Dufour's gland and its role in secretion of nest cell lining in bees of the genusColletes (Hymenoptera: Colletidae) |
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| Authors: | K R Albans R T Aplin J Brehcist J F Moore C O'toole |
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| Affiliation: | (1) Dyson Perrins Laboratory, Oxford University, South Parks Road, OX1 3QY Oxford, UK;(2) Hope Entomological Collections, University Museum, OX1 3PW Oxford, UK |
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| Abstract: | The liquid secretion of the Dufour's gland in mated females comprises a mixture of macrocyclic lactones, straight chain mono- and dicarboxylic acids, together with trace amounts of di- and trihydroxy monocarboxylic acids and a series ofn-alkanes. Polymerization of the liquid to form the membranous nest cell lining, which also contains alanine and glutamic acid as major constituents, may be mediated by an enzyme from the thoracic salivary gland and voided via the mouth. The composition and structure of the cell linings are similar to those of Wigglesworth's  cuticulin. |
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| Keywords: | Colletes spp bees Hymenoptera Colletidae Dufour's gland secretion nest cell lining |
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