ANATOMY AND HISTOLOGY OF THE DUFOUR AND VENOM GLANDS OF AUGOCHLOROPSIS GRAMINEA FABRICIUS, 1804

Abstract

The Dufour and the venom glands of the solitary bee Augochloropsis graminea were studied through routine light and scanning electron microscopy. The Dufour gland is an accessory gland of the female reproductive apparatus of the bees, where plays functions related to reproduction. The venom gland produces the venom, which is injected during the sting. The results showed that Dufour gland in A. graminea is a long, tubular structure enveloped by a very organized web of tracheoles. The epithelium is folded, resulting an irregular lumen. The venom gland presents all the principal constituents of the venom gland observed in other bees (secretory filaments, common duct and reservoir), besides some globular enlargements placed along the secretory filaments. This is the first time these structures are described in bee venom glands and may represent some specialized region of the secretory filament. Key words: Dufour gland, venom gland, Augochloropis graminea, solitary bees, anatomy, histology.