Morphology and Volatilomics of the Pre-Pharyngeal and Pharyngeal Glands of Paraponera clavata (Hymenoptera: Paraponerinae) and Pachycondyla crassinoda (Hymenoptera: Ponerinae) Workers.

Ants occur in a remarkable diversity of species, many of which fulfill essential ecological roles and exhibit complex eusocial behaviors. Among their unique adaptations are specialized exocrine glands, such as the pre-pharyngeal and pharyngeal glands, which produce secretions crucial for physiology and social cohesion. Despite their importance, these glands are poorly studied in Paraponerinae and Ponerinae species.