Exocrine secretions of bees. V. Terpenoid esters in the Dufour's secretions of Panurginus bees (Hymenoptera: Andrenidae)

The volatile components of Dufour's gland extracts were analyzed in two species of Holarctic Panurginus bees: P. pontentillae and P. atramontensis . Two terpenoid esters, citronellyl citronellate and citronellyl geranate, were identified in P. pontentillae , whereas only the latter was in P. atramontensis . Citronellyl citronellate was identified in pollen ball extracts of P. pontentillae . Mandibular gland extracts from male and female P. pontentillae contained neral and geranial. The significance of the Dufour's gland secretion in andrenid systematics and its function in the Andrenidae are discussed.