Volatile glandular secretions of three species of new world army ants,Eciton burchelli, Labidus coecus, andLabidus praedator

The Dufour glands of workers ofEciton burchelli contain a mixture of small quantities of oxygenated compounds, some of which are derived from terpenes, and C17-C25 hydrocarbons. The secretion of the Dufour glands of soldiers was either similar to that of workers, with geranylacetone a significant component, or they contained geranyllinalool in large amounts. The glands of workers and soldiers ofLabidus praedator andLabidus coecus contained (E)-β-ocimene, a new substance for the Dufour glands of ants. 4-Methyl-3-heptanone was the dominant compound in the mandibular glands ofE. burchelli andL. coecus. Skatole and indole were found in the gasters ofL. praedator, and skatole was present in the venom glands of some soldiers ofE. burchelli.