Ultramorphology and histology of the ectal mandibular gland in Polistes versicolor (Olivier) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)

The ectal mandibular gland (EMG) of wasps is homologous to the mandibular gland of ants and bees. This gland belongs to salivary system and its function stile unknown. The EMG of Polistes versicolor showed histological and ultramorphological features similar to that founded in ants and others wasps....

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Ortega Pietrobon, Thiago Augusto, Caetano, Flávio Henrique [UNESP]
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2003
País:Brasil
Institución:Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP)
Repositorio:Repositório Institucional da UNESP
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:repositorio.unesp.br:11449/67211
Acceso en línea:http://dx.doi.org/10.1508/cytologia.68.89
http://hdl.handle.net/11449/67211
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Ectal mandibular gland
Histology
Polistes
Salivary system
Ultramorphology
Wasps
Apoidea
Formicidae
Hymenoptera
Polistes versicolor
Vespidae
Descripción
Sumario:The ectal mandibular gland (EMG) of wasps is homologous to the mandibular gland of ants and bees. This gland belongs to salivary system and its function stile unknown. The EMG of Polistes versicolor showed histological and ultramorphological features similar to that founded in ants and others wasps. This gland is constituted by a secretory region and a reservoir. The secretory region contains individual secretory cells that showed several nucleoli. The reservoir has a club shape and is connected to each mandible, by a duct that opens on its external side, which there are cuticular projections. The EMG of males is smaller than those of females. Our results suggested that the EMG secrete volatiles compounds that are liberated when the mandibles still open.