ABSTRACT
The term pherom one is a combination of phero (from the Greek pher[ein]f to carry or bear), o, and (hor)mone. This term was originally de fined by Karlson and Liischer (1959, p. 55) for insects as “substances which are secreted to the outside by an individual and received by a sec ond individual of the same species in which they release a specific reaction, for example, a defi nite behavior or a developmental process.” Food attractants, blossom fragrances, and in sect repellents were excluded from the term. A distinction between “releasing” and “priming” pheromones was made, the former releasing a specific behavior and the latter a developmen tal or neuroendocrine change.
