Atta sexdens

Atta sexdens sexdens W-VG Trail following 3- Ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine 65 methyl 4- methylpyrrole-2-carboxylate 64 [163]... 

Alkylpyrazines, which are commonly produced in the mandibular glands of ants and wasps (1 ), appear to have a limited distribution in the venoms of ants. 2,5-Dimethyl-3-ethylpyrazine (XXII) has been identified as a trace constituent in the venom of Atta sexdens (15), a myrmicine species that also produces a pyrrole (X) as a poison gland product. 

Fig. 93 Soil resistance to penetration and fine-root length density in the soil beneath cutter ant nests (Atta sexdens) and beneath neighboring forest without nest influence.

Moutinho, P. R. S. 1998b. O papel das sauvas (Atta sexdens) na sucessao florestal em pastagens abandonadas na Amazdnia. Ph.D. Thesis, Universidade Estadual de, Campinas, Sao Paulo. 

Tryptamine (1) appears to be a precursor of the plant growth hormone lAA (indole acetic acid) (2) (Fig. 28.4). This compound also is produced in the metathoracic glands of the leafcutter ant, Atta sexdens, and is a factor in the ant s culture of fungi on fresh leaf material. Gall-forming wasps and a number of other insects also synthesize lAA (Schild-knecht, 1976). 

Atta sexdens, all attack intruders from alien colonies or species, but recognition at the species level takes place when the ants are separated by 0.5-1.5 cm, whereas the corresponding range for intraspecies recognition is 0-0.8 cm (Jutsum, 1979). This implies a difference in the chemical signals involved. 

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