Absence of chemical alarm in a primitively eusocial wasp (Belonogaster petiolata,Hymenoptera: Vespidae) |
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Authors: | Keeping M. G. |
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Affiliation: | (1) Zoology Department, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa;(2) Present address: Entomology Department, South African Sugar Association Experiment Station, Private Bag X02, 4300 Mt. Edgecombe, South Africa |
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Abstract: | Summary The hypothesis thatBelonogaster petiolata (fam. Vespidae) is able to communicate alarm chemically, using odours released with the venom, was tested in bioassays involving presentation of artificial targets to a wasp colony, simultaneously with crushed venom apparatuses. The odour of venom did not lower the threshold of attack and visual stimuli alone (particularly a black, moving object) were sufficient to release attack. Venom odour on a previously stung target probably does not play a role in focusing further attacks on such a target. The results therefore support the null hypothesis that a venom-based alarm pheromone is absent in this species. |
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Keywords: | Belonogaster Polistinae alarm pheromone defense venom |
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