POISON GLAND PRODUCTS OF SOLENOPSIS AND MONOMORIUM SPECIES1

Abstract

2-Alkyl-6-methylpiperidines have been identified in the venoms of workers of five species of ants in the genus Solenopsis. S. (Euophthalma) globularia pacifica Wheeler produces cis-and trans-2-nonyl-6-methylpiperidine whereas S. (Diplorhoptrum) steinheili Forel and S. (Diplorhoptrum) sp. PR synthesize N-methyl-2-nonyl-6-methylpiperidine as well. Workers of S. (Solenopsis) geminata rufa (Jerdon) produce cis- and trans-2s-undecyl-6-methylpiperidine as do workers of S. (Solenopsis) maniosa Wheeler. Phenol and salicylaldehyde have been identified in extracts of workers of Monomorium (Parholcomyrmex) destructor (Jerdon) in contrast to 2,5-dialkylpyrrolidines that are considered to be characteristic natural products of this genus.