Chemical composition of the intramandibular glands of the ant Neoponera villosa (Fabricius, 1804) (Hymenoptera: Ponerinae)

Abstract

Products of exocrine glands modulate the behavior of social in sects. Among the exocrine glands, the function of intramandibular glands has not been well characterized in social Hymenoptera. To study the effects of exocrine gland secretions on the behavior of the ant, Neoponera villosa, identification of cuticular and intramandibular gland compounds was performed. Fifteen different compounds were identified in workers and queens of N. villosa. Linear alkanes C26, C27, C28, C30 and C36, as well as the methyl alkanes 13-, 11- MeC28, 3 MeC29, 13-, 11- MeC32, 13-, 11- MeC33, 13- MeC36, 13,17-; 15,19-DiMeC37 and 18-, 17-, 13-MeC38 and esters triacontyl acetate were found on the body and mandible surface of both workers and queens. The sterols, cholesterol and sitosterol were found only in the mandibles, with cholesterol present in both workers and queens, and sitosterol present only in queens. The results suggest that intramandibular gland compounds of N. villosa may play a role in worker activity. The presence of hydrocarbons and cholesterol in workers and sitosterol in the mandible of queens may be associated with caste profile.