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Hydrogen cyanide-producing glands in a scolopender,Asanada n.sp. (Chilopoda, scolopendridae)

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Abstract

A new type of defensive gland has been discovered in a scolopendromorph centipede,Asanada n.sp. The defensive secretion contains hydrogen cyanide and protein. It is produced in numerous unicellular glands, spread all over the body from the second to the next to the last body segment and over the legs. The morphology of the gland cells has been studied histologically. They contain two different secretions which are mixed during release.

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Maschwitz, U., Lauschke, U. & Würmli, M. Hydrogen cyanide-producing glands in a scolopender,Asanada n.sp. (Chilopoda, scolopendridae). J Chem Ecol 5, 901–907 (1979). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990212

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00990212

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