Dufour's gland secretion of Myrmica rubra: Chemical, electrophysiological, and ethological studies
1976; Elsevier BV; Volume: 22; Issue: 7 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0022-1910(76)90073-1
ISSN1879-1611
AutoresM. -C. Cammaerts-Tricot, E. David Morgan, Robert C. Tyler, J. C. Braekman,
Tópico(s)Plant and animal studies
ResumoThe major volatile compounds of the Dufour's gland secretion of the ant Myrmica rubra have been identified as acetaldehyde, ethanol, acetone, and butanone, in the approximate ratios of 35:3:40:25, with a total content of 12 ng per gland. Ethological tests have shown that three effects recognized earlier for the Dufour's gland can be attributed to these components. Acetaldehyde synergized by ethanol produces an attractive effect on foraging workers. Acetone induces an increased linear speed, and changes in sinuosity of movement are induced by ethanol synergized by butanone. Ethanol, butanone, or mixtures of all four induce the deposition of Dufour's secretion on the foraging area.
Referência(s)