Chemotaxonomical characterisation of males of Bombus lucorum (Hymenoptera: Apidae) collected in the Czech Republic

Abstract

Labial gland secretions of 26 males of the bumblebee Bombus lucorum (L.), collected in the Czech Republic, were analysed. The secretions consisted of 60 compounds; ethyl (Z)-9-tetradecenoate was the main component (average 53%). Although the males varied in colour, their labial gland secretions were similar in composition, which indicated they belonged to one species. Chemically the B. lucorum occurring in the Czech Republic correspond to the earlier described "blonde form" of this species.

Keywords

• hymenoptera
• apidae
• bombus lucorum
• bumblebees
• marking pheromone
• labial gland secretion
• chemosystematics
• ethyl (z)-9-tetradecenoate