The basitarsal sulcus gland, a novel exocrine structure in ants. (March 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Billen, Johan; Khalife, Adam; Ito, Fuminori; Anh, Nguyen Duc; Esteves, Flavia A.
• Is Part Of: Arthropod structure & development. Volume 61(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-03
• Subjects: Morphology -- Histology -- Ultrastructure -- Basitarsus -- Exocrine glands; Arthropoda -- Morphology -- Periodicals; Arthropoda -- Anatomy -- Periodicals; Arthropoda -- Cytology -- Periodicals; Arthropods -- growth & development -- Periodicals; 595
• DOI: 10.1016/j.asd.2021.101041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-8039

Abstract

Abstract: The basitarsus of the mid- and/or hindlegs of several Amblyoponinae ants shows a deep longitudinal groove or sulcus on its anterior face in workers and queens. Histological examination reveals this sulcus is associated with a conspicuous novel epithelial gland, which brings the number of exocrine glands in the legs of ants to 25. The ultrastructural characteristics of the gland show the presence of a well-developed smooth endoplasmic reticulum. This is indicative for the elaboration of a non-proteinaceous and thus possibly pheromonal secretion. Behavioural observations show that this secretion is collected by the tarsomeres and spread onto the brood and nest, suggesting a role in nestmate recognition. A similar basitarsal sulcus gland was also found in Nothomyrmecia, Paraponera and Tetraponera, which represents both a wide phylogenetic and ecological distribution, as it includes arboreal, ground-dwelling as well as subterranean taxa. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A novel gland is described in the basitarsus of ants using LM, SEM and TEM. The gland is formed by an epithelium underneath a longitudinal sulcus in mid- and/or hindlegs. The gland is common in Amblyoponinae, but can also be found in other subfamilies. Peculiar leg rubbing movements indicate the secretion may have a role in nestmate recognition.