Chemistry of Mandibular Gland Secretions of Small Carpenter Bees (Ceratina Spp.)1

Abstract
The mandibular gland secretion of Ceratina strenua F. Smith contains neryl acetate, geranyl acetate, and farnesyl acetate; whereas nerolic acid and geranic acid are present in that of C. calcarata Robertson, and 1-hexadecyl acetate in the secretion of males of C. cucurbitina Rossi. n-Pentadecane is a major glandular constituent of all species and is accompanied by C16-C23 alkanes and alkenes. The mandibular gland products appear to be effective defensive secretion against ants.

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit: