Chemistry of the Sting Apparatus of the Worker Honeybee

Abstract

SummaryVolatile compounds present in extracts of the sting apparatus of foraging worker honeybees were analysed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Eight acetates were detected, including n-butyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, n-octyl, n-decyl, and benzyl acetate. These esters were accompanied by isoamyl alcohol, 2-nonanol and benzyl alcohol, as well as a series of aliphatic hydrocarbons.