The stridulatory organ of four Messor ant species (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

The stridulatory organ of four ant species of the genus Messor was investigated by a SEM analysis providing the first report on the presence and morphological characteristics of this organ in all casres of M. minor and M. wasmanni. Gynes, males and workers of M. capitatus as well as gynes and workers of M. structor were examined and further information on their stridulatory organ were collected. In the studied species the file or pars stridens occurs mid-dorsally on the fourth abdominal segment, a position regarded as typical of Formicidae. The size and the general outline of the file vary with the caste and the species. The scraper or plectrum is represented by a thickened portion of the posterior margin of the third abdominal tergite lying over the file. Several morphological parameters were measured and a comparison both within and between the species was made. The possible role of acoustical communication in the social organization of these ants was also discussed