Soldier determination in ants [Pheidole bicarinata]: new role for juvenile hormone

Topical application of juvenile hormone analog induces soldier development in the ant Pheidole bicarinata. Soldier induction takes place if the juvenile hormone analog is present during a period of sensitivity that occurs during the last larval instar. Control of worker dimorphism seems to be accomp...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) 1981-07, Vol.213 (4505), p.361-363
Main Authors: Wheeler, D.E, Nijhout, H.F
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
animal physiology
Ants
arthropods
entomology
Insect castes
Insect colonies
Insect hormones
Insect larvae
Insect societies
Juvenile hormones
Larval development
Membership
Physiological aspects
Pupae
Soldiers
Vibration
Worker insects
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Summary:Topical application of juvenile hormone analog induces soldier development in the ant Pheidole bicarinata. Soldier induction takes place if the juvenile hormone analog is present during a period of sensitivity that occurs during the last larval instar. Control of worker dimorphism seems to be accomplished through control of timing of metamorphosis. The smallest size at which metamorphosis can be initiated is shifted upward from 1.2 to 1.7 millimeters by exposure to the juvenile hormone analog during the sensitive period.
ISSN:0036-8075
1095-9203
DOI:10.1126/science.213.4505.361