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The common garden ant, Lasius niger, marks its paths with isocoumarin (R)‐1. The structures of other isocoumarins from related ant species were elucidated by synthesis and mass spectrometric studies. The substances were tested for biological activity by means of trail‐following tests and electroantennograms.

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The Neotropical species Pachycondyla mar9inata conducts well-organized predatory raids on the termite species Neocapritermes opacus and frequently emigrates to new nest sites. During both activities the ants employ chemical trail communication. The trail pheromone orginates from the pygidial gland. Among the substances identified in the pygidial gland secretions, only citronellal was effective as a trail pheromone. Isopulegol elicited an increase in locomotory activity in the ants and may function as a synergist recruitment signal. The chemical signal is enhanced by a shaking display performed by the recruiting ant.