PLATE 1.8. QUEEN TENTORIAL PITS

TOP. Frontal view of antennae (top) and the clypeus with labrum (bottom). Two anterior tentorial pits (arrows), lying on the epistomal sulcus, are cannular (tubular) structures that extend inward to form part of the tentorium (internal skeleton) of the head. The latter provides general structural support and cuticular braces for muscle attachment. (x 90)

BOTTOM RIGHT. Close-up of the right anterior tentorial pit. This is one of the openings of the two hollow cuticular tubes that extend through to the posterior tentorial pits. (x 600)

BOTTOM LEFT. Higher magnification of the queen right anterior tentorial pit. ( x 750)