Age-dependent changes in the chemistry of exocrine glands of Bombus terrestris queens.

Extracts of three different glands (mandibular, labial, and Dufour's) of virgin Bombus terrestris queens at ten different ages (1-8, 12, and 18 days) were analyzed for chemical composition. One hundred and twenty-seven compounds were identified in the extracts. The mandibular and labial glands contained previously reported electroantennogram-active compounds (3-hydroxydecanoic acid, fatty acids of different chain lengths, their esters, and heptacosene). These compounds reached a maximum concentration in 3- to 7-d-old queens. Geranylcitronellol was found in both labial and Dufour's glands. Its amount was inversely correlated to age of queens.