Inter-colonial variation in the compositions of the frontal gland secretion of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

The frontal gland secretions of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki soldiers from three colonies were analyzed by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry. Sixty-five components were detected and identified, including alkanes, alkenes, alkyl-substituted benzenes, alcohols, hydroxybenzenes, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids and esters. Qualitative and quantitative variations have been noted between the defensive secretions of soldiers from three colonies. We think that intercolonial aggression was not markedly related to chemical variability of soldier frontal gland secretions.