Mandibular Gland Secretions as Alarm Pheromones in Two Species of the Desert Ant Cataglyphis

Abstract

Mandibular gland secretion of two Cataglyphis species were chemically analyzed by combined gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The exudates produced by C. bombycina consisted of citronellol and geraniol while that of C. nigra contained only geraniol. The reaction of both species to the glandular secretions was alarm and recruitment. While the reaction of C. bombycina was strong, that of C. nigra was relatively mild.