ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
4-Methyl-3-heptanone
;
4-methyl-3-hexanone
;
4-methyl-3-heptanol
;
castes
;
Atta laevigata
;
Formicidae
;
Attini
;
leaf-cutting ant
;
mandibular gland
;
behavior
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Gas chromatography analyses and behavioral assays showed that Atta laevigata, a highly polymorphic ant species, has a mandibular gland secretion that varies with castes. All castes contain 4-methyl-3-heptanone as the main component and its concentration is proportional to head size. Small workers and soldiers, but not medium size workers, also contain 4-methyl-3-heptanol. Queens show variations in their chemical composition after mating, as virgin males contain a secretion dominated by 4-methyl-3-heptanol, and, in a lesser proportion, 4-methyl-3-heptanone. In mated males these proportions are inverted. The compounds 4-methyl-6-hepten-3-one, 4-methyl-4-hepten-3-one, 6-methyl-tetradecene, and 2,6-dimethyl-2-dodecene are found only in queens. The behavioral response elicited by the secretion is mainly alarm, which is elicited more strongly by glands of larger workers. The results suggest that chemical castes, behavioral castes, and morphological castes overlap in this species.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1020813905989
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