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Interference of beta-eudesmol in nestmate recognition in Atta sexdens rubropilosa (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Authors :
Marinho CG
Della Lucia TM
Ribeiro MM
Magalhães ST
Guedes RN
Jham GN
Source :
Bulletin of entomological research [Bull Entomol Res] 2008 Oct; Vol. 98 (5), pp. 467-73. Date of Electronic Publication: 2008 Apr 28.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

Leaf-cutter ant species (Atta spp.) are key pests of cultivated crops in the Neotropics, and recent studies have demonstrated that workers of Atta spp., particularly of Atta sexdens rubropilosa, exhibit aggressive behavior among nestmates when in contact with the sesquiterpene beta-eudesmol, found in leaves of Eucalyptus maculata. However, the underlying mechanism sparking this behavior pattern has yet to be investigated. This work aimed to elucidate the mechanism by which this substance elicits aggression in workers of A. sexdens rubropilosa. The results, thus obtained, showed that beta-eudesmol is able to modify the chemical composition of the workers cuticle, impairing nestmate recognition, triggering alarm behavior and leading to nestmate aggression.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0007-4853
Volume :
98
Issue :
5
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Bulletin of entomological research
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
18439338
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007485308005786