COMMUNICATION IN THE MIGRATORY TERMITE-HUNTING ANT PACHYCONDYLA (=TERMITOPONE) MARGINATA (FORMICIDAE, PONERINAE)

The Neotropical species Pachycondyla marginata conducts well-organized predatory raids on the termite species Neocapritermes opacus and freq uently emigrates to new nest sites. During both activities the ants em ploy chemical trail communication. The trail pheromone originates from the pygidial gland. Among the substances identified in the pygidial g land secretions, only citronellal was effective as a trail pheromone. Isopulegol elicited an increase in locomotory activity in the ants and may function as a synergist recruitment signal. The chemical signal i s enhanced by a shaking display performed by the recruiting ant.