The dorsoproximal intramandibular gland in Leptanilla clypeata, a novel exocrine gland in ants

Workers of Leptanilla clypeata have a conspicuous epithelial gland underneath the dorsoproximal part of the mandibles that is different from all other intramandibular glands that are so far found in ants. Because of its unique location, we suggest to name this novel structure as the 'dor-soproximal intramandibular gland'. The gland occurs in an excavation of the mandibular cuticle and is made up by columnar cells with apical microvilli and basal invaginations. The presence of smooth endoplasmic reticulum indicates the elaboration of a non-proteinaceous secretion, although the func-tion of the novel gland remains unknown.