Myrmicacin (3-hydroxydecanoic acid) is a chemical compound of the β-hydroxycarboxylic acid class. It is named after the South American leaf-cutter ants (

Myrmicinae Myrmicinae is a subfamily In biological classification, a subfamily (Latin: ', plural ') is an auxiliary (intermediate) taxonomic rank, next below family but more inclusive than genus. Standard nomenclature rules end botanical subfamily ...

) in which it was first discovered, but is also found in

royal jelly Royal jelly is a honey bee secretion that is used in the nutrition of larvae and adult queens. It is secreted from the glands in the hypopharynx of nurse bees, and fed to all larvae in the colony, regardless of sex or caste.Graham, J. (ed.) (199 ...

. Myrmicacin is believed to act as a

herbicide Herbicides (, ), also commonly known as weed killers, are substances used to control undesired plants, also known as weeds.EPA. February 201Pesticides Industry. Sales and Usage 2006 and 2007: Market Estimates. Summary in press releasMain page f ...

which prevents seeds collected by the ants from germinating within the nest.

References

Fatty acids Beta hydroxy acids Bee products {{Ant-stub

See also

References