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Postmating changes in cuticular chemistry and visual appearance in Ectatomma tuberculatum queens (Formicidae:
Riviane R Hora1, Armin Ionescu-Hirsh, Tovit Simon
1Laboratoire d'Ethologie Expérimentale et Comparée (CNRS UMR 7153), Université Paris 13, 99 Avenue J.-B. Clément, 93430, Villetaneuse, France. rivianer@hotmail.com
Die Naturwissenschaften
|August 29, 2007
Summary
Mated Ectatomma tuberculatum ants develop a matte appearance due to a 15-fold increase in hydrocarbons, particularly heptacosane, on their cuticle. This chemical shift signals mating and fertility in these social insects.
Area of Science:
- Chemical Ecology
- Insect Behavior
- Social Insects
Background:
- Queen ants undergo visual changes post-mating.
- Cuticular appearance shifts from shiny to matte.
- This change is linked to ovarian development.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate the chemical basis for the visual change in Ectatomma tuberculatum queens.
- Determine the role of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) in this transformation.
- Identify CHCs as potential mating and fertility cues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cuticular hydrocarbon composition in mated and virgin queens.
- Quantification of hydrocarbon accumulation, focusing on heptacosane.
- Comparison of CHC profiles between different queen reproductive states.
Main Results:
- Mated queens exhibit a 15-fold increase in CHCs, primarily heptacosane, forming a wax coat.
- Heptacosane accumulation covers cuticular grooves, altering visual appearance.
- Significant differences in CHC composition were found between mated and virgin queens, with virgin queens showing a shift towards the mated profile when ovaries were developed.
Conclusions:
- The accumulation of hydrocarbons, especially heptacosane, causes the matte appearance in mated queens.
- The altered CHC profile, particularly the ratio of heptacosane to nonacosane, serves as a mating and fertility signal.
- This study is the first to link external chemical changes with visual appearance alterations in social insects.
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