Colony odor
- Pronunciation
- /kol-uh-nee oh-der/
- Category
- Behavior
- Plural
- Colony odors
Definition
The scent signature of a colony of ants, primarily composed of pheromones secreted by various glands, including the Dufour's gland.
Etymology
From Latin 'colonia', meaning 'colony', and 'odor', meaning 'smell'.
Example
The colony odor of a fire ant nest can be detected by other ants within the colony, allowing them to recognize their nestmates.
Related Terms
- Pheromones
- Nest recognition
- Social behavior
Usage Notes
Colony odors can vary depending on the species and environmental factors. They play a crucial role in social interactions and colony organization.