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Sociochemicals of Ants

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Chemical Ecology of Insects

Abstract

Our knowledge of the chemical ecology of ants has changed considerably in the last 10 years. Whereas, previously, much emphasis was placed upon the chemical characterization of glandular secretions, recently many studies have concentrated on the adaptive significance of chemically mediated behavior. In this chapter, we attempt to show how chemical signals are used by ants in relationships with their nest-mates, members of other colonies and species of ants, and other organisms. Since chemical signals have characteristics very different from other modes of communication, we have included some discussion of mechanism where relevant.

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© 1984 William J. Bell and Ring T. Cardé

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Bradshaw, J.W.S., Howse, P.E. (1984). Sociochemicals of Ants. In: Bell, W.J., Cardé, R.T. (eds) Chemical Ecology of Insects. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-3368-3_15

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