Publication Type

Journal Article

Journal Name

Insectes Sociaux

Publication Date

12-1-1980

Abstract

Studies on the changes in sizes of corpora allata (CA) and prothoracic glands (PG) reveal a role of the CA in the differentiation of soldiers in Macrotermes michaelseni. This is indicated by an enlargement of the glands in the fourth instar larvae which moult into major presoldiers. Presoldiers also have enlarged C.A. Therefore, active glands seem to be required throughout normal development of soldiers. The glandular enlargement is not marked in the larvae which develop into workers, but there is an appreciable enlargement of the CA during nymphal development. This, however, is due more to proliferation of glandular cells than to increased cell volume. Our, results, therefore, provide no evidence for a role of the CA in the differentiation of workers or reproductives. On the other hand, nymphs were shown to have very much enlarged PG as compared to those of larvae. It is not clear whether this enlargement is associated with the differentiation of characters of the reproductives or if it reflects just a normal requirement of hormone for growth which is marked in this caste. © 1980 Masson.

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