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J Chem Ecol

Title:		Cuticular hydrocarbons provide reliable cues of fertility in the ant Gnamptogenys striatula
Author(s):		Lommelen E; Johnson CA; Drijfhout FP; Billen J; Wenseleers T; Gobin B;
Address:		"Zoological Institute, Catholic University of Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium. els.lommelen@gmail.com"
Journal Title:		J Chem Ecol
Year:		2006
Volume:		20060811
Issue:		9
Page Number:		2023 - 2034
DOI:		10.1007/s10886-006-9126-8
ISSN/ISBN:		0098-0331 (Print) 0098-0331 (Linking)
Abstract:		"In ca. 150 species of queenless ants, a specialized queen caste is rare or absent, and mated workers take over the role of the queen in some or all of the colonies. Previously, it has been shown that reproduction in queenless ants is regulated by a combination of dominance behavior and chemical fertility signaling. It is unknown, however, whether chemical signals alone can sufficiently regulate reproduction. To investigate this possibility, we studied reproductive regulation in the facultatively queenless ant Gnamptogenys striatula, a species where dominance behavior is rare or absent. Active egg layers and infertile workers showed qualitative and quantitative differences in their cuticular hydrocarbon profile. Five long-chain methyl alkanes, 3,13- and 3,15-dimethyl pentriacontane, 3,13- and 3,15-dimethyl heptentriacontane, and 3,11,15-trimethyl heptentriacontane occurred only on the cuticles of virgin and mated egg layers. Pronounced quantitative differences were found in a further 27 alkenes; alkanes; and mono-, di-, and trimethyl alkanes. Workers that had recently stopped laying eggs had profiles similar to infertile workers, and mating status did not affect this chemical pattern. We conclude that the cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of G. striatula workers provide reliable information about their current fertility. In the interest of colony productivity, this allows reproduction to be regulated without the use of aggression"
Keywords:		"Animals Ants/chemistry/*physiology Female *Fertility Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Hydrocarbons/*analysis Male Ovum Pheromones Reproduction/physiology Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology;"
Notes:		"MedlineLommelen, E Johnson, C A Drijfhout, F P Billen, J Wenseleers, T Gobin, B eng Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't 2006/08/12 J Chem Ecol. 2006 Sep; 32(9):2023-34. doi: 10.1007/s10886-006-9126-8. Epub 2006 Aug 11"