Unusual structural and chemical characteristics of the Dufour gland in the ant Meranoplus diversus

Abstract The Dufour gland of both queens and workers of Meranoplus diversus is very large. The reservoir is lined with flat epithelial cells, which usually contain smooth endoplasmic reticulum but also show the unusual accumulation of electron‐dense inclusions. Chemically, the gland contains an unusual mixture of long‐chain fatty acids and their derivatives, including hydrocarbons, ketones and amines with long‐chain substituents, hydroquinone, and sugars. Some of the substances identified are already known as insect defensive compounds against other arthropods.