« Previous AbstractSequence-directed bends of DNA helix axis at the upstream activation sites of alpha-cell-specific genes in yeast    Next Abstract"The trail pheromone of a stingless bee, Trigona corvina (Hymenoptera, Apidae, Meliponini), varies between populations" »

J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol

Title:		A stingless bee uses labial gland secretions for scent trail communication ( Trigona recursa Smith 1863)
Author(s):		Jarau S; Hrncir M; Zucchi R; Barth FG;
Address:		"Biocenter, Institute of Zoology, University of Vienna, Althanstr. 14, 1090 Vienna, Austria. stefan.jarau@biologie.uni-ulm.de"
Journal Title:		J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol
Year:		2004
Volume:		20040120
Issue:		3
Page Number:		233 - 239
DOI:		10.1007/s00359-003-0489-9
ISSN/ISBN:		0340-7594 (Print) 0340-7594 (Linking)
Abstract:		"The pheromones used by several species of stingless bees for scent trail communication are generally assumed to be produced by the mandibular glands. Here we present strong evidence that in Trigona recursa these pheromones originate from the labial glands, which are well developed in the heads of foragers. Analysis of the behavior involved in scent marking shows that a bee extends her proboscis and rubs it over the substrate. A single scent marking event lasts for 0.59+/-0.21 s while the bee runs a stretch of 1.04+/-0.37 cm on a leaf. According to choice experiments the bees are attracted by a feeder baited with labial gland extract (84.2+/-6% of the bees choose this feeder) but repelled from a feeder baited with mandibular gland extract (only 27.5+/-13.1% of the bees choose this feeder). They do not discriminate between two clean feeders (49.6+/-3% of the bees at a feeder). 87+/-5.1% of bees already feeding leave the feeder after the application of mandibular gland extract whereas only 6.2+/-4.9% and 2.6+/-4% do so when labial gland extract or pure solvent was applied"
Keywords:		"*Animal Communication Animals Bees/physiology Behavior, Animal Choice Behavior/physiology Feeding Behavior/physiology *Odorants Pheromones/*physiology Scent Glands/anatomy & histology/*metabolism/physiology Smell/*physiology Time Factors;"
Notes:		"MedlineJarau, S Hrncir, M Zucchi, R Barth, F G eng Comparative Study Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't Germany 2004/01/22 J Comp Physiol A Neuroethol Sens Neural Behav Physiol. 2004 Mar; 190(3):233-9. doi: 10.1007/s00359-003-0489-9. Epub 2004 Jan 20"