ISSN:
1573-1561
Keywords:
Ants
;
Dacetini
;
Daceton armigerum
;
Hymenoptera
;
Formicidae
;
poison gland
;
pygidial gland
;
sternal gland
;
mandibular gland
;
trail communication
;
alarm communication
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Contrary to previous assumptions,Daceton armigerum, the largest ant in the myrmicine tribe Dacetini, employs trail communication. We identified two anatomical sources of trail pheromones: Trails drawn with poison gland contents can last for more than seven days. Trails drawn with the newly discovered sternal glands (in the VIth and VIIth abdominal sternites) are effective but relatively short-lived. In addition, our bioassays revealed that the contents of the mandibular glands elicit alarm behavior, and secretions from the pygidial gland release attraction. When tested with artificial poison gland trails from seven other myrmicine species,Daceton did not exhibit trail following behavior. We confirmed, however, previous findings thatAtta respond toDaceton poison gland trails andSolenopsis followDaceton Dufour's gland trails.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01021020
