Display options
Cite
Scheffrahn RH, Gaston LK, Sims JJ, et al. Identification of the defensive secretion from soldiers of the North American termite,Amitermes wheeleri (Desneux) (Isoptera: Termitidae). J Chem Ecol. 1983;9(9):1293-305doi: 10.1007/BF00994798.
Scheffrahn, R. H., Gaston, L. K., Sims, J. J., & Rust, M. K. (1983). Identification of the defensive secretion from soldiers of the North American termite,Amitermes wheeleri (Desneux) (Isoptera: Termitidae). Journal of chemical ecology, 9(9), 1293-305. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00994798
Scheffrahn, R H, et al. "Identification of the defensive secretion from soldiers of the North American termite,Amitermes wheeleri (Desneux) (Isoptera: Termitidae)." Journal of chemical ecology vol. 9,9 (1983): 1293-305. doi: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00994798
Scheffrahn RH, Gaston LK, Sims JJ, Rust MK. Identification of the defensive secretion from soldiers of the North American termite,Amitermes wheeleri (Desneux) (Isoptera: Termitidae). J Chem Ecol. 1983 Sep;9(9):1293-305. doi: 10.1007/BF00994798. PMID: 24407859.
Copy Download .nbib Format: NLM
Share it on

J Chem Ecol. 1983 Sep;9(9):1293-305. doi: 10.1007/BF00994798.

Identification of the defensive secretion from soldiers of the North American termite,Amitermes wheeleri (Desneux) (Isoptera: Termitidae).

Journal of chemical ecology

R H Scheffrahn, L K Gaston, J J Sims, M K Rust

Affiliations

  1. Department of Entomology, University of California, 92521, Riverside, California.

PMID: 24407859 DOI: 10.1007/BF00994798

Abstract

Head capsule extracts ofAmitermes wheeleri soldiers yielded an isomeric mixture (67 μg/ soldier) of three sesquiterpene hydrocarbons identified by EIMS, [(13)C]-, and [(1)H]NMR as (+)-(S,Z)-α-bisabolene (53%), (+)-(R)-β-bisabolene (16%), and (-)-(Z)-α2-bisabolene (31%). When alarmed, the termite soldiers secreted the fluid onto the head surface surrounding the efferent pore of the frontal gland reservoir. A defensive function for the soldier secretion was indicated by the avoidance behavior displayed toward alarmed soldiers by the antagonistic ants,Pogonomyrmex rugosus andIridomyrmex humilis. Laboratory studies demonstrated that the sesquiterpene mixture is repellent to foragingI. humilis workers.

References

  1. J Chem Ecol. 1981 Jul;7(4):717-31 - PubMed
  2. J Chromatogr. 1968 Mar 26;34(1):85-8 - PubMed

Publication Types