Abstract
Bioassays conducted during induced laboratory mating flights of Solenopsis invicta Buren investigated whether alate semiochemicals stimulate formation of the worker retinues that accompany alates during the preflight stage. In paired tests comparing worker response to alates vs response to other workers, workers preferentially entered, searched and recruited nestmates to vials that contained either an alate corpse or alate residue. Olfactory cues of both males and gynes (but not workers) attracted workers, induced alarm - recruitment, and promoted alate retrieval. Workers responding to these cues in our bioassays exhibited recruitment behavior previously unreported for fire ants, i.e., “back - and - forth jerking” and “group recruitment.” We propose that the observed worker behavior is a response to alate mandibular gland - derived alarm pheromone modulated by less volatile caste recognition cues associated with the alate cuticle.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
