01582nas a2200193 4500008004100000245009800041210006900139260001400208300000800222490000700230520092500237653003001162653001501192653001901207653001601226100001801242700003201260856009601292 2018 eng d00aMorphology and ultrastructure of the venom gland in the ant Brachyponera sennaarensis.0 aMorphology and ultrastructure of the venom gland in the ant iBra c13.2.2018 a1-90 v103 a

We studied the morphology and ultrastructure of the venom gland of queens and workers of the samsum ant Brachyponera sennaarensis, which is known for its very painful sting. The general anatomical features of the gland are similar to those of other ants. The secretory cells do not have a granular endoplasmic reticulum, but contain numerous scattered free ribosomes and a well-developed Golgi apparatus. The convoluted gland represents an additional secretory tissue, in which the venom reaches its final toxicity. A considerable muscular supply surrounds the venom reservoir, and allows a forceful squeezing out of the venom during stinging. The ants have a mainly granivorous diet during the dry season, and feed on animal prey during the rainy season. For their prey hunting, and possibly also to protect the stored seeds against potential seed thieves, they need to rely on a powerful venom gland.

10aBrachyponera sennaarensis10amorphology10aultrastructure10avenom gland1 aBillen, Johan1 aAl-Khalifa, Mohammed, Saleh uhttp://www.asian-myrmecology.org/publications/am10/billen-and-al-khalifa-2018-am010005.pdf