Complexity of Bumble Bee Marking Pheremones: Biochemical, Ecological and Systematical Interpretations

Male bumble bee labial gland marking pheromone blends from 18 species belonging to three genera (Bombus, Pyrobombus and Alpinobombus) are compared from biochemical, ecological and systematical points of view. General chemical similarities within the genera have been found and also distinct character...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Bergström, Gunnar, Svensson, Bo G., Appelgren, Monica, Groth, Inga
Other Authors: Academic Press
Format: Text
Language:unknown
Published: Hosted by Utah State University Libraries 1981
Subjects:
Online Access:https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bee_lab_ba/122
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1121&context=bee_lab_ba
Description
Summary:Male bumble bee labial gland marking pheromone blends from 18 species belonging to three genera (Bombus, Pyrobombus and Alpinobombus) are compared from biochemical, ecological and systematical points of view. General chemical similarities within the genera have been found and also distinct characteristics for each species. Male spatial, temporal, mechanical and marking pheromonal premating species-isolating mechanisms are compared between species in a subalpine/alpine area. Species which utilize the same mating habitat usually differ greatly by virtue of their mechanical, pheromonal and, to some extent, temporal characteristics. These mechanisms enhance species discrimination and counteract hybridization.