Abstract
Triacylglycerols (TGs) stored in the fat bodies of bumblebee males have a species-specific composition. The striking structural similarities between TG fatty acids (FAs) and components of the male marking pheromone in certain species led to the hypothesis that FAs may serve as precursors in pheromone biosynthesis. Here, we analysed TGs from B. ruderatus, B. bohemicus, and B. campestris. Nonadec-9-ene and icos-15-en-1-ol are the main components of B. ruderatus labial gland secretion, forming up to 92% of the gland extract. The corresponding icos-11-enic and icos-15-enic acids were found in TGs at levels higher than usual for bumblebee species. We found similar relationships in B. campestris and B. bohemicus. These results suggest that FAs might be precursors of aliphatic compounds in the male pheromones. Furthermore, we report for the first time the pheromone structure of B. ruderatus males.
Highlights
Most insect species produce pheromones to attract mating partners
While in Lepidoptera sex pheromones are mostly released by females to attract males for mating, in bumblebees males attract young queens with a pheromone secreted by their labial gland (LG)
In the LG extract of B. ruderatus males (14 specimens), we identified 36 compounds
Summary
Most insect species produce pheromones to attract mating partners. mating strategies differ widely among insect families. While in Lepidoptera (the best-studied insect family with regard to sex communication) sex pheromones are mostly released by females to attract males for mating, in bumblebees males attract young queens with a pheromone secreted by their labial gland (LG). Males use this pheromone for marking prominent objects on their flight routes (known as patrolling behaviour) [1,2,3]. These marked spots are attractive for females, i.e., young queens.
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