billen and Ito 2006, MarquesÐSilva et al 2006). Mated queens of Ectatomma tuberculatum (Olivier) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) have glandular epidermis in all body segments (Hora et al 2010), which is probably true for H. angulosus.…”