The aim of this work was to study the feeding habits of the predator Brontocoris tabidus (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) analyzing the salivary gland complex (SGC). The SGC was dissected and subjected to histological analyses and biochemical assays. Results showed that a pair of bilobed principal salivary glands and one pair of tubular accessory salivary glands form the SGC and different parts of salivary gland synthesizes similar substances.Lipases, α-amylase and trypsin-like enzymes were detected at both lobes of the principal salivary gland. These data together with observations related to the predator's diet suggested that it could be considered an obligate zoophytophagous.

Morphology of the antennae of the female workers of the ponerine ant Dinoponera lucida was examined by light and scanning electron microscopy. In several antennomers, we found secretory gland cells of class I and III. Class III gland cells release their secretion through single pores in the antennal surface, whereas class I secretory cells are seen as tall epidermal cells close to the cuticle. Both gland types have weak reaction for total proteins and neutral polysaccharides. Six distinct sensilla types were observed: trichodea, chaetica, campaniform, basiconica, placodea, and coeloconica. The possible sensory functions of these sensilla and the gland functions are discussed.

The origin of the peritrophic membrane (PM) in bees is still a matter of debate. It is either of type I (synthesized by the entire midgut epithelium) or of type II (released from the anterior midgut end). The present study identified secretory sites of peritrophin-55 kDa, a PM protein in larvae of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides. Peritrophin-55 was isolated from PMs and was used for the production of a polyclonal antibody. Our study demonstrates the presence of peritrophin-55 in vesicles and on microvilli of digestive cells and in the PM. It suggests that the PM is of type-I, being specific for the larval phase of this stingless bee.

The rectum of the bee Oxaea flavescens contains six hollow rectal papillae, in contrast to rectal pads found in others Hymenoptera. The rectal epithelium is formed by cubical cells with structural specializations for fluid transport, such as apical plasma membrane invaginations, endocytic vesicles, scalariform junctions, wide extracellular space and double-membrane vesicles. Globular-shaped cells form the rectal papillae with surface plasma membrane invaginations that vary from small depressions to very large sinuses. The cell-cell contact is narrow, exhibiting extensive regions with scalariform junction, while cytoplasmic free ribosome-like material is prominent. These ultrastructural features are discussed in relation to their role in excretion in this bee.