Abstract
Several species of the ant genus Diacamma reproduce through mated workers (gamergates). Such gamergates have no wings and therefore are unable to conduct nuptial flight. Instead they perform a sexual calling behavior by standing outside the nest and rubbing the tibiae of their hindleg over the surface of the arched gaster. In a series of exclusion experiments we demonstrate that secretions from the metatibial gland are the most important component in making the virgin female attractive to the males.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 869-877 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Insect Behavior |
Volume | 11 |
Issue number | 6 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1998 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Calling behavior
- Diacamma
- Metatibial gland
- Ponerine
- Sexual pheromone
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
- Insect Science