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Goffinet AJ, Darragh K, Saleh N, Ostwald MM, Buchmann SL, Ramirez SR. Individual Variation in Male Pheromone Production in Xylocopa sonorina Correlates with size and Gland Color. J Chem Ecol 2024; 50:1-10. [PMID: 38110848 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-023-01466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
Sex pheromones are species-specific chemical signals that facilitate the location, identification, and selection of mating partners. These pheromones can vary between individuals, and act as signals of mate quality. Here, we investigate the variation of male pheromones in the mesosomal glands of the large carpenter bee Xylocopa sonorina, within a Northern California population. We tested the hypothesis that morphological traits are correlated with the observed variation in chemical blend composition of these bees. We also conducted behavioral assays to test whether these male pheromones act as long-range attractants to conspecifics. We found that larger males with darker mesosomal glands have a higher pheromone amount in their glands. Our analysis also suggests that this pheromone blend functions as a long-range attractant to both males and females. We show that both male body size and sexual maturation are important factors influencing pheromone abundance, and that this pheromone blend acts as a long-range attractant. We hypothesize that this recorded variation in male pheromone could be important for female choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Goffinet
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Kathy Darragh
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
| | - Nicholas Saleh
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- School of Natural Sciences, Fresno Pacific University, Fresno, CA, 93702, USA
| | - Madeleine M Ostwald
- Cheadle Center for Biodiversity & Ecological Restoration, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106, USA
| | - Stephen L Buchmann
- Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Santiago R Ramirez
- Department of Evolution and Ecology, University of California, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
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Peter CI, Johnson SD. A pollinator shift explains floral divergence in an orchid species complex in South Africa. ANNALS OF BOTANY 2014; 113:277-88. [PMID: 24107684 PMCID: PMC3890387 DOI: 10.1093/aob/mct216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 04/26/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Floral diversification driven by shifts between pollinators has been one of the key explanations for the radiation of angiosperms. According to the Grant-Stebbins model of pollinator-driven speciation, these shifts result in morphologically distinct 'ecotypes' which may eventually become recognizable as species. The current circumscription of the food-deceptive southern African orchid Eulophia parviflora encompasses a highly variable monophyletic species complex. In this study, two forms were identified within this complex that differ in distribution, floral morphology, scent chemistry and phenology, and a test was made of whether these differences represent adaptations for different pollinators. METHODS AND RESULTS Multivariate analysis of floral and vegetative traits revealed that there are at least two discrete morphological forms in the species complex. Field observations revealed that each form is pollinated by a different insect species, and thus represent distinct ecotypes. The early-flowering coastal form which has long spurs and floral scent dominated by sesquiterpene compounds is pollinated exclusively by the long-tongued bee Amegilla fallax (Apidae, Anthophorinae), while the late-flowering inland form with short spurs and floral scent dominated by benzenoid compounds is pollinated exclusively by the beetle Cyrtothyrea marginalis (Cetoniinae; Scarabaeidae). Choice experiments in a Y-maze olfactometer showed that beetles are preferentially attracted to the scent of the short-spurred form. A spur-shortening experiment showed that long spurs are required for effective pollination of the bee-pollinated form. Although it was initially thought likely that divergence occurred across a geographical pollinator gradient, plants of the long-spurred form were effectively pollinated when transplanted to an inland locality outside the natural coastal range of this form. Thus, the underlying geographical basis for the evolution of ecotypes in the E. parviflora complex remains uncertain, although early flowering in the long-spurred form to exploit the emergence of naïve bees may restrict this form to coastal areas where there is no frost that would damage flower buds. Later flowering of the short-spurred form coincides closely with the emergence of the pollinating beetles following winter frosts. CONCLUSIONS This study identifies a shift between bee and beetle pollination as the main driver of floral divergence in an orchid species complex. Floral scent and spur length appear to be key traits in mediating this evolutionary transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig I. Peter
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
- Department of Botany, Rhodes University, PO Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140, South Africa
| | - Steven D. Johnson
- School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa
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Brodmann J, Twele R, Francke W, Yi-bo L, Xi-qiang S, Ayasse M. Orchid mimics honey bee alarm pheromone in order to attract hornets for pollination. Curr Biol 2009; 19:1368-72. [PMID: 19664924 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2009.06.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2009] [Revised: 06/12/2009] [Accepted: 06/16/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of the world's estimated 30,000 orchid species are deceptive and do not reward their pollinators with nectar or pollen. Most of these deceptive orchids imitate the scent of rewarding flowers or potential mates. In this study, we investigated the floral scent involved in pollinator attraction to the rewardless orchid Dendrobium sinense, a species endemic to the Chinese island Hainan that is pollinated by the hornet Vespa bicolor. Via chemical analyses and electrophysiological methods, we demonstrate that the flowers of D. sinense produce (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol and that the pollinator can smell this compound. This is a major compound in the alarm pheromones of both Asian (Apis cerana) and European (Apis mellifera) honey bees and is also exploited by the European beewolf (Philanthus triangulum) to locate its prey. This is the first time that (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol has been identified as a floral volatile. In behavioral experiments, we demonstrate that the floral scent of D. sinense and synthetic (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol are both attractive to hornets. Because hornets frequently capture honey bees to feed to their larvae, we suggest that the flowers of D. sinense mimic the alarm pheromone of honey bees in order to attract prey-hunting hornets for pollination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Brodmann
