Age-dependent changes in the chemistry of exocrine glands of Bombus terrestris queens
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2008 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Journal of Chemical Ecology |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Web | http://www.springerlink.com/content/h0ll31p431582134/ |
| Field | Physiology |
| Keywords | bumblebees; queens; gland secretions; sex pheromone; 3-hydroxydecanoic acid |
| Description | Extracts of three different glands (mandibular, labial, and Dufour's) of virgin Bombus terrestris queens at ten different ages (1-8, 12, and 18 days) were analyzed for chemical composition. One hundred and twenty-seven compounds were identified in the extracts. The mandibular and labial glands contained previously reported electroantennogram-active compounds (3-hydroxydecanoic acid, fatty acids of different chain lengths, their esters, and heptacosene). These compounds reached a maximum concentration in 3- to 7-d-old queens. Geranylcitronellol was found in both labial and Dufour's glands. Its amount was inversely correlated to age of queens. |
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