Publication details

Age-dependent changes in the chemistry of exocrine glands of Bombus terrestris queens

Authors

URBANOVA Klara CAHLÍKOVÁ Lucie HOVORKA Oldřich PTÁČEK Vladimír VALTEROVÁ Irena

Year of publication 2008
Type Article in Periodical
Magazine / Source Journal of Chemical Ecology
MU Faculty or unit

Faculty of Science

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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