The Morphology and Histology of the Hymenopterous Poison Apparatus. II. Pogonomyrmex badius (Formicidae)1

Abstract

Although there is a general similarity in the poison apparatus of various ant species, that of Pogonomyrmex badius (Latreille) differs in several respects from those of species previously reported. Glandular and reservoir regions, sclerites, and 11 associated muscle groups make up the apparatus, described here in detail. Chief differences occur in the sclerites. The glandular and reservoir structures are similar to those reported for the imported fire ant, Solenopsis saevissima richteri Forel, except that a poison filter is lacking in P. badius. A small, delicate furcula functions in a fashion identical to that of the much larger and stronger furculas found in other ants. There are some differences between the lancet barbs of P. badius and those of other Pogonomyrmex species. The severe effects of stings are described and discussed, as is the occasional inability of this ant to retract its lancets from the victim.