allomones

Interspecific signals known as allomones and kairomones have similar functions.

Unlike pheromones, allomones harm the receiver at the benefit of the producer.

Production of allomones is a common form of defence, particularly by plant species against insect herbivores.

One method of adapting to allomones is to develop a positive reaction to them; the allomone then becomes a kairomone.

It is usually used in the field of chemical ecology to encompass pheromones, allomones, kairomones, attractants and repellents.

The beetles are strongly attracted by allomones produced in the early mornings and evenings by both male and female cones.

Tick-trefoils produce extremely high amounts of antixenotic allomones - chemicals which repel many insect pests - and allelopathic compounds which kill weeds.

Pollinators and orchids use the same chemical compounds in the same absolute amounts in their pheromones and allomones, respectively (Schiestl 2008).

Others alter the allomones to form pheromones or other hormones, and yet others adopt them into their own defensive strategies, for example by regurgitating them when attacked by an insectivorous insect.

One group of semiochemicals are allelochemicals; consisting of allomones, which play a defensive role in interspecies communication, and kairomones, which are used by members of higher trophic levels to locate food sources.