INTEGUMENTARY PHEROMONE-SECRETING GLAND IN ATTA SP - TERRITORIAL MARKING WITH A COLONY-SPECIFIC PHEROMONE IN ATTA-CEPHALOTES

Workers of Atta cephalotes mark the area around their nest with a pheromone that has at least two components, one of which is colony-specific. Another, which was isolated and tested for its activity, is genus- or species-specific in its action; it appears to be similar in A. sexdens and A. cephalotes, but differs in Acromyrmex octospinosus. The pheromone is produced in a newly described gland, located near the sting. A synthetic trail pheromone component in very low concentrations stimulates some behavioural effects similar to those of the territorial pheromone. © 1979.