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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Maricopa, Arizona » U.S. Arid Land Agricultural Research Center » Pest Management and Biocontrol Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #242164
Title: General Dissection of Female Ant Reproductive System and Brain

Author
item DOLEZAL, ADAM - Arizona State University
item Brent, Colin

Submitted to: Cold Spring Harbor Protocols
Publication Type: Research Notes
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/16/2009
Publication Date: 7/29/2009
Citation: Dolezal, A., Brent, C.S. 2009. General Dissection of Female Ant Reproductive System and Brain. Cold Spring Harbor Protocols.

Interpretive Summary: Dissection of the reproductive system of ant workers and queens can be useful for answering many questions. Observations of ovarian status in both female castes can be used to identify relationships between other factors and the ovaries, determine whether an individual has laid eggs, and, with more advanced molecular techniques, identify the end product of the oocyte in question (e.g., trophic egg, viable egg, nonviable egg). In addition, dissection of queens allows for observation of the spermatheca (the sperm storage organ), and thus identification of whether an individual has mated. Sperm can also be sampled for genetic analyses. In this protocol, we describe the dissection of the female ant reproductive system. We also discuss dissection of the corpora allata glands, where juvenile hormone is produced.

Technical Abstract: Dissection of the reproductive system of ant workers and queens can be useful for answering many questions. Observations of ovarian status in both female castes can be used to identify relationships between other factors and the ovaries, determine whether an individual has laid eggs, and, with more advanced molecular techniques, identify the end product of the oocyte in question (e.g., trophic egg, viable egg, nonviable egg). In addition, dissection of queens allows for observation of the spermatheca (the sperm storage organ), and thus identification of whether an individual has mated. Sperm can also be sampled for genetic analyses. In this protocol, we describe the dissection of the female ant reproductive system. We also discuss dissection of the corpora allata glands, where juvenile hormone is produced.