Exocrine glands in the legs of the social wasp Vespula vulgaris

This study brings a survey of the exocrine glands in the legs of Vespula vulgaris wasps. We studied workers, males, virgin queens as well as mated queens. A variety of 17 glands is found in the different leg segments. Among these, five glands are novel exocrine structures for social insects (trochan...

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Bibliographische Detailangaben
Veröffentlicht in:Ventricular Restraint Improves Outcomes in HF Patients with CRT. - 2011. - Amsterdam [u.a.]
1. Verfasser: Nijs, Catherine (VerfasserIn)
Weitere Verfasser: Billen, Johan (BerichterstatterIn)
Format: Online-Aufsatz
Sprache:English
Veröffentlicht: 2015transfer abstract
Zugriff auf das übergeordnete Werk:Ventricular Restraint Improves Outcomes in HF Patients with CRT
Schlagworte:Exocrine glands Legs Morphology Social wasps
Umfang:11
Beschreibung
Zusammenfassung:This study brings a survey of the exocrine glands in the legs of Vespula vulgaris wasps. We studied workers, males, virgin queens as well as mated queens. A variety of 17 glands is found in the different leg segments. Among these, five glands are novel exocrine structures for social insects (trochanter-femur gland, ventrodistal tibial gland, distal tibial sac gland, ventral tibial gland, and ventral tarsomere gland). Most leg glands are present in the three leg pairs of all castes. This may indicate a mechanical function. This is likely for the numerous glands that occur near the articulation between the various leg segments, where lubricant production may be expected. Other possible functions include antenna cleaning, acting as a hydraulic system, or pheromonal. Further research including leg-related behavioural observations and chemical analyses may help to clarify the functions of these glandular structures in the legs.
This study brings a survey of the exocrine glands in the legs of Vespula vulgaris wasps. We studied workers, males, virgin queens as well as mated queens. A variety of 17 glands is found in the different leg segments. Among these, five glands are novel exocrine structures for social insects (trochanter-femur gland, ventrodistal tibial gland, distal tibial sac gland, ventral tibial gland, and ventral tarsomere gland). Most leg glands are present in the three leg pairs of all castes. This may indicate a mechanical function. This is likely for the numerous glands that occur near the articulation between the various leg segments, where lubricant production may be expected. Other possible functions include antenna cleaning, acting as a hydraulic system, or pheromonal. Further research including leg-related behavioural observations and chemical analyses may help to clarify the functions of these glandular structures in the legs.
Beschreibung:11
DOI:10.1016/j.asd.2015.08.011