Novel mandibular gland volatiles from Apterostigma ants

Publication date: June 2017 Source:Biochemical Systematics and Ecology, Volume 72 Author(s): Conor T. Hogan, Tappey H. Jones, Mariya Zhukova, Jeffrey Sosa-Calvo, Rachelle M.M. Adams The fungus-farming ants are a well-studied evolutionary radiation within the subfamily Myrmicinae that associate with a web of symbionts that span kingdoms. Members of the Apterostigma pilosum species group cultivate unique basidiomycete fungi belonging to the coral-mushroom family Pterulaceae, a family of fungi that is distantly related to the Agaricaceae (Leucoagaricus and Leucocoprinus) fungi grown by most fungus-farmers including other members in the genus Apterostigma (A. auriculatum group and A. megacephala). A chemical analysis using gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy of the mandibular gland volatiles of two species – A. dentigerum and A. manni – revealed the presence of an extraordinary diversity of natural products. Many of these compounds are new to Arthropoda, such as a homologous series of 3-methyl-2-alkanones, 2-methyl-2-alkenals, and 1-phenyl-2-propanone in A. dentigerum and 1-phenyl-2-propanol in A. manni. These results identify a remarkable divergence of compounds across the fungus-growing ants and other members in Myrmicinae. Functions of these natural products are proposed and discussed.

Source: Biochemical Systematics and Ecology - May 18, 2017 Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research