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A novel exocrine gland in the trochanter of ant legs
Author(s) -
Billen Johan
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
acta zoologica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.414
H-Index - 37
eISSN - 1463-6395
pISSN - 0001-7272
DOI - 10.1111/j.1463-6395.2008.00323.x
Subject(s) - biology , anatomy , cuticle (hair) , ant , thickening , greater trochanter , exocrine gland , secretion , endocrinology , paleontology , ecology , materials science , femur , polymer science
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.