N,N-dimethyluracil and actinidine, two pheromones of the ponerine antMegaponera foetens (Fab.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

By means of gas chromatographic, mass spectrometric, and micro-preparative methodsN,N-dimethyluracil and actinidine were identified as two ethologically active compounds in the ponerine antMegaponera foetens. The synthesized poison gland compoundN,N-dimethyluracil released trail-following behavior, whereas actinidine, found in the pygidial gland, stimulated ants to leave the nest, possibly in an alarm reaction. Biological activity of the synthetic samples were confirmed by behavioral experiments and electroantennogram responses with worker antennae.