| Summary: | Tetraponera rufonigra Jerdon, 1851, is one of the most dangerous ants, whose apex of gaster
region contains a sting structure with a complex venom gland. Here, we describe the systemic
organ system of T. rufonigra using histological techniques. The venom gland of T. rufonigra
was located above the mesentero-proctodeal region, which could be histologically classified
into two parts; the venom gland reservoir and the venom gland tubes. The venom gland tubes
were lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium, whereas the venom gland reservoir was enclosed
with simple squamous epithelium. The pygidial gland was localized near the cuticle as
clusters, and each of the oval shape pygidial gland cells contained a spherical nucleus
surrounded by acidophilic cytoplasm. High magnification observation showed that the
integumentary system consists of three layers; epicuticle, exocuticle, and endocuticle. The
digestive system was a single narrow tube consisting of the foregut, midgut, and hindgut.
Five to six rectal papillae were found in the hindgut. The urinary system was made up of
Malpighian tubules, which lined with simple cuboidal epithelium and tracheal embedded in
the adipose tissue. The respiratory system was composed of spiracles and trachea adjacent to
the integument, all of which were surrounded by a simple squamous epithelium. In the
nervous system, several ganglia were found in this study. There were two layers in each
ganglion: outer cortex and inner medullar layers. Several cell types were observed in the
cortex layer including the neurosecretory cells, the neuroglia, and neurons. The outcomes of
this study could provide a useful basis for future research on the family Formicidae.
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