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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Chemical identity of recently emerged workers, males, and queens in the stingless bee Melipona marginata

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Author(s):
Ferreira-Caliman, Maria J. [1] ; Falcon, Tiago [2] ; Mateus, Sidnei [1] ; Zucchi, Ronaldo [1] ; Nascimento, Fabio S. [1]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Biol, Fac Filosofia Ciencias & Letras Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Dept Genet, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: Apidologie; v. 44, n. 6, p. 657-665, NOV 2013.
Web of Science Citations: 7
Abstract

Epicuticular hydrocarbons are involved in several behavioral processes in social insects including recognition of nestmates, castes, and sex. The aim of the present study was to characterize and to verify differences in the chemical profiles of 1-day recently emerged workers, males, and queens in colonies of the stingless bee Melipona marginata. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and multivariate analyses of bee samples from three colonies clearly separated cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of males, queens, and workers. The results showed that cuticular hydrocarbon profiles were comprised of alkanes, alkenes, and methyl alkanes that varied quantitatively and qualitatively according to the castes and sex. Different from previous studies, our investigation also demonstrated that males and queens presented higher similarity in their epicuticular hydrocarbons than to workers. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 10/10027-5 - Behavioural mediation, chemical signalisation and physiological aspects regulating the social organization in hymenopterans
Grantee:Fábio Santos do Nascimento
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants