Lack of patriline-specific differences in chemical composition of the metapleural gland secretion in Acromyrmex octospinosus

摘要: Multiple queen-mating (polyandry) in social insects increases the genetic variability among worker offspring, which may enhance colony survival, productivity and defence against parasites. The unique complex symbiosis of leaf-cutting ants with a clonal mutualistic fungus makes this system particularly vulnerable to contamination by pathogenic unwanted saprophytic fungi bacteria. Proper such threats requires effective flexible chemical mechanisms. A prime candidate for providing defences is metapleural gland secretion, known have broad antibiotic properties. Here we use ant Acromyrmex octospinosus specifically test hypothesis that genetically more diverse worker-offspring produce variable spectrum compounds. We used DNA microsatellite markers assign workers from two colonies six most common patrilines each colony, analysed degree observed variance quantitative composition secretion can be explained differences patrilines. found marginally significant patriline-effect on overall compounds one but could not detect effect other colony. discuss number possible reasons why component variation low.