Chemical Nature and Function of Insect Pheromones
Insect pheromones are chemical signals secreted by individuals to affect the
behavior or physiology of others in the same species. These play vital roles in
mating, defense, social structure, and locating resources. The term "pheromone"
originates from Greek: pherein (to carry) and hormone (to stimulate). Pheromones
are active in minute quantities and are highly species-specific.
Chemical Nature:
Pheromones are generally volatile organic compounds. Their chemical structure
varies from simple molecules to complex mixtures. Common classes include alcohols,
aldehydes, esters, acids, hydrocarbons, and terpenoids. For instance, bombykol, an
unsaturated alcohol, is the sex pheromone of the female silkworm moth (Bombyx
mori). In ants and bees, components like formic acid and long-chain hydrocarbons
are typical. These pheromones are synthesized in exocrine glands, usually located
on the abdomen, thorax, or legs, and their release is influenced by internal and
environmental cues.
Functions:
Sex Pheromones – Released mainly by females to attract males from a distance,
ensuring species-specific mating.
Trail Pheromones – Used by ants and termites to create foraging paths, allowing
efficient food retrieval.
Alarm Pheromones – Trigger defensive or escape behavior in colony members when a
threat is present, e.g., honeybees release alarm scents when the hive is disturbed.
Aggregation Pheromones – Attract individuals to one site for mating or feeding, as
seen in bark beetles.
Caste-Regulating Pheromones – Maintain social hierarchy in colonies (like bees) by
preventing workers from becoming reproductively active.
Territorial and Marking Pheromones – Signal individual presence or mark
territories.
Conclusion:
Insect pheromones are chemically diverse, behavior-specific signals that are
essential for survival and reproduction. They regulate complex behaviors,
especially in social insects, and are widely used in integrated pest management
(IPM), such as pheromone traps for monitoring or controlling insect populations in
agriculture.
