[Tarsal gland of the ticks Ixodes persulcatus and Ixodes ricinus (Ixodidae)].

A complicated multicellular gland is situated in tarsi of all the legs, occupying one third to half of the segment. Glandular cells form a single-layer sack; inner surface of the sack (gland cavity) is enveloped by a multilayer membrane. Cuticular rods connecting muscles with the claw pass inside this cavity. Glandular cells are characterized by the presence of numerous apical microvilli associated with accumulations of mitochondria, and secretory vacuoles enclosed in cellular membranes. The basal part of each cell contains lipid vacuoles and glycogen granules. The possibility of the track contact pheromone's production by the tarsal gland is discussed.