THE ANTENNA CLEANER GLAND IN MESSOR RUFITARSIS (HYMENOPTERA, FORMICIDAE)

TEM and SEM analysis of the tibio-tarsal antennal cleaner in Messor ru fitarsis reveals a pore region on the surface of the basitarsus, These pores are originating from a cluster of highly prismatic epidermal ce lls that fill the anterior hemolymph space of the leg almost completel y. Within the cytoplasma of the cells, basal labyrinth, nucleus/rough endoplasmic reticulum, 'secondary lysosomes', a lot of smooth endoplas mic reticulum and distal microvilli regions can be distinguished indic ating that the cells are 'class I' gland cells. Their secretion appear s to be transported to the antennal cleaner apparatus via a subcuticul ar space and pores, It is suggested that the secretion might be used f or cleaning of the antenna and/or chemical communication, SEM examinat ion of six additional species indicates that an antennal cleaner gland might be present throughout the ants.