A substance secreted externally by certain animal species, especially insects, to affect the behavior or development of other members of the species.
From the Greek words “pherein” (to carry) and “hormon” (to excite), they are sex hormones emitted by insects and animals; and spread through the air by the wind and diffusion for the purposes of attracting the opposite sex. Some pheromones have been produced artificially and used in lure traps to attract and catch male insects so as to prevent their mating with females (i.e., a biological pesticide). Pheromone traps for Japanese beetles are commonplace in infested areas (e.g., when utilizing Integrated Pest Management). It is envisioned that commercial exploitation of this area of science will increase.
An extremely potent sexual attractant secreted by animals.
Chemical substance secreted and released by an animal for detection and response by another, usually of the same species. Usually detected by smell and may affect behavior in various ways. Some animals secrete pheromones to warn of danger, others to attract mates. Pheromones probably play a minor role in human behavior, due to our relatively weak sense of smell.
A substance secreted by the bodies of animals, including humans, which identifies them to members of the same species. Pheromones are often detected by smell. Specific instinctive behaviors, such as mating and aggression, are involved in the response to pheromones.
A hormone-like substance which is released into the environment by certain animals, and perceived only by animals of the same species, which result in changes in social or sexual behavior.
Chemicals produced and emitted by an individual which produce changes in the social or sexual behaviour when perceived by other individuals of the same species. The precise role of these odours for it is by their smell that they are recognized in humans is still not clear, but there is growing evidence of the part they play in the animal kingdom. Thus, if a strange male rat is put into a group of female rats, this may cause death of the fetus in any pregnant rats, and this is attributed to the pheromones emitted by the male rat.
A chemical released by one animal that acts as a form of communication with other animals of the same species. It is often detected by smell and may affect the development, reproduction, or behavior of other individuals.
A volatile hormone-like secretion, the subtle odour of which evokes a response in another member of the same species often, but not exclusively, sexual.
A compound possessing a distinctive scent which, when emitted in tiny amounts by an organism, influences the conduct or growth of other members within the same species.