PLATE 2.40. WORKER STING

BOTTOM RIGHT Exposed sting apparatus, ventral view. The base of the lancets extends upward into the right and left cuticular arcs (each made up of the first and second rami). At their base and extending laterally and down is the oblong plate. On the lateral margin of the plate is the quadrate plate, a shieldlike vestige of the ninth tergite. The two lobes of the sting sheath angle toward the distal lancets. (x 45)

MIDDLE. Distal tip of the sting. The serrated lancet is next to the protruding stylet. Not readily visible but present are campaniform sensilla assoclated with each barb (see also Plate 1.43, queen sting). (x 540)

TOP Photomontage of the sting, dorsal view. Visible are the first and second rami on the medial and lateral sides respectively of the doublearched extension of the triangular plate. This proximal part of the sting connects the lancets and stylet to the sting protractor muscles. A hairy lobe embraces the base of the lancets; this structure is believed to be the ventral wall of abdominal segment nine. (x 55)

BOTTOM LEFT Higher magnification of a barb on a lancet, about midway down the shaft of the lancet. (x 3,600)