Insect olfaction Insect olfaction Insect olfaction refers to the function of chemical receptors that enable insects to detect and identify volatile compounds for foraging, predator avoidance, finding mating partners (via pheromones) and locating oviposition habitats. Thus, it is the most important sensation for insects. Most important insect behaviors must be timed perfectly which is dependent on what they smell and when they smell it. For example, olfaction is essential for hunting in many species of wasps, including "Polybia sericea". The two organs insects primarily use for detecting odors are the antennae and specialized mouth parts called the maxillary palps. However, a recent
Red imported fire ant the burning sensation caused by its sting. Alternative names include: the "fire ant", "red ant" or "tramp ant". In Brazil, locals call the ant "toicinhera", which derives from the Portuguese word "toicinho" (pork fat). The red imported fire ant was first described by Swiss entomologist Felix Santschi in a 1916 journal article published by "Physis". Originally named "Solenopsis saevissima wagneri" from a syntype worker collected from Santiago del Estero, Argentina, Santschi believed the ant was a variant of "S. saevissima"; the specific epithet, "wagneri", derives from the surname of E.R. Wagner, who collected the first specimens. The type material is