Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles reveal age-related changes in honey bee drones (Apis mellifera carnica)

Authors
Wakonigg, G Eveleigh, L Arnold, G Crailsheim, K
Citation
G. Wakonigg et al., Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles reveal age-related changes in honey bee drones (Apis mellifera carnica), J APICULT R, 39(3-4), 2000, pp. 137-141
Citations number
15
Categorie Soggetti
Entomology/Pest Control
Journal title
JOURNAL OF APICULTURAL RESEARCH
ISSN journal
00218839 → ACNP
Volume
39
Issue
3-4
Year of publication
2000
Pages
137 - 141
Database
ISI
SICI code
0021-8839(2000)39:3-4<137:CHPRAC>2.0.ZU;2-D
Abstract
Cuticular hydrocarbon profiles of drone honey bees (Apis mellifera carnica) of different ages were compared by gas chromatography. Chromatograms of dr ones from three different colonies were similar and, despite some variation s, showed the same patterns as a function of age. We suggest that in additi on to behavioural changes, the surface hydrocarbon profiles of the drones m ight be used as a cue for the worker bees to discriminate between young and old individuals.