Title: Functional morphology and evolution of the sting sheaths in Aculeata (Hymenoptera)

Creators: Alexander Kumpanenko, Dmytro Gladun, Lars Vilhelmsen

Accepted on June 28, 2019.
Published online at www.senckenberg.de/arthropod-systematics on September 17, 2019.
Published in print on September 27, 2019.

DOI: 10.26049/ASP77-2-2019-08
PDF/A 3.5 MB

Published by Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung

Date (Publication Year): 2019

Resource Type (General): TEXT

Resource Type (optional): Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny, Scientific Article

Description: The sting of the Aculeata or stinging wasps is a modified ovipositor; its function (killing or paralyzing prey, defense against predators) and the associated anatomical changes are apomorphic for Aculeata. The change in the purpose of the ovipositor/sting from being primarily an egg laying device to being primarily a weapon has resulted in modification of its handling that is supported by specific morphological adaptations. Here, we focus on the sheaths of the sting (3^rd valvulae = gonoplacs) in Aculeata, which do not penetrate and envenom the prey but are responsible for cleaning the ovipositor proper and protecting it from damage, identification of the substrate for stinging, and, in some taxa, contain glands that produce alarm pheromones. The3^rd valvulae may be divided into proximal and distal parts. No muscles insert on the 3^rd valvulae, and in the process of stinging the movements of the 3^rd valvulae are determined by the morphological features of the entire sting apparatus, e.g., the elastic cuticle between the 2^nd valvifers and 3^rd valvulae and also between the sclerites of the 3^rd valvulae. The return of the 3^rd valvulae to their resting position is facilitated by the presence of resilin-like proteins in these junctions. The structure and movements of the 3^rd valvulae are discussed in the context of the sting function in various groups of Aculeata. The evolution of the 3^rd valvulae is discussed; a secondary simplification of the 3^rd valvulae structure is observed in representatives of Vespidae, Formicidae, Colletidae, Apidae, Melittidae.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, phylogeny, resilin, sting apparatus, third valvulae.

Electronic Supplement Files:
File 1: kumpanenko&al-aculeatastingsheaths-asp2019-electronicsupplement-1.pdf
DOI: 10.26049/ASP77-2-2019-08/1
File 2: kumpanenko&al-aculeatastingsheaths-asp2019-electronicsupplement-2.pdf
DOI: 10.26049/ASP77-2-2019-08/2

Citation: Kumpanenko, A., Gladun, D., Vilhelmsen, L. (2019). Functional morphology and evolution of the sting sheaths in Aculeata (Hymenoptera). Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny, 77(2): 325-338. https://doi.org/10.26049/ASP77-2-2019-08