Pheromonal activity and fine structure of the mandibular glands of honeybee drones (Apis mellifera L.) (Insecta,Hymenoptera, Apidae) |
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| Authors: | Y. Lensky P. Cassier M. Notkin C. Delorme-Joulie M. Levinsohn |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Triwaks Bee Research Center, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Faculty of Agriculture, 76 100 Rehovot, Israel;2. Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), E.R.A. 620, Cytophysiologie des Arthropodes, Laboratoire d''Evolution des Etres Organisés, 105, Boulevard Raspail, 75006 Paris, France |
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| Abstract: | Experiments were conducted to determine the role of drone mandibular gland secretions in attracting flying drones and the effect of age on the secretory activity. Extracts of mandibular glands and of cephalic tissues were applied to cotton lures which were attached below balloons tethered at 8–12 m above the ground. Most flying drones were attracted to extracts of mandibular glands but a few were drawn to other cephalic tissues or to solvent controls. Histological and electron microscope studies showed that the structure of the tiny (0.12 mm long) mandibular gland varied according to age. Its secretory activity in 0–3-day old drones was evident from the abundant rough endoplasmic reticulum. At 7-days the glands were fully developed. After 9 days the glands were no longer active and showed an autolytic process; the product was stored in the gland lumen for further emission during drone mating flights. |
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| Keywords: | Mandibular gland drone activity structure To whom correspondence should be addressed. |
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