Temporal variation of vitellogenin synthesis in Ectatomma tuberculatum (Formicidae: Ectatomminae) workers

► The egg protein vitellogenin has different physiological functions in Hymenoptera. ► We study the production of vitellogenin by Ectatomma tuberculatum workers at different ages. ► Vitellogenin from E. tuberculatum consists of two polypeptides of 31 and 156 kDa. ► The synthesis of vitellogenin varies with worker's age. ► The vitellogenin levels in the haemolymph are related to worker's age polyethism.