• DOI:10.1007/BF00233615
• Corpus ID: 28786982

The labial gland system of larvae of the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren

@article{Petralia1980TheLG,
  title={The labial gland system of larvae of the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren},
  author={Ronald S. Petralia and A. Ann Sorensen and S. B. Vinson},
  journal={Cell and Tissue Research},
  year={1980},
  volume={206},
  pages={145-156}
}

• R. Petralia, A. Sorensen, S. Vinson
• Published 1 February 1980
• Biology
• Cell and Tissue Research

SummaryThe authors describe the ultrastructure of the labial gland system in imported fire ant larvae, Solenopsis invicta Buren and present an enzyme analysis of enzymes in labial-gland secretions and midgut contents. The tubes of the labial gland produce and secrete a proteinaceous substance rich in digestive enzymes. The narrow cells of the reservoir of the gland have little or no secretory function but the lumen stores the proteinaceous secretion. The labial-gland enzymes include proteases and amylases, which function in extraintestinal digestion of solid food placed on the anteroventral body region of 4th-instar larvae by adult workers. The midgut contains proteases, amylases, and upases. Lipids appear to be predigested by the workers before being fed to the larvae.