Pheromonal components in the feces of virgin queen honey bees, Apis
                                  mellifera L.


          Section: Cb. Apiculture & Social Insects Type: Poster display
                                  presentation


                         Presenter: Finkelstein, Adam J.
                           Contact Email: adamf@vt.edu

                                    Authors


Finkelstein, A J, Department of Entomology, VPI& SU, Blacksburg, VA 24061
Fell, R D, Department of Entomology, VPI& SU, Blacksburg, VA 24061
Rausch, K M, Department of Entomology, VPI& SU, Blacksburg, VA 24061
Ruggio, D M, Department of Biochemistry, VPI& SU, Blacksburg, VA 24061
Jones, T H, Department of Chemistry, V.M.I., Lexington, VA 24450


Abstract: Virgin queen honey bees, Apis mellifera L., were reared, then
allowed to emerge in cages on comb in small hives. Each day, for eight
days, feces were sampled from different virgins. The feces were analyzed
using capillary gas chromatography. Eight compounds were identified from
their GC retention times and EI mass spectra. O-aminoacetophenone
(O-AAP), previously described as a repellent, peaked between days three
and five, and isoamylbutyrate (IAB), a previously undescribed ester in
honey bees, was found at fairly constant levels over the eight days.
Behavioral tests were conducted in observation hives to examine worker
responses to the eight compounds; IAB triggered a more vigorous agitation
and repellent response than O-AAP.




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