Abstract
In the head of the Blattaria, the exocrine glandular system exhibits an unsuspected complexity and important variations between different evolutionary branches. Seven types of glands were described: (1) mandibular, (2) inferior and (3) superior hypostomal, (4) maxillary, (5) hypopharyngeal, (6) intra-labial and (7) accessory labial glands. In a given species, the number of glands varies between 1 and 6 pairs. The distribution of these glands supports McKittrick's (1964) classification. Comparatively, the exocrine glandular system is much simpler in the Termites (Isoptera); the less evolved families possess mandibular and hypopharyngeal glands; the more evolved families, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae, exhibit only the mandibular glands. The evolution of this glandular system has been discussed and compared with those of the abdominal glands. Excepting the mandibular glands of Blaberus (which secrete an aggregation pheromone), the function of the cephalic glands is unknown. Most of them open outside the head; this situation is barely reconcilable with a digestive function.
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