Hashim, Rosli and Ito, F. and Billen, J. (2011) Functional morphology of the metapleural gland in workers of the ant crematogaster inflata (hymenoptera, formicidae). Invertebrate Biology, 130 (3). pp. 277-281. ISSN 1077-8306, DOI https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1744-7410.2011.00230.x.
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Workers of Crematogaster inflata possess the largest metapleural glands (relative to body size) known among ants, with reservoirs extending anteriorly up to the junction between the pro-and the mesothorax, and with over 1400 secretory cells on both sides together. This large secretory capacity is related to the gland's defensive function, which, in members of this species, is directed against larger arthropod and vertebrate enemies, and apparently not against microorganisms, in contrast to other ants, where the gland produces antibiotics. The gland is not equipped with any direct musculature. Secretion release is probably caused by contraction of the oblique longitudinal thorax muscles or by passive expulsion caused by external pressure.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Funders: | UNSPECIFIED |
| Additional Information: | Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science Building, University of Malaya, 50603 Kuala Lumpur, MALAYSIA |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | Exocrine glands, Social insects, Histology, Leaf-cutting ants |
| Subjects: | Q Science > QH Natural history > QH301 Biology |
| Divisions: | Faculty of Science > Institute of Biological Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Miss Malisa Diana |
| Date Deposited: | 09 Sep 2013 01:53 |
| Last Modified: | 31 May 2019 05:03 |
| URI: | http://eprints.um.edu.my/id/eprint/8342 |
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