STIMULI INDUCING THE REGURGITATION OF THE WORKERS OF LASIUS-FLAVUS (FORMICIDAE) UPON THE MYRMECOPHILOUS BEETLE CLAVIGER-TESTACEUS (PSELAPHIDAE)

Experiments have shown that, contrary to what has been stated in the literature, the limited antennal movements of the myrmecophilous beetle, Claviger testaceus, are not required for inducing the workers of its host, Lasius flavus, to regurgitate food. Experiments have also shown that the regurgitations are released by the secretions of the Claviger's labral (cephalic) and Wasmann (abdominal) glands. These secretions contain a regurgitation allomone and are taken up by the ants when they lick the beetle's mouthparts or trichomes. The allomone is not present in the myrmecophile's hemolymph.