Exocrine secretions of bees V. Terpenoid esters in the Dufour's secretions ofPanurginus bees (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)

Abstract
The volatile components of Dufour's gland extracts were analyzed in two species of HolarcticPanurginus bees:Panurginus pontentillae andP. atramontensis. Two terpenoid esters, citronellyl citronellate and citronellyl geranate, were identified inP. pontentillae, whereas only the latter was inP. atramontensis. Citronellyl citronellate was identified in pollen ball extracts ofP. pontentillae. Mandibular gland extracts from male and femaleP. pontentillae contained neral and geranial. The significance of the Dufour's gland secretion in andrenid systematics and its function in the Andrenidae are discussed.