ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Hymenoptera
;
Apidae
;
Euglossini
;
floral fragrance
;
fungi
;
skatole
;
chemical ecology
;
orchid
;
rotting wood
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract We present chemical analysis of four rotten or fungus-infected logs that attracted fragrance-collecting male euglossine bees. Eight of the 10 volatile compounds detected have never been found in the fragrances of orchids pollinated by male euglossine bees. Nonfloral sources of chemicals such as rotting wood may constitute an important fragrance resource for male bees. Since rotten logs produce large quantities of chemicals over long periods of time, such nonfloral sources might be more important than flowers as a source of certain fragrances for some euglossine bee species. Fragrance collecting in euglossine bees might have evolved originally in relation with rotting wood rather than flowers.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00980599
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