What does allomone mean?
An allomone is a chemical substance released by one organism that influences the behavior or physiology of a member of a different species while benefiting the organism that produced it. The term belongs to the field of chemical ecology, where it sits alongside related terms such as pheromone, which signals within a single species, and kairomone, which benefits the receiver rather than the sender. Allomones are most often defensive: many plants emit them to deter herbivores, and some insects use them to repel predators or competitors. Because the advantage flows toward the emitter, allomones illustrate how organisms exploit chemistry as a tool of survival across species boundaries. Though largely confined to scientific writing, the word offers a precise way to describe chemical interactions that shape ecosystems, from plant–insect arms races to the defensive secretions of arthropods.
nounA chemical substance emitted by one organism that benefits the emitting species while affecting another species, typically by repelling, deterring, or otherwise disadvantaging the receiver.
- A chemical substance produced or acquired by an organism that evokes a response in a member of another species while benefiting the producing organism.
"The plant releases an allomone that deters herbivorous insects from feeding on its leaves."
"When attacked by caterpillars, the mustard plant releases an allomone that drives the pests away."
"Termites of certain species smear an allomone along their tunnels to repel competing ant colonies."
Standard plural; commonly used when discussing multiple compounds or classes of these substances.
"Researchers identified several allomones responsible for the plant's insect-repellent properties."
Some plants literally weaponize chemistry: their allomones can make hungry insects flee before they take a single bite.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of allomone
The word allomone derives from the Greek prefix 'allo-', meaning 'other' or 'different', combined with '-mone', a suffix shared with 'hormone' and 'pheromone' that signals a chemically active messenger substance. It was coined in the twentieth century as ecologists developed a systematic vocabulary for interspecies chemical communication. Its Greek root also underlies words such as allele, allomorph, and allonym.
How allomone is actually used
Allomone is a technical term used almost exclusively in ecology, entomology, and chemical ecology literature; it is rare in everyday speech. It belongs to the broader category of semiochemicals, alongside pheromones and kairomones.
Easily confused with allomone
A pheromone is a chemical signal that acts between members of the same species, whereas an allomone is a chemical that benefits its emitter in interactions with other species.
A kairomone benefits the receiving organism rather than the emitter, which is the opposite of an allomone.