Abstract
1. 1. The labial gland secretion used by male bumble bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae) to mark the paths of their flight circuits include monounsaturated, straight chain alcohols, esters and aldehydes. Chemical analyses show the following positions for double bonds: 9 for tetradecenyl chains; 7, 9, or 11 for hexadecenyl chains; 9, 11, or 13 for octadecenyl chains; 11, or 15 for eicosenyl chains. 2. 2. All investigated double bonds were Z- isomers . 3. 3. From data based on 7 Psithyrus and 15 Bombus species, we suggest that the marking compounds have a biosynthetic route similar to that of some lepidopteran sex pheromones, involving either the common Δ9-desaturase or the uncommon Δ11-desaturase.
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 callMore From: Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology -- Part B: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Disclaimer: 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.
