Cuticular hydrocarbon profile as a critical cue candidate for nestmate recognition in Lasius fuliginosus (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Abstract

*[Alert response of Lasius fuliginosus workers was triggered by both the bodies of foreign workers & a glass dummy treated with foreign cuticular hydrocarbons. Similarities of various cuticular hydrocarbon profiles were evaluated for Nei's distance. The evaluations indicated that the profiles were shared by colony members & maintained even after a month of separation, & that they apparently differed between colonies. The profiles are specific to colonies. Among the body parts of individual workers, the head, antennae, & abdomens shared almost identical profiles. These are parts where the workers touch frequently to check suspect intruders with their antennae. The thorax showed slightly different profiles.]