Pheromone

Definition

Chemical substances produced and released by an insect or arachnid, affecting the behavior or physiology of others of the same species.

Etymology

From Greek 'pherein', meaning 'to carry', and 'hormone', meaning 'impetus'.

Example

Ants use trail pheromones to lead other members of the colony to a food source.

Synonyms

• Chemical signal

Related Terms

• Hormone
• Semiochemical
• Allomone
• Kairomone

Usage Notes

Pheromones can serve various purposes such as marking territory, signaling danger, or attracting mates.