Occurrence and Location of Exocrine Glands in Some Social Vespidae (Hymenoptera)1

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Abstract
Queens of 12 species of yellowjackets (Vespula Thamson/Dolichovespula Rohwer), as well as Vespa crabro L., Polistes fuscatus (F.), and Mischocyttarus flavitarsis (Saussure), were dissected in a search for exocrine glands. Fourteen glands or gland systems were found, including 4 previously unreported glands associated with the mouth parts and an additional abdominal gland. Another unreported abdominal gland was found in males of Mischocyttarus flavitarsis. Most appear to be widely occurring in the social Vespidae. Some changes in gland development were documented in relation to season and colony development, suggesting possible functions. There were differences in the occurrence of certain glands among species groups and genera. The extensive exocrine gland systems found in vespid queens are probably associated with colony founding by queens as well as intensive use of chemical communication.

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