Journal of Chemical Ecology

, Volume 10, Issue 12, pp 1731–1747 | Cite as

Identification and source of a queen-specific chemical in the pharaoh's ant,Monomorium pharaonis (L.)

  • J. P. Edwards
  • J. Chambers
Article
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Revised:

Abstract

Fertile queens of the antMonomorium pharaonis produce a chemical substance which is not present in worker ants or in young, alate (virgin) queens. The material has been identified as (E,E,E)-1-isopropenyl-4,8,12-trimethylcyclotetradeca-3,7,11-triene (neocembrene). This chemical is produced in the Dufour's gland of fertile queens and may serve as a queen-recognition pheromone.

Key words

Ants Hymenoptera Formicidae Monomorium pharaonis caste diterpene neocembrene exocrine Dufour's pheromone queen substance 
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Copyright information

© Plenum Publishing Corporation 1984

Authors and Affiliations

  • J. P. Edwards
    • 1
  • J. Chambers
    • 1
  1. 1.Fisheries and Food Slough LaboratoryMinistry of AgricultureSloughUK

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