Recruitment pheromones

Definition

Chemical signals released by social insects to attract other individuals to a food source or new nesting site.

Etymology

From the Latin 'recrutare', meaning 'to gather', and 'pheromone', a chemical signal used for communication.

Example

The scent of recruitment pheromones guided worker ants to a newly discovered food source.

Related Terms

• Social insects
• Trail laying
• Nestmate recognition

Usage Notes

Recruitment pheromones are often species-specific and can vary in their chemical composition and function.