Triacylglycerols (TGs) stored in the fat bodies of bumblebee males have a species-specific composition. The striking structural similarities between TG fatty acids (FAs) and components of the male marking pheromone in certain species led to the hypothesis that FAs may serve as precursors in pheromone biosynthesis. Here, we analysed TGs from B. ruderatus, B. bohemicus, and B. campestris. Nonadec-9-ene and icos-15-en-1-ol are the main components of B. ruderatus labial gland secretion, forming up to 92% of the gland extract. The corresponding icos-11-enic and icos-15-enic acids were found in TGs at levels higher than usual for bumblebee species. We found similar relationships in B. campestris and B. bohemicus. These results suggest that FAs might be precursors of aliphatic compounds in the male pheromones. Furthermore, we report for the first time the pheromone structure of B. ruderatus males. Keywords: Bombus ruderatus; Bombus campestris; Bombus bohemicus; fat body; labial gland secretion; pheromone biosynthesisAbbreviations: APCI-MS-atmospheric pressure chemical ionisation mass spectrometry; CI-chemical ionisation; CN-number of carbon atoms; DB; number of double bonds; ECN-equivalent carbon number; FA-fatty acid; FAME-fatty acid methyl ester; FAR-fatty acyl-CoA reductase; FB-fat body; GC/MS-gas chromatography and mass spectrometry; HPLC-high performance liquid chromatography; LG-labial gland; SD-standard deviation; TG-triacylglycerol OPEN ACCESS
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.