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Abstract
Class III tegumental glands were described in the gastral sternites of Polistes nimpha (Christ) according to the main structural pattern of these exocrine organs. Each gland consists of a monocellular secretory unit, provided with a cuticular end apparatus and duct. Organelles related to proteosynthesis and product deposits were detected in the cytoplasm of the secretory cell. Secretory product was also observed within the exigous reservoir compartment holding the branched end apparatus. These findings, compared with previous investigations, confirm ultrastructural homogeneity among tegumental, or at least epiblast-derived, exocrine glands in hymenopterans, although their functional role may differ.