Communication in the migratory termite-hunting ant Pachycondyla ( = Termitopone) marginata (Formicidae, Ponerinae)

B. Hölldobler; E. Janssen; H. J. Bestmann; I. R. Leal; P. S. Oliveira; F. Kern; W. A. König

Communication in the migratory termite-hunting ant Pachycondyla ( = Termitopone) marginata (Formicidae, Ponerinae)

B. Hölldobler, E. Janssen, H. J. Bestmann, I. R. Leal, P. S. Oliveira, F. Kern, W. A. König

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Abstract

The Neotropical species Pachycondyla marginata conducts well-organized predatory raids on the termite species Neocapritermes opacus and frequently emigrates to new nest sites. During both activities the ants employ chemical trail communication. The trail pheromone orginates from the pygidial gland. Among the substances identified in the pygidial gland secretions, only citronellal was effective as a trail pheromone. Isopulegol elicited an increase in locomotory activity in the ants and may function as a synergist recruitment signal. The chemical signal is enhanced by a shaking display performed by the recruiting ant.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	47-53
Number of pages	7
Journal	Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
Volume	178
Issue number	1
State	Published - Jan 1 1996
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Citronellal
Pheromones
Pygidial gland
Recruitment trails

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Physiology
Animal Science and Zoology
Behavioral Neuroscience

Cite this

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AU - Hölldobler, B.

AU - Janssen, E.

AU - Bestmann, H. J.

AU - Leal, I. R.

AU - Oliveira, P. S.

AU - Kern, F.

AU - König, W. A.

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AB - The Neotropical species Pachycondyla marginata conducts well-organized predatory raids on the termite species Neocapritermes opacus and frequently emigrates to new nest sites. During both activities the ants employ chemical trail communication. The trail pheromone orginates from the pygidial gland. Among the substances identified in the pygidial gland secretions, only citronellal was effective as a trail pheromone. Isopulegol elicited an increase in locomotory activity in the ants and may function as a synergist recruitment signal. The chemical signal is enhanced by a shaking display performed by the recruiting ant.

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KW - Recruitment trails

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Communication in the migratory termite-hunting ant Pachycondyla ( = Termitopone) marginata (Formicidae, Ponerinae)

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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