Morphology and Chemical Contents of Dufour Glands of Pseudomyrmex Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

Abstract The morphology and ultrastructure of the Dufour gland of a pseudomyrmecine ant is described. The gland has an unusually large volume but possesses a very thin epithelial lining. Its morphology does not constitute a specific subfamily character as in some ant subfamilies. Analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the glands of three species showed them all to be rich in saturated linear hydrocarbons (C17:0 and C15:0 dominant) and isopropyl esters of the common fatty acids. Each species produces its own characteristic mixture of these substances. The most abundant ester in Pseudomyrmex ferruginea is isopropyl oleate and in P. sp. A it is isopropyl palmitate, in P.flavicornis there is only a trace of isopropyl palmitate. An alate female of P. ferruginea contained a very similar mixture to that of the workers.