Observations on the Morphology and Histochemistry of the Venom Glands of a Scorpion, Urodacus Novaehollandiae Peters (Scorpionidae).

Abstract

Sixteen specimens of U. novaehollandiae were examined by histological techniques; one scorpion and the ejected venom of another were examined by electron microscopy. The venom glands are complex and contain two types of secretory epithelial cells: goblet and columnar or bottle-shaped cells. Of the four histologically distinct secretory products, two are found in the goblet cells only, one occurs in the columnar and the bottle-shaped cells, and one is found in both types of cells. The secretory products contain proteins, indole compounds, PAS-positive and acidic mucosubstances. The composition of U. novaehollandiae venom is compared with that of two other species of Scorpionidae. The venom from milked glands is replaced within 6 h.