Received: November 8, 2007.

Accepted: January 29, 2008.

Abstract published online: February 7, 2008.

Full paper published online: August 31, 2008.

THE VENOM GLAND OF THE SCORPION SPECIES Euscorpius mingrelicus (SCORPIONES: EUSCORPIIDAE): MORPHOLOGICAL AND ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION

YIGIT N (1), BENLI M (2)

(1) Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Arts, Kirikkale University, Kirikkale, Turkey; (2) Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey.

ABSTRACT: The histology and ultrastructure of venom glands in the scorpion Euscorpius mingrelicus (Kessler, 1874) are described and illustrated in the current study for the first time by employing light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The venom apparatus is composed of a pair of venom glands and a stinger, both situated in the last segment of the metasoma. The venom glands are completely separate but similar. The two glands are segregated within the telson by striated muscle bundles, and their outer surfaces are surrounded by a cuticle. An internal layer constitutes the secretory epithelium. This epithelium is made up of simple columnar cells. The nucleus and organelles involved in cellular synthetic activity are situated basally. In the apical portion, near the gland lumen, there are many secretory granules of different sizes, shapes and electron densities.

KEY WORDS: Euscorpius mingrelicus, scorpion, telson, venom gland, histology, ultrastructure.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

MEHLIKA BENLI, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey. Fax: +903122232395. Email: mehlikabenli_76@hotmail.com.