Marking pheromone
- Pronunciation
- /MARK-ing fer-o-moʊn/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Marking pheromone
- Plural
- Marking pheromones
Definition
Pheromones deposited by insects to mark territory, trails, or other important locations, often used to signal presence and occupancy.
Etymology
From Latin 'marcare' meaning 'to sign' and Greek 'phero' meaning 'to carry' and 'hormone' meaning 'that which sets in motion'.
Example
Ants deposit marking pheromones around their nests to signal territory boundaries.
Related Terms
- Trail pheromone
- Home-range marker
Usage Notes
Marking pheromones can be volatile, allowing for long-distance communication, or deposited on surfaces for longer-lasting signals.