Histology and histochemistry of the ventriculus of Dolichoderus (=Monacis) bispinosus (OLIVIER, 1792) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

In this study we histologically and histochemically describe the ventriculus of Dolichoderus bispinosus. The epithelium consists of two basic cell types, highly basophilic generative cells, and digestive cells. The latter present several cytoplasmic vesicles, rich in acidic and neutral polysaccharides, and basic proteins. Also, these cells exhibit an apocrine secretion pattern. A mass of fibrous material is observed on the surface of the epithelium. Finally, we discuss the results obtained.