Species, individual and kin specific blends in Dufour's gland secretions of halictine bees

Abstract

The compositions of Dufour's gland secretions of four sympatric halictine bee species were chemically studied by combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The secretion is composed of C₁₆-C₂₄ macrocyclic lactones, isopentenyl esters, and hydrocarbons. Comparative analyses have revealed that the blends of compounds are species specific. Studies of individual glands belonging to bees of the speciesEvylaeus malachurum have demonstrated that each bee exhibits a specific blend in its Dufour's gland. Nestmate bees (considered as sister bees), however, are more similar to each other than nonrelated bees. The relative importance of species specificity, individual specificity, and similarities between kins are discussed.