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International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies

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e-ISSN : 2347-2677, p-ISSN : 2394-0522

International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies

International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies

2017, Vol. 4 Issue 1, Part B

Extraction and analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons in the weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Author(s):

Azhagu Raj R, R Sathish, A Prakasam, D Krishnamoorthy, M Balachandar and Majesh Tomson

Abstract:
Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are one of the most diverse and ubiquitous groups of social insects the largest family under the order Hymenoptera. In insects, cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC) function as chemical cues for the recognition of mates, species, and nest-mates in social insects. The surface of insects is covered by a complex mixture of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) to prevent desiccation. In this study, the cuticular hydrocarbons profiles (CHCs) of weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina workers was extracted and analyzed in Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The results reveal that O. smaragdina CHCs extract composed straight-chain and branched-chain alkanes and alkenes. A total of 18 CHCs were identified in the workers of O. smaragdina. The major cuticular hydrocarbons such as Hexadecane (C16H34), Octacosane (C28H58), Octadecane,9-ethyl-9-heptyl (C27H56), Heptacosane (C27H56), Eicosane,9-octyl (C28H58) and Pentatriacontane (C35H72 ). These cuticular hydrocarbons might be acted as a chemical messenger between the ant colony, nest, nest-mate recognition of the weaver ant O. smaragdina.

Pages: 102-107  |  2163 Views  576 Downloads

How to cite this article:
Azhagu Raj R, R Sathish, A Prakasam, D Krishnamoorthy, M Balachandar and Majesh Tomson. Extraction and analysis of cuticular hydrocarbons in the weaver ant Oecophylla smaragdina (Fabricius) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Int. J. Fauna Biol. Stud. 2017;4(1):102-107.

International Journal of Fauna and Biological Studies
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