Functional morphology, Hymenoptera

"The poison gland and Dufour’s gland are the two glands associated with the sting apparatus in female
Apocrita (Hymenoptera). While the poison gland usually functions as an integral part of the venom delivery
system, the Dufour’s gland has been found to differ in its function in various hymenopteran groups.
Like all exocrine glands, the function of the Dufour’s gland is to secrete chemicals, but the nature and
function of the secretions varies in different taxa. Functions of the Dufour’s gland secretions range from
serving as a component of material used in nest building, larval food, and pheromones involved in communicative
functions that are important for both solitary and social species. This review summarizes the
different functions reported for the Dufour’s gland in hymenopterans, illustrating how the Dufour’s gland
secretions can be adapted to give rise to various functions in response to different challenges posed by the
ways of life followed by different taxa. Aspects of development, structure, chemistry and the evolution of
different functions are also touched upon briefly."