W.F. Antonialli Junior, Y.R. Súarez, T. Izida, L.H.C. Andrade, S.M. Lima
Published: June 24, 2008
Genet. Mol. Res. 7 (2) : 559-566
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/vol7-2gmr454

Cite this Article:
W.F.Antonialli Junior, Y.R. Súarez, T. Izida, L.H.C. Andrade, S.M. Lima (2008). Intra- and interspecific variation of cuticular hydrocarbon composition in two Ectatomma species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) based on Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy. Genet. Mol. Res. 7(2): 559-566. https://doi.org/10.4238/vol7-2gmr454

About the Authors
W.F. Antonialli Junior, Y.R. Súarez, T. Izida, L.H.C. Andrade, S.M. Lima

Corresponding author
W.F. Antonialli Junior
E-mail: williamantonialli@yahoo.com.br

ABSTRACT

We have been able to discriminate different castes and sexes of ants in the same colony by measuring cuticular hydrocarbon levels with Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy, compared by canonical discriminant function analysis. We have now applied this methodology to various colonies of two species of ants of the genus Ectatomma in the Brazilian Cerrado. There were clear interspecific differences in cuticular hydrocarbons of these ants, with a small intraspecific variation. The differences between colonies were greater in E. brunneum than in E. vizottoi. Genetic differences among the colonies and species were well estimated by Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy and statistical analyses.

Key words: Cuticular hydrocarbon, Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic, Ectatomma, Interspecific variation.