Abstract
The venom gland of workers of Pachycondyla (= Neoponera) apicalis (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) contains the bitter-tasting cyclic dipeptide of leucine and phenylalanine [cyclo-leu-phe or 3-benzyl-6-(2-methylpropyl)-2,5-piperazinedione]. The venom also contains proteins of undetermined activity. It is suggested that the function of the venom may be both defensive and offensive. The mandibular glands of N. apicalis contains δ-decalactone and benzaldehyde.
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Lopez, L.C., Morgan, E.D. Explanation of Bitter Taste of Venom of Ponerine Ant, Pachycondyla apicalis . J Chem Ecol 23, 705–712 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEC.0000006405.26872.ef
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:JOEC.0000006405.26872.ef