A BIOASSAY FOR A PRIMER PHEROMONE OF QUEEN FIRE ANTS (SOLENOPSIS-INVICTA) WHICH INHIBITS THE PRODUCTION OF SEXUALS Academic Article uri icon

abstract

  • A bioassay is described for a primer pheromone of functional (egg-laying) queens of S. invicta which inhibits the production of male and female sexuals. The bioassay utilizes standardized units of workers and brood originating from polygyne colonies and the production of sexuals is assessed by the cumulative number of sexualized larvae produced over time. In general, differences in inhibitory capability among treatments can be detected in 2-3 days, making this a rather quick and sensitive bioassay. Whole corpses of dealate queens were nearly as inhibitory as living queens for the 10-day test period, whereas corpses of alate (nonfunctional) queens showed no signs of inhibition. Abdomens of dealate queens alone were strongly inhibitory suggesting that the pheromone originates in the abdomen. In contrast, the head and thorax of dealate queens appeared to be inhibitory for only a short period (ca. three days). Whole corpes of dealate queens placed in small cages which prevented direct contact by workers were not inhibitory, suggesting that the pheromone is relatively nonvolatile. 1988 Masson.

published proceedings

  • INSECTES SOCIAUX

author list (cited authors)

  • VARGO, E. L.

citation count

  • 10

complete list of authors

  • VARGO, EL

publication date

  • December 1988