Volatile components from the mandibular glands of the turtle ants, Cephalotes alfaroi and Cephalotes cristatus

GC–MS analysis of whole head extracts from the turtle ants, Cephalotes alfaroi and Cephalotes cristatus, showed that 4-heptanone and 4-heptanol were the major volatile components in the mandibular glands. 4-Heptanone and 4-heptanol have rarely been identified in mandibular gland secretions from other ant genera. Thus, these compounds may be chemotaxonomic markers for the genus Cephalotes, since they have been identified in the mandibular glands from all members of this genus that have been investigated to date. Minor components identified in the whole head extracts of these ants were 3-methyl-1-butanol, 3-heptanone, 3-hexanol, 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acids, 2-methyl-4-heptanone, 2-phenylethanol and phenol. To our knowledge, this is the first time that 2-methyl-4-heptanone and phenol have been reported in the mandibular gland secretion from any Formicid.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide4-heptanone and 4-heptanol were identified as major components in the mandibular gland secretion from the turtle ants, Cephalotes alfaroi and C. cristatusHighlights
► Turtle Ant Mandibular Gland Secretion: 4-Heptanone and 4-Heptanol.
► GC–MS Analysis of Cephalotes alfaroi and C. cristatus Mandibular Glands.
► Chemotaxonomic Markers for Ants: Genus Cephalotes.