Comparative analyses of lemon-smelling secretions from heads of Andrena F. (Hymenoptera, Apoidea) bees

Abstract

1.1. Volatile cephalic secretions from male and female Andrena F. bees were analysed by capillary gas chromatography and mass spectrometry.2.2. Eight species. A. clarkella (K.), A. fucata Smith, A. helvola (L.), A. praecox (Scop.), A. labiata F., A. fuscipes (K.), A. denticulata (K.) and A. nigriceps (K.), were studied, in A. nigriceps (K.) only females were available.3.3. These species were found to contain some acyclic monoterpenes, especially geranial and neral, and/or straight-chain ketones with 8–14 carbon atoms.4.4. The volatile compounds emanate from the mandibular glands.5.5. Six of the species studied show large similarities in the composition of male and female cephalic secretions, whereas in one species. A. helvola (L.), characteristic differences were found between the sexes.6.6. The possible role of the cephalic secretions in relation to territorial flight, population congregation, and sexual attraction is discussed.