1968/08/09 by Robert H. Ressler, Robert B. Cialdini, Mitchell L. Ghoca +1 · 2 citations
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology #Insect and Arachnid Ecology and Behavior
paper · doi:10.1126/science.161.3841.597
openalex publication_date 1968/08/09 · openalex created_date 2016/06/24 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/23
Noxious stimulation of the earthworm Lumbricus terrestris elicits secretion of a mucus that is aversive to other members of the species, as well as to the stimulated animal when it is encountered later. This alarm pheromone is not readily soluble in water and retains its aversive properties for at least several months if not disturbed. Its influence may be responsible for some features of the data on instrumental learning in earthworms.