Heterogeneous chemical profiles of Vespa velutina nigrithorax alarm pheromone. Berville L1, Lucas C1, Haouzi M1, Khalil A1, Gévar J2, Bagnères A-G3, Darrouzet E1 DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.26455.14243 1 IRBI, UMR CNRS 7261, University of Tours, 37200 Tours, France 2 iEES Paris, INRA, 78026 Versailles, France 3 CEFE, CNRS, University of Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France As major communication signals, pheromones have long been studied. In colonial organisms such as social insects, volatile compounds play a crucial role in interspecific interactions by helping regulate colony behavior. In certain circumstances, it is desirable to detect or suppress insect populations, like invasive species. Management’s techniques have included lures, baits, and traps. Synthetic or natural insect pheromones are in wide use around the world for pest control. Such molecules can be used for pest management strategies. Because of their success in establishment and ecological dominance, Asian hornets are considered as severe economic and ecological pests. Native to Southeast Asia Vespa velutina nigrithorax has spread throughout Europe. To clarify the composition of the species’ alarm pheromone and to assess differences in chemical profiles among queens, foundresses, gynes, and workers, we employed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. 26 compounds were identified in the venom gland (chain lengths: C8 to C12), the organ that produces the alarm pheromone. Venom gland composition differed quantitatively among the females (workers, gynes, and queens). These results could help the development of a future pheromone-based trap to control this invasive hornet species.
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