Analysis of extracts of hemolymph obtained from sexually mature alate females of Solenopsis invicta resulted in identification of juvenile hormone III (JH III). The average amount of JH III was 0.32±0.04pmol/µl. Topical applications of 38fmol of JH III was sufficient to stimulate alates to shed their wings in the presence of the queen. The time in which alates were induced to dealate decreased with increasing concentrations of JH III. Application of 42nmol of precocene II inhibited dealation of alates in queenless colonies. However, this inhibition was reversed after applying 38pmol JH III to precocene-treated alates. The sizes of corpora allata (CA) from sexuals treated with JH III did not differ from those of controls. However, the sizes of CA were reduced in alates treated with precocene II. The results indicated that JH was important to dealation.
Species 1: Hymenoptera Formicidae Solenopsis invicta (red imported fire ant)
Keywords: Alate females, Juvenile hormone
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