ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Myrmecocystus species
;
Hymenoptera
;
Formicidae
;
mandibular glands
;
Dufour's gland
;
chemosystematics
;
sex pheromones
;
defensive allomones
;
methyl anthranilate
;
citral
;
methyl salicylate
;
tridecyl esters
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Males of several species ofMyrmecocystus produce mandibular gland secretions that contain 2,4-dimethyl-2-hexenoic acid and a variety of monoterpenes that include neral, geranial, citronellol, limonene, and 2,6-dimethyl-5-hepten-1-ol. Other components identified include methyl anthranilate, octanal, octanol, octyl octanoate, and 2-hexyl-2-decenal. Methyl salicylate has been identified as a mandibular gland constituent of workers of several species in addition to mellein and monoterpenes such as cymene, limonene, and the isomers of citral. The Dufour's gland secretions of workers and females of 14 species contain typical formicine alkanes (e.g., undecane), 2-alkanols (e.g., 2-tridecanol), and 2-alkanones (e.g., 2-tridecanone). Two species in the subgenusEremnocystus produce secretions that are distinguished by the presence of significant quantities of tridecyl esters. The functions of these compounds as well as their possible chemosystematic significance in the genusMyrmecocystus are discussed.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01014734
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