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The isolation, identification and synthesis of the alarm pheromone ofVespula squamosa (Drury) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and associated behavior

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Summary

A material that elicits alarm and attack behavior byVespula squamosa (Drury) workers was isolated from venom extracts and identified by spectroscopic methods as N-3-methylbutylacetamide. This compound elicited attack responses from worker wasps identical to those responses observed when venom was applied at the same dosage. This is the first behavioral role reported for this compound.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Insect Attractants, Behavior, and Basic Biology Research Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 32604, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    R. R. Heath & P. J. Landolt

Authors
  1. R. R. Heath
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  2. P. J. Landolt
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Additional information

The authors thank E. Adamak, R. Murphy and F. Takken for technical assistance. This article reports the results of research only. Mention of a proprietary product does not constitute an endorsement or the recommendation for its use by USDA.

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Heath, R.R., Landolt, P.J. The isolation, identification and synthesis of the alarm pheromone ofVespula squamosa (Drury) (Hymenoptera: Vespidae) and associated behavior. Experientia 44, 82–83 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01960257

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01960257

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