Ultrastructural study of tergal and posterior sternal glands in Prorhinotermes simplex (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

In Prorhinotermes simplex, tergal glands are present on the last three tergites (from the 8th to the 10th) in imagoes of both sexes. In addition, males possess posterior sternal glands of the same structure on sternites 8 and 9. The tergal and the posterior sternal glands consist of four cell types: class 1 and class 2 secretory cells, and class 3 cells with corresponding canal cells. The cytoplasm of class 1 cells contains smooth endoplasmic reticulum, elongated mitochondria and numerous microtubules. Apical parts of these cells are formed by dense and long microvilli with a central ductule. Class 2 cells contain predominantly lucent vacuoles (in females) or lipid droplets (in males). The structure of class 3 cells does not differ from class 3 cells found in other body parts.