Discovering pheromones of the red imported fire ant (Solenopsis invicta Buren): A review and proposed new target for pheromone disruption

摘要

A method is described for discovering pheromones of the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), using affinity chromatography with the pheromone-binding proteins of the ant. Proteins in the pheromone- and odorant-binding protein family, which are abundant in moths and other insect species, are not apparent in fire ant antennae. Two other types of hydrophobic ligand-binding protein-chemosensory protein, and apolipophorin-III-could be important in fire ant olfaction. These proteins may be useful for identifying pheromones by affinity chromatography. The availability of fire ant pheromones could be a valuable addition to other pest management strategies.