The body surface of nearly all insects, including ants, is covered with a lipid layer that largely
consists of cuticular hydrocarbons (CHC). They fulfil several functions, the two best-studied …

In social insect colonies, individuals need to communicate to coordinate cooperative tasks
and protect the colony and its resources against intruders. To maintain colony integrity, it can …

Large social insect colonies exhibit a remarkable ability for recognizing group members via
colony-specific cuticular pheromonal signatures. Previous work suggested that in some ant …

Highlights•Worker ants exhibit limited ovary development and egg production.•Worker
reproduction is influenced by social context, environment and species.•The presence of …

In insect societies, chemical communication plays an important role in colony reproduction
and individual social status. Many studies have indicated that cuticular hydrocarbons …

In insect societies, chemical communication plays an important role in colony reproduction
and individual social status. Many studies have indicated that cuticular hydrocarbons …

Nestmate recognition underlies social behaviour in social insects as it forms the basis for
cooperation within the colony. Quantitative variation in cuticle hydrocarbons (CHCs) is used …

Kin recognition is widely observed in the animal kingdom. Individuals discriminated between
relatives and non-relatives to avoid inbreeding and increase their inclusive fitness. Members …

Social insects are some of the world's most ecologically successful animal groups, and their
complex societies are considered one of the pinnacles of animal evolution. Since these …

Large social insect colonies exhibit a remarkable ability for recognizing group members via
colony-specific cuticular hydrocarbon (CHC) pheromonal signatures. Previous work …