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Mandibular gland chemistry of grass-cutting ants: Species, caste, and colony variation

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-08, 19:01 authored by William O H Hughes, Philip E Howse, Dave GoulsonDave Goulson
The compositions of the alarm pheromones of two species of grass-cutting ant, Atta bisphaerica and A. capiguara, were examined, and caste and colony variations quantified. The pheromones of A. bisphaerica and A. capiguara were remarkably similar and were composed of a complex mixture of volatiles in which 4-methyl-3-heptanone and 2-heptanone were the most abundant compounds. Small but consistent intraspecific differences were found between the worker castes and between individual colonies. The results support the view that alarm pheromones are rarely species specific. The possible importance of intercolony variation is discussed.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Journal of Chemical Ecology

ISSN

0098-0331

Publisher

Springer Verlag

Issue

1

Volume

27

Page range

109-124

Department affiliated with

  • Evolution, Behaviour and Environment Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2014-11-26

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