Cuticular Chemical Profiles Research Articles

Deciphering the recognition signature within the cuticular chemical profile of paper wasps

In social insects the mixture of cuticular hydrocarbons is generally considered to act as a recognition pheromone. However, little information exists on the relative importance of single compounds or of different classes of hydrocarbons. We tested the importance for nestmate recognition of a series of alkenes, methyl-branched alkanes and linear alkanes present in the cuticular profile of the social wasp Polistes dominulus. We applied the hydrocarbons on to live wasps and observed the behaviour of nestmates once the treated individual attempted to enter the nest. Linear alkanes had no effect upon the recognition response, whereas wasps treated with methyl-branched alkanes or alkenes were attacked. This is the first systematic evaluation of the role of hydrocarbon classes as recognition cues and begins to define the recognition signature within the cuticular profile for a genus regarded as a model organism for the study of recognition in animals.

Male dominant/subordinate relationships, cuticular profiles and sex pheromone in Nauphoeta cinerea (Dictyoptera, Blaberidae)

In the cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea, male-male aggressive interactions result in dominant-subordinate relationships. Once dominance relationships are established, a male can recognize the status of another individual, likely through chemical cues. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of these male-male interactions on cuticular chemical profiles and on the relative composition of the male sex pheromone. The results of chemical analyses of males reared in pairs for 30 days clearly showed significant differences in both cuticular profiles and sex pheromone of dominant and subordinate individuals. The possible role of these compounds as recognition cues was discussed.

Pattern of recovery of species‐specific cuticular hydrocarbon mixtures by Reticulitermes santonensis and Reticulitermes lucifugus grassei after being removed from a mixed group. Is the acquisition of allospecific hydrocarbons reversible?

Each of the termite species Reticulitermes santonensis and Reticulitermes lucifugus grassei has its own particular cuticular chemical profile. When members of the two species are placed together to form artificially mixed species groups, their chemical profiles undergo changes: Each species acquires all the hydrocarbons which initially characterized the other species. When the members of a mixed group which had been kept together for 24 h were split into two homospecific groups, the cuticular profiles of the members of both groups immediately showed a sharp drop in both the homospecific and allospecific components. In R. santonensis, the homospecific hydrocarbons subsequently increased in quantity, reaching values which were higher on the 33rd day after the separation than those initially recorded in this species; whereas in R. lucifugus grassei, the homospecific hydrocarbon proportions were still lower on the 33rd day than the initial values. In both species, the allospecific hydrocarbon levels began to increase sharply on the 5th day after separation, and the homospecific products still showed no tendency to return to the initial proportions 33 days after separation. In the light of these results, some hypotheses are put forward as to what mechanisms might posibly regulate the hydrocarbon profiles of these two species. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 35:237-259, 1997.© 1997 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Pattern of recovery of species-specific cuticular hydrocarbon mixtures by Reticulitermes santonensis and Reticulitermes lucifugus grassei after being removed from a mixed group. Is the acquisition of allospecific hydrocarbons reversible?

Each of the termite species Reticulitermes santonensis and Reticulitermes lucifugus grassei has its own particular cuticular chemical profile. When members of the two species are placed together to form artificially mixed species groups, their chemical profiles undergo changes: Each species acquires all the hydrocarbons which initially characterized the other species. When the members of a mixed group which had been kept together for 24 h were slit into two homospecific groups, the cuticular profiles of the members of both groups immediately showed a sharp drop in both the homospecific and allospecific components. In R. santonensis, the homospecific hydrocarbons subsequently increased in quantity, reaching values which were higher on the 33rd day after the separation than those initially recorded in this species; whereas in R. lucifugus grassei, the homospecific hydrocarbon proportions were still lower on the 33rd day than the initial values. In both species, the allospecific hydrocarbon levels began to increase sharply on the 5th day after separation, and the homospecific products still showed no tendency to return to the initial proportions 33 days after separation. In the light of these results, some hypotheses are put forward as to what mechanisms might possibly regulate the hydrocarbon profiles of these two species.

Some relationships of meteorological, hydrographic, and biological variables in the Gulf of Panama : Forsbergh, Eric, D., 1963. (In English and Spanish). Bull., Inter-Amer. Trop. Tuna Comm., 7 (1): 109 pp

Terrestrial isopods (Oniscidea) are crustaceans whose ancestors have left the water to conquer land even in arid regions where Hemilepistus reaumurii is living. This species is the only terrestrial isopod conducting a real sub-social life as a monogamous semelparous species forming families. The chemical signature of five family units from this population was investigated by gas chromatography. Results showed highly significant differences among the family units according to: (i) the cuticular chemical profiles which confirm that the cuticle is one of the most important organs involved in family chemical signature and recognition; (ii) the cuticular chemical distances and (iii) the faeces chemical profiles which suggest that these droppings help individuals of the same family to find their burrows and deter intruders. Moreover no significant correlation was shown between faeces chemical distance and the distance between burrows from where the family units were collected.