Sexual calling by workers using the metatibial glands in the ant, Diacammasp., from Japan (Hymenoptera : Formicidae)

Several species of the ant genus Diacamma reproduce through mated workers ( gamergates), Such gamergates have no wings and therefore are unable to cond uct nuptial flight. Instead they perform a sexual calling behavior by stand ing outside the nest and rubbing the tibiae of their hindleg over the surfa ce of the arched gaster. In a series of exclusion experiments we demonstrat e that secretions from the metatibial gland are the most important componen t in making the virgin female attractive to the males.