Alarm pheromone in workers of the Yellow legged hornet, Vespa velutina nigrithorax

In social insects, alarm pheromones play a crucial role in colony protection by triggering the recruitment of conspecifics and promoting defensive behaviors when a threat arises. While these pheromones are rarely species-specific, their chemical composition can vary depending on factors such as caste, colony of origin, and the age of the individuals. Investigating the composition of alarm pheromones in invasive species is particularly important for identifying attractive compounds that could be harnessed to develop effective pheromone-based traps. In our study, we focused on the invasive hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax, analyzing the chemical composition of alarm pheromones produced by the venom gland of workers. This approach aimed to deepen our understanding of their highly efficient chemical communication system. Additionally, we examined hornets across different age groups to explore whether the chemical composition of alarm pheromones changes throughout their life cycle.