Functional morphology of the mandibular gland of queens of the ant Monomorium pharaonis (L.). (1st March 2012)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Boonen, Sofie; Eelen, Dieter; Børgesen, Lisbeth; Billen, Johan
• Is Part Of: Acta zoologica. Volume 94:Number 4(2013:Oct.)
• Page Start: 373
• Page End: 381
• Publication Date: 2012-03-01
• Subjects: Zoology -- Periodicals; 590
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2012.00564.x
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0001-7272

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="azo564-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>In this study, the functional morphology of the mandibular glands of pharaoh ant queens is investigated through histological and behavioural observations. The mandibular glands of queens of different age stages and mating status were examined at the light microscopical as well as the ultrastructural level. The results clearly show a high activity of the gland at the time of hatching, followed by a rapid degeneration independent of the queens' mating status. We therefore hypothesize the glandular secretion serves to stimulate workers to remove the queens' pupal skin. Experiments to compare hatching ability of isolated pupae and pupae assisted by workers confirmed the necessity of worker assistance, which is even more crucial to allow proper wing formation in queens and males. Together with the histological data, this suggests that the mandibular gland may indeed play a role in the social facilitation of hatching, although bioassays are required to give decisive answers about the mandibular gland's function.</p> </abstract>