Abstract: Salivary glands and water management are the basis of termite social behavior and their ecological function. Salivary glands of termites consist of labral glands, mandibular glands, and labial glands. Labral glands in few termite species have been reported, but the generality for their existence in termites is questionable. Mandibular glands, a pair of smallsized glands located at the base of each side of the head cavity, are widely presented in different termite species. The secretions of the mandibular glands may be related to defense, caste differentiation and protection of the mandibular from abrasion. Labial glands, which are widespread in each caste individuals of various termite species, have the most complex function among all the external secretion glands of termites. Labial glands consist of labial glandular acini, labial gland reservoirs, and relevant ducts. The secretions of labial glands are composed of multiple chemicals, which play important roles in nutrition, defense, and water management. We reviewed the progresses in the anatomy, ultrastructure, chemical compositions and functions of the secretions, and water management of termite salivary glands. A potential mechanism underlying water management in termites wasproposed in this review.

Key words: nitrogen, biomass, photosynthesis., Fraxinus mandschurica, soil microbe, growth