Dufour#x2019;s gland contents of queens of the slave-making antPolyergus rufescensand its host speciesFormica cunicularia

摘要

Dufour#x2019;s gland contents of the queens of the slave-making ant speciesPolyergus rufescensand its host,Formica cunicularia, were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. InP. rufescens, the gland contains a mixture of several esters, one of which, decyl isobutyrate, was consistently present in large quantities (constituting more than 80 of glandular contents). Glandular contents in the host species, were found to be different, containing, in addition to two substances also found inP. rufescens, a mixture of acetates and several hydrocarbons. Decyl isobutyrate was not present. We discuss the possible role of these substances in the life history ofP. rufescens.