Morphology and ultrastructure of the antennal glands in the Samsum ant, Brachyponera (Pachycondyla) sennarensis

Glands in the antennal club of the workers of Brachyponera (Pachycondyla) sennaarensis are  the  member of exocrine system  and these were reported for the first time in  the ants, Solenopsis invicta by Buren, 1972.  These are of three types depending on their structure and loci on the lumen of the antenna. Their occurrence was identified by a uniform circumferential or peripheral round ring of fine pores in base of the all antennal segment and these were observed in all antennomeres with more conspicuous in the middle of the antenna. These three types of antennal glands were labeled as  type A (GhA) are located close to the antennal surface having bi-cellular  structure including a large secretory cell and a small duct cell,  type B (GhB), is a structure constituted with three cells having two secretary cells  and a duct cell. However, third type (GhC), are fewer in  numbers and located deep inside the lumen of the antennal club close to the trophocytes. Cue of three categories of the glands suggests the multi variety of secretions, hence the possible role of these glands are discussed. Evacuating canal in between the other antennomere than VII and VIII were  not observed. Their possible functions have also been discussed.

Keywords:  Formicidae, Brachyponera ( Pachycondyla ) sennaarensis, ponerinae,  exocrine glands, flagellomere