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Published on: February 3, 2020
Pygidial Glands in Carabidae, an Overview of Morphology and Chemical Secretion
Anita Giglio1, Maria Luigia Vommaro1, Pietro Brandmayr1
1Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Science, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy.
Abstract:
Predator community structure is an important selective element shaping the evolution of prey defence traits and strategies. Carabid beetles are one of the most diverse families of Coleoptera, and their success in terrestrial ecosystems is related to considerable morphological, physiological, and behavioural adaptations that provide protection against predators. Their most common form of defence is the chemical secretion from paired abdominal pygidial glands that produce a heterogeneous set of carboxylic acids, quinones, hydrocarbons, phenols, aldehydes, and esters. This review attempts to update and summarise what is known about the pygidial glands, with particular reference to the morphology of the glands and the biological function of the secretions.
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