Chemistry and function of mandibular gland products of bees of the genusExoneura (Hymenoptera, Anthophoridae).

FemaleExoneura richardsoni, E. bicolor, andE. bicincta (Hymenoptera: Anthophoridae) release a pungent, staining liquid from their mandibular glands upon disturbance. This secretion is primarily composed of ethyl dodecanoate, with lesser amounts of homologous ethyl and methyl esters, salicylaldehyde, and 1,4-benzoquinone. The secretion elicits vigorous grooming when topically applied to antennae ofFormica ants. The shared, unique combination of mandibular gland lipids of these threeExoneura species supports their monophyletic classification, while the presence of salicylaldehyde may associateExoneura (Allodapini) withPithitis (Ceratinini).