Pheromone Types

Pheromones are chemicals which when released trigger a certain response from the recipient. There are different types of pheromones—each with a different function. Both animals and plants use pheromones for different purposes.

Alarm Pheromones

The release of pheromones can trigger a flight or fight response to the members of the similar species. Bees, for example, release a substance when disturbed which triggers the rest of the hive to attack. Some plants, meanwhile release alarm pheromones when nibbled upon which leads to tannin production of plants nearby. The tannins alter the taste of the plants making them less appealing to herbivores. 

Sex and Aggregation Pheromones

The functions of these kinds of pheromones lie in the protection against predators, selection of mate, and overpowering host resistance through mass attacks. The name of such pheromones is used to refer to the phenomenon of when individuals of the same species, whether consisting of either both sexes or just one sex, are clustered together in one location. These substances are often used in attracting members of the opposite sex. The release of sex attractants produced by males often results to arrival of both sexes, thus increasing the density of the same species in the location of the source of pheromone.

Sex pheromones are used by females to indicate their availability for breeding. Males also emit substances to transport information regarding their species, genotype and other characteristics which may indicate their readiness (or the opposite) to breed.

Other Types of Pheromones:

Other types of pheromones include signal, primer, territorial, trail, and information pheromones. Signal pheromones results to short-term conduct alterations. Territorial pheromones indicate the limits of a creature’s territory. Primer pheromones, meanwhile, are different from other pheromones as they trigger developmental changes instead of behavioral.

Types of Pheromones in Humans

Androsterone

This pheromone is found only in humans and is not recognized by other life forms. The presence of this pheromone makes someone more appealing to the opposite sex. The presence of this particular substance is said to make a person appear more trustworthy, even to complete strangers. Furthermore, males who are found to have increased levels of androsterone are perceived to be more masculine than those who do not.

Andostrenol

Andostrenol is another human pheromone. Although mostly excreted by men, it also the secondary pheromone of women. There are two kinds of andostrenol—alpha and beta isomers—each with a different effect.

Andostrenol is said to enhance the social ability of individuals. It is observed to make one more talkative and at ease with members of the opposite sex. Andostrenol also increases one’s sexual appeal. Often called as the icebreaker hormone, andostrenol gets a person out of his shell and gives him the confidence to be more socially interactive.

Copulin

Copulin is the primary female pheromone. When released, this substance causes an increase in the testosterone levels of men. Copulin can enhance the sexual appeal of a woman. 

Pheromones are now being added as ingredients in colognes or perfumes. When worn, these scents can trigger sexual responses from the opposite sex—making one more desirable and appealing.