Chemical composition and function of metapleural gland secretion of the ant, Crematogaster deformis smith (hymenoptera: Myrmicinae)

A. B. Attygalle, B. Siegel, O. Vostrowsky, H. J. Bestmann, U. Maschwitz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

52 Scopus citations

Abstract

The secretion of the hypertrophied metapleural gland of the ant Crematogaster deformis contains a mixture of phenols, consisting mainly of 3-propylphenol, 3-pentylphenol, 3,4-dihydro-8-hydroxy-3-methylisocoumarin (mellein), 5-propylresorcinol, and 5-pentylresorcinol. The secretion is released, as a repellent, when the highly vulnerable petiolar-postpetiolar region of the abdomen is attacked by enemy ants. In addition, small amounts of the secretion are released regularly to serve as an antiseptic, which is considered the original function of the gland. The secretion also has some insecticidal properties.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)317-328
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Chemical Ecology
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1989

Keywords

  • 3,4-dihydro-8-hydroxy-3-methylisocoumarin
  • 3-pentylphenol
  • 3-propylphenol
  • 5-pentylresorcinol
  • 5-propylresorcinol
  • Crematogaster deformis
  • Hymenoptera
  • Myrmicinae
  • ant
  • defensive allomone
  • mellein
  • metapleural gland
  • repellent

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