Alarm pheromone production by two honeybee (Apis mellifera) types
A M Collins1, T E Rinderer, H V Daly
1Honey-Bee Breeding, Genetics and Physiology Research Laboratory, 1157 Ben Hur Road, 70820, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Journal of Chemical Ecology
|November 26, 2013
Summary
Africanized honeybees possess higher levels of key alarm pheromones compared to European honeybees. These chemical differences correlate with increased defensive behaviors, including stinging responses.
Area of Science:
- Chemical ecology
- Animal behavior
- Entomology
Background:
- Honeybee (Apis mellifera) populations exhibit distinct behavioral traits, particularly defensive responses.
- Alarm pheromones are crucial chemical signals mediating bee social behavior and defense.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the levels of 12 alarm pheromones between European and Africanized honeybees.
- To investigate the correlation between alarm pheromone quantities and defensive behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to quantify 12 alarm pheromones.
- Honeybee populations were sampled from European and Africanized subspecies.
- Defensive behavior was assessed, focusing on sting responses.
Main Results:
- Nine out of 12 alarm pheromones were found in higher concentrations in Africanized honeybees.
- Isopentyl acetate and 2-heptanone levels were comparable between populations.
- 2-methylbutanol-1 was more abundant in European honeybees.
- Alarm pheromone levels showed a significant positive correlation with defensive behaviors, particularly sting frequency.
Conclusions:
- Chemical differences in alarm pheromones exist between European and Africanized honeybees, independent of age or location.
- Elevated alarm pheromone levels in Africanized bees are linked to their heightened defensive nature.
