Chemical Releasers of Social Behavior. VIII. Citral in the Mandibular Gland Secretion of Lestrimelitta limao (Hymenoptera: Apoidea: Melittidae)1

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Abstract
The mandibular glands of the stingless bee Lestrimelitta limao (Fr. Smith) secrete a volatile terpenoid which has been identified as citral. The stereoisomers of this compound are present in the approximate ratio of 2 parts of geranial and 1 part of neral. The probable functions of citral are discussed in relation to the biology of L. limao.