Abstract: Dufour gland is an abdominal exocrine gland associated to the reproductive apparatus in all aculeate hymenopteran females. It is morphologically similar and of tubular shape with numerous oily secrete contents. Most of the secretions are blends of saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons. A broad array of these chemicals were involved in a number of physiological and semiochemical functions, such as assisting reproduction as lubricant to fast the egg laid, playing intricate roles in communication and defense as pheromone, serving as larval food, etc. In this article, the morphology and chemical composition of Dufour gland were introduced, the ways that the secretions are synthesized were discussed, and the functions of the secretions were reviewed.  

Key words: Dufour gland, morphology, source, chemical component, pheromone