The trail pheromone of the venomous samsum ant, Pachycondyla sennaarensis
Ant species use branching networks of pheromone trails for orientation between nest and
resources. The current study demonstrated that workers of the venomous samsum ant,
Pachycondyla sennaarensis (Mayr) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), employ recruitment trail
pheromones discharged from the Dufour’s gland. Secretions of other abdomen complex glands,
as well as hindgut gland secretions, did not evoke trail following. The optimum concentration of
trail pheromone was found to be 0.1 gland equivalent/40 cm trail. This concentration
demonstrated effective longevity for about one hour.
Black ant (Samsum), Pachycodyla sennarrensis, stings and injects venom and inflicts allergy (a rare clinical problem) due to its local and systemic reaction, which is considered as a health hazard…