Free Access
| Issue |
Apidologie
Volume 38, Number 6, November-December 2007
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|---|---|---|
| Page(s) | 579 - 583 | |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1051/apido:2007043 | |
| Published online | 19 February 2008 | |
Apidologie 38 (2007) 579-583
DOI: 10.1051/apido:2007043
Zoological Institute, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
(Received 16 July 2007 - Revised 14 September 2007 - Accepted 23 September 2007 - Published online 19 February 2008)
Key words: morphology / lobe / Apis mellifera / drones
© INRA, DIB-AGIB, EDP Sciences 2008
DOI: 10.1051/apido:2007043
Morphology of the cervical lobe of the endophallus in Apis mellifera drones
Lien Moors and Johan BillenZoological Institute, University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
(Received 16 July 2007 - Revised 14 September 2007 - Accepted 23 September 2007 - Published online 19 February 2008)
Abstract - We investigated the morphology and ultrastructure of the cervical lobes of Apis mellifera drones with respect to age. The lobe epithelium decreases while the cuticle thickness increases as the drone gets older. Ultrastructural study revealed that the lobe has no secretory function but possibly acts as an inflatable bag during copulation.
Key words: morphology / lobe / Apis mellifera / drones
© INRA, DIB-AGIB, EDP Sciences 2008