Pheromone signature mixtures

In this chapter I would like to introduce concepts of chemical ecology, to discuss pheromones and signature mixtures, and contrast the research on terrestrial pheromones with research on aquatic pheromones. 

Table 2.2 Contrasting pheromones with signature mixtures...

Fig. 2.3 Most animals have both anonymous pheromone signals and signature mixtures (Wyatt 2010). This is demonstrated in the cuticular hydrocarbons of the queenless ant Dinoponera quadriceps (Monnin et al. 1998). A gas chromatographic analysis of the cuticular hydrocarbons on the alpha female, the only fertilized and egg-laying individual in the colony, shows the anonymous hydrocarbon pheromone 9-hentriacontene (indicated by the asterisk) characteristic of alpha females in all colonies, together with the diverse range of other hydrocarbons which make up the colony odor. Her fellow colony members have the colony odor but lack the 9-hentriacontene. Ants photograph, courtesy Thibaud Monnin. Gas chromatogram, Monnin et al. (1998), with permission...

A given animal will produce both pheromones and signature mixtures (Fig. 2.3). In addition to its sex pheromone(s), each lobster has its own highly individual odor mixture and this complex bouquet can be used by other lobsters for recognition (see Atema and Steinbach 2007). 

One area of debate, for chemical communication in all animals, is the definition of pheromone and whether the signature mixtures used for recognition should count as pheromone signals or cues (Wyatt 2010). While this is partly of semantic... 

Wyatt TD (2010) Pheromones and signature mixtures defining species-wide signals and variable cues for individuality in both invertebrates and vertebrates. J Comp Physiol A 196 685-700... 

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