Ultrastructure of the tegumental glands of the third gastral tergite in male Parischnogaster mellyi (Saussure) (Hymenoptera Stenogastrinae)

Abstract

The subcellular features of the tergal glands of the third gastral segment are described in male Parischnogaster mellyi. Secretory cells were found to be engaged in exocytosis which leads to the release of a thin product with intracytoplasmic accumulation of residual secretory components in the form of fingerprint-like bodies. The most remarkable ultrastructural specialization in these cells is the secretory outflow pathway, which includes a deep reservoir, an evoluted end apparatus, a peculiar tracheiform duct, and a subtegumental utricular cistern, the “cuticular vessel”. Large amounts of secretory product may be discharged on the tergal surface from the utricles, following the abdominal movements characteristic of male patrolling.

KEY WORDS:

• male patrolling
• stenogastrine wasps
• class III glands