The effect of juvenile hormone on the chemical profile and fertility of Lasius niger queens

Cuticular hydrocarbons serve as cues for nestmate recognition in Lasius ants, and the compound 3-MeC31 signals the queen's fertility, acting as a queen pheromone to regulate reproductive division of labour. Juvenile hormone (JH) has been reported to inhibit reproduction in Lasius niger queens during vitellogenesis and oogenesis by modulating vitellogenin expression. The hormonal pleiotropy of juvenile hormone (JH) has been shown to affect fertility and the production of fertility cues in other social insects. The purpose of this study is to review the effect of JH on queen reproduction by looking at egg-laying rates in the early phases of nest foundation, as well as changes in chemical profiles and 3-MeC31 expression. Methoprene treatment led to an increase of 3-MeC31 production compared to precocene-treated queens; however, there was no increase in egg laying. Furthermore, chemical profiles of males and winged queens differed distinctly from the treated dealate queens.

Automated summary

This study examines the effect of juvenile hormone (JH) on queen reproduction in Lasius ants. It is found that JH influences egg-laying rates and the production of fertility signals, as well as the chemical profiles of queens and males.