- Institute of Experimental Ecology, University of Ulm, 89069 Ulm, Germany
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Alcock J, Johnson MD. Female mate choice in the carpenter bee
Xylocopa varipuncta
(Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae). J Zool (1987) 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1990.tb03991.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J. Alcock
- Department of Zoology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287–1501, USA
| | - M. D. Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, DePauw University, Greencastle, IN 46135, USA
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MINCKLEY ROBERTL. Comparative morphology of the mesosomal ‘gland’ in male large carpenter bees (Apidae: Xylocopini). Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2008. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.1994.tb01014.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Kroiss J, Schmitt T, Schreier P, Strohm E, Herzner G. A selfish function of a "social" gland? A postpharyngeal gland functions as a sex pheromone reservoir in males of the solitary wasp Philanthus triangulum. J Chem Ecol 2007; 32:2763-76. [PMID: 17131184 DOI: 10.1007/s10886-006-9198-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The postpharyngeal gland (PPG) has long been assumed to be restricted to ants, where it mainly functions in the maintenance of social integrity. Recently, a PPG has been described in both sexes of a solitary digger wasp, the European beewolf, Philanthus triangulum (Hymenoptera, Crabronidae). Female beewolves use the contents of their PPG to embalm their honeybee prey to delay microbial growth. Here we show that in male beewolves, the PPG serves as a reservoir of the pheromone used to scent-mark their territories. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of PPG contents identified 55 substances including long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons, and 13 substances with functional groups. The composition was consistent with the composition of the marking pheromone of male European beewolves described earlier. Comparisons of the PPG contents, and total-head extracts showed a strong congruency, suggesting that total-head extracts can be used for the analysis of marking secretion in beewolves. Furthermore, we found a dimorphism in the composition of the PPG contents, based on significant differences in the proportions of seven compounds between the two morphs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Kroiss
- Institute of Zoology, University of Regensburg, 93040, Regensburg, Germany. johannes.kroiss@@biozentrum.uni-wuerzburg.de
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Herzner G, Schmitt T, Linsenmair KE, Strohm E. Prey recognition by females of the European beewolf and its potential for a sensory trap. Anim Behav 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Schmitt T, Strohm E, Herzner G, Bicchi C, Krammer G, Heckel F, Schreier P. (S)-2,3-dihydrofarnesoic acid, a new component in cephalic glands of male European beewolves Philanthus triangulum. J Chem Ecol 2004; 29:2469-79. [PMID: 14682528 DOI: 10.1023/a:1026305901049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The chemical composition and functional significance of pheromones of solitary Hymenoptera is much less well known compared to social species. Males of the genus Philanthus (Sphecidae) are territorial and scent mark their territories to attract females. Because of inconsistent results of earlier studies, we reanalyzed the content of the cephalic glands of male European beewolves, Philanthus triangulum F. Besides a variety of alkanes and alkenes, four major compounds were found. Two of these, (Z)-11-eicosen-1-ol and (Z)-10-nonadecen-2-one, had been previously described as constituents of the cephalic glands. We identified 1-octadecanol as a new component of the cephalic gland, and a fourth compound, enantiopure (S)-2,3-dihydrofamesoic acid, was identified for the first time in nature. Structural elucidation and enantiomeric analysis were performed by HRGC-MS and HRGC-FTIR as well as enantioselective gas chromatography and by means of authentic reference compounds. Occurrence and function of the four compounds in insect chemistry are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Schmitt
- Theodor-Boveri-Institut für Biowissenschaften, Zoologie III, Biozentrum, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, G ermany
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Ayasse M, Paxton RJ, Tengö J. Mating behavior and chemical communication in the order Hymenoptera. ANNUAL REVIEW OF ENTOMOLOGY 2001; 46:31-78. [PMID: 11112163 DOI: 10.1146/annurev.ento.46.1.31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Insects of the order Hymenoptera are biologically and economically important members of natural and agro ecosystems and exhibit diverse biologies, mating systems, and sex pheromones. We review what is known of their sex pheromone chemistry and function, paying particular emphasis to the Hymenoptera Aculeata (primarily ants, bees, and sphecid and vespid wasps), and provide a framework for the functional classification of their sex pheromones. Sex pheromones often comprise multicomponent blends derived from numerous exocrine tissues, including the cuticle. However, very few sex pheromones have been definitively characterized using bioassays, in part because of the behavioral sophistication of many Aculeata. The relative importance of species isolation versus sexual selection in shaping sex pheromone evolution is still unclear. Many species appear to discriminate among mates at the level of individual or kin/colony, and they use antiaphrodisiacs. Some orchids use hymenopteran sex pheromones to dupe males into performing pseudocopulation, with extreme species specificity.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ayasse
- Institute of Zoology, Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090 Austria.
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Leys R. Mate locating strategies of the green carpenter bees Xylocopa (Lestis) aeratus and X. (L.) bombylans. J Zool (1987) 2000. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.2000.tb01228.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Minckley RL, Buchmann SL, Wcislo WT. Bioassay evidence for a sex attractant pheromone in the large carpenter bee,Xylocopa varipuncta(Anthophoridae: Hymenoptera). J Zool (1987) 1991. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7998.1991.tb04805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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McAuslane HJ, Vinson SB, Williams HJ. Change in mandibular and mesosomal gland contents of maleXylocopa micans (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae) associated with mating system. J Chem Ecol 1990; 16:1877-85. [DOI: 10.1007/bf01020501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/1989] [Accepted: 10/16/1989] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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