Journal of Insect Behavior (2004) 17, 809-821

P. D'Adamo, M. Lozada and J.C. Corley (2004)
An attraction pheromone from heads of worker Vespula germanica wasps
Journal of Insect Behavior 17 (6), 809-821
Abstract: Vespula germanica is a social wasp that efficiently exploits food resources. Odor cues, derived from substances located in wasp heads, have been proved to be central in conspecific attraction in this species. However, it remains unknown whether this attraction is related to foraging or defense responses. In this study we analyze conspecific attraction under two different contexts: at the nest entrance (defense) and under foraging conditions. We also test wasp response with two dosages of head extract and crosschecked the attractiveness of extracts obtained from different populations. We found no evidence of alarm response to head extracts either at the nest entrance or under foraging conditions. Moreover, no differences in attractiveness were found to both doses tested. Head extracts attract similarly in the same or a different population suggesting that conspecific attraction is not restricted to colony nestmates.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Paola D'Adamo, Juan Carlos Corley

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps

---

Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Vespula germanica		Argentina