Colony membership is reflected by variations in cuticular hydrocarbon profile in a Neotropical paper wasp, Polistes satan (Hymenoptera, Vespidae).
Genet Mol Res
; 6(2): 390-6, 2007 Jun 27.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-17624862
ABSTRACT
Nestmate recognition is one the most important features in social insect colonies. Although epicuticular lipids or cuticular hydrocarbons have both structural and defensive functions in insects, they also seem to be involved in several aspects of communication in wasps, bees and ants. We analyzed and described for the first time the cuticular hydrocarbons of a Neotropical paper wasp, Polistes satan, and found that variation in hydrocarbon profile was sufficiently strong to discriminate individuals according to their colony membership. Therefore, it seems that small differences in the proportion of these compounds can be detected and used as a chemical-based cue by nestmates to detect invaders and avoid usurpation.
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Coleções:
01-internacional
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Hidrocarbonetos
Limite:
Animals
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Genet Mol Res
Assunto da revista:
BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR
/
GENETICA
Ano de publicação:
2007
Tipo de documento:
Article
País de afiliação:
Brasil