Rostral gland in soldiers of Verrucositermes sp. (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae)

Bc. Alena Füllsacková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

Termites (Dictyoptera: Isoptera; Blattodea: Termitoidae) belong to the most abundant animals in tropical ecosystem and they have colonised many habitats. There are roughly 3000 termite species described so far. Termites are known for their sheer abundance, pest statues and exceptional decomposing ability. The dead plant material is decomposed by termites and their allied symbiotic microorganisms. All termites are social insect with caste system and division of labour. Their communication is mostly based on glandular secretions. Termites possess 23 described glands so far. A variety functions has been described, production of pheromones, source of digestive enzymes or production of defensive chemicals. In following work, we are confirming glandular nature of the tubercles occurring on the head of soldiers Verrucositermes tuberosus (Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae). These structures were described to be connected to exocrine organ called rostral gland based on scanning electron microscopy observation. We employed techniques of optical and electron microscopy and found an exocrine gland consisting of numerous secretory cells, each connected to the exterior by a canal supported by a specialised cell (class III secretory cells). While the secretory cells are rich in organelles such as mitochondria, Golgi apparatus or glycogen, canal cells are virtually inactive.

Keywords

Termites, Isoptera, Blattodea, Termitoidae, Cephalic exocrine glands, Rostral gland, Microscopy

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 15. 6. 2020

Thesis defence

• Supervisor: doc. Mgr. Jan Šobotník, Ph.D.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences

Master programme / field:
Forestry Engineering / Forestry, Water and Landscape Management