Harpegnathos saltator

A polyketide/fatty acid-type metabolic route using three propionate units has been shown by stable isotope-labeled probes and MS to the biosynthetic route towards the production of the insect pheromone (Sl-d-methyl-d-heptanone in the ant Harpegnathos saltator. 

Do Nascimento, R., Billen, J. R and Morgan, E.D. (1993). The exocrine secretions of the jumping ant Harpegnathos saltator. Comp. Biochem. Physiol., 104B, 505-508. 

Single versus multiple compounds and compound classes Qualitative differences are normally associated with multiple compounds involved. The exception here is the ant Harpegnathos saltator, since the difference is more a shift in chain length rather than the synthesis of new compounds (Liebig et al., 2000). 

Liebig, J. (1998). Eusociality, female caste dimorphism, and regulation of reproduction in the ponerine Ant Harpegnathos saltator Jerdon. Berlin Wissenschaft und Technik Verlag and doctoral thesis, University of Wurzburg. 

Liebig, J., Peeters, C., Oldham, N. J., Markstadter, C and Holldobler B. (2000). Are variations in cuticular hydrocarbons of queens and workers a reliable signal of fertility in the ant Harpegnathos saltator Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 97, 4124-4131. 

Peeters, C., Liebig, J. and Holldobler, B. (2000). Sexual reproduction by both queens and workers in the ponerine ant Harpegnathos saltator. Insect. Soc., 47, 325-332. 

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