Abstract
The last tarsal segment and pretarsus of adult bumble bees are described. The tarsal gland on the fifth tarsomere of each leg in all individuals of a colony consists of simple glandular epithelium surrounding a reservoir in which its secretory products accumulate. Movement of the pretarsus in and out of the fifth tarsomere helps to discharge the secretion of the gland onto the ventral surface of the arolium. Study of the fine structure of the glandular cells reveals the presence of cytoplasmic organelles involved in secretion. The apical surface of the cells bears numerous microvilli associated with a smooth endoplasmic reticulum. Ergastoplasm is mainly located in the basal region. The spherical or ovoid nucleus is generally located basally and the cytoplasm contains uniformly distributed Golgi complexes, ribosomes which vary in number from one area to another, more or less electron-dense multivesicular bodies, mitochondria, and pinocytotic vesicles and coated vesicles in the cytoplasm of the apical area. Interdigitations and desmosomes contribute to the cohesion of cells within the epithelium. The tarsal gland of bumble bees is compared with that of other insects, and the function of its secretion is considered.
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