A novel exocrine gland in the trochanter of ant legs |
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| Authors: | Johan Billen |
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| Affiliation: | Zoological Institute, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000 Leuven (Belgium) |
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| Abstract: | We found a hitherto unknown gland in the trochanter of several ant species. The gland occurs at the proximal ventral part of the trochanter in all legs. It consists of a thickening of the tegumental epithelium, the lining cuticle of which is characterized by narrow vertical pores that lead the secretion to the outside. Its function is probably that of producing lubricant substances to allow optimal manoeuvrability of the articulation between the trochanter and the coxa. |
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| Keywords: | morphology ultrastructure trochanter exocrine glands ants Formicidae |
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