Study of Cuticular Chemicals of Formica japonica Ant Using Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

—Temporal Modulation in the Pattern of Cuticular Hydrocarbons—

Abstract

Change in cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) and cuticular hydrocarbons profile (CHP) of the Formica japonica ant collected over a three-year period comprising 2006 (May to October), 2007 (May to October), and 2008 (March to October) were examined by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and a principal component analysis method. It was found that cyclic changes in CHPs for n-monoalkenes and branched monomethyl alkanes occur every year. This indicates that the observed tendencies include n-monoalkenes undergoing a relative increase from March or May to June, and a decrease from July to October, whereas branched monomethyl alkanes undergoing a relative decrease during March or May to June, and increase during July to October.