Morphology of Nasonov and Tergal Glands in Apis mellifera Rebels.

ABSTRACT: Social insect societies are characterized by a high level of organization. This is made possible through a remarkably complex array of pheromonal signals produced by all members of the colony. The queen's pheromones signal the presence of a fertile female and induce daughter workers to remain sterile. However, the lack of the queen mandibular pheromone leads to the emergence of rebels, i.e., workers with increased reproductive potential. We suggested that the rebels would have developed tergal glands and reduced Nasonov glands, much like the queen but contrary to normal workers. Our guess turned out to be correct and may suggest that the rebels are more queen-like than previously thought. The tergal gland cells found in the rebels were numerous but they did not adhere as closely to one ano

SUBMITTER: Strachecka A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9146257 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature