Oriental orchid (Cymbidium floribundum) attracts the Japanese honeybee (Apis cerana japonica) with a mixture of 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid and 10-hydroxy-(E)-2-decenoic acid

Abstract

The flower of the oriental orchid Cymbidium floribundum is known to attract the Japanese honeybee Apis cerana japonica not only workers but also drones and queen, that is, to attract even swarm and absconding-bees. A mixture of 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid (3-HOAA) and 10-hydroxy-(E)-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) was identified as the active principles from the orchid flower, whereas each compound alone has no activity. Both compounds are also mandibular gland components of worker honeybees with related compounds. This coincidence strongly supported the idea that the orchid flowers mimic bee’s secretion, presumably as beneficial with unknown ecological reasons. Because the flower is used to capture swarm, the present identification may contribute to develop new technique in traditional beekeeping not only the Japanese bee but also A. cerana in Southeast Asia.