Myrmica Pheromones

R) and (S)-3-octanol, (i )-2-dodecanol, (i )-2-methyl-4-heptanol and (i )-2-methyl-4-octanol, the pheromones of Myrmica scabrinodis, Crematogaster castanea, C. liengmei, C. auberti and Metamasius hemipterus were synthesized starting from nonracemic P-hydroxy sulfides. 

Age effects may influence an individual s reaction to a chemical stimulus. Thus, in Myrmica rubra ants (see Section 11.5.3) callow individuals respond only to Dufour s gland secretions whereas older ants are attracted by both mandibular and Dufours gland pheromone (Cammaerts, 1974). Additionally, sensory adaptation or habituation can influence response level to a stimulus (Waage, 1979 Weseloh, 1980). 

Cammaerts, M. C. (1974) Production and perception of attractive pheromones by differently aged workers of Myrmica rubra (Hymenoptera Formicidae). Insectes Soc., 21, 235-48. 

Cammaerts, M. C., Inwood, M. R., Morgan, E. D., Parry, K. and Tyler, R. C. (1978) Comparative study of the pheromones emitted by workers of the ants Myrmica rubra and Myrmica scabrinodis. J. Insect Physiol., 24, 207-14. 

Fig. 15.10 Trail pheromones identified from myrmicine ants, indicating the diversity of structures encountered. ( l) Atta texana (Tumlinson et al., 1972) andcephalotes (Riley et al.y 1974b) (b) A. sexdens rubropilosa (Cross et aL, 1979) and Myrmica spp. (Ever-shed et al., 1981) (c) Lasius fuliginosus (Huwyler et al., 1975) (d) Monomorium pharaonis (Ritter et al., 1977) (e) Solenopsis invicta (Williams et a/., 1981 Vandermeer etal., 1981).

Cammaerts-Tricot, M.-C. (1974b) Piste et pheromone attractive chez la fourmi Myrmica rubra. J. comp. Physiol, y 88, 373-82. 

Plate 18 A worker of the garden ant Myrmica rubra following an artificial trail of synthetic 3-ethyl-2,5-dimethylpyrazine on paper. Note the position of the antennae. The sting lance is protruded, probably re-enforcing the trail with more pheromone. The paper is ruled in 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) squares (Photo Terry Bolam)... 

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