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SUMMARY
Existence of an olfactive interattraction in the Brachinids [Col. Carabidae]
Brachinus, which protect themselves by an explosive discharge from the anal region, occur crowded in populations.
These aggregations are proved to be social groups. Indeed a mutual attraction between members of the same species, an attraction which is independent of the sexual attraction, is experimentally demonstrated here in Brachinus sclopeta and in B. explodens.
Its mechanism is olfactory. Brachinus are very responsive to odours given off by their companions; odours substances which are left in shelters remain attractive for several years. Olfactory stimulations are mainly perceived by the antennae.