In a study featured in the Journal of Chemical Ecology the complex and intricate secretions of the leaf cutter ant, specifically the ant Acromyrex octospinosus, were studied and identified. The metaplural gland found only in ants has been the subject of much debate in regards to its purpose in the ant's biology. The gland was first believed to give off secretions of pheromones to mark territory and identify nest mates. In recent years this theory was replaced with a new one that the metaplural gland was actually involved in antibody defense against microorganisms. In the Ortis-Lechner and others study featured in the Journal of Chemical Ecology, it was these metaplural gland secretions that they were studying.
In the Ortis-Lechner and others study twenty-one major chemical compounds were identified! These twenty-one chemical compounds were identified through gas chromatography, and by testing 138 specimens from three different ant castes (major, media and minor) to get their results.
In the Ortis-Lechner and others study twenty-one major chemical compounds were identified! These twenty-one chemical compounds were identified through gas chromatography, and by testing 138 specimens from three different ant castes (major, media and minor) to get their results.
So what does all this mean?
From the results of the Ortis-Lecher and others, study of the metaplural gland and its secretions a couple of possible conclusion
s are reached. Firstly due to the wide range of discovered acids the metaplural gland secretion can be used to lower the pH in the fungus garden. This theory is supported by the knowledge that the fungus in garden grows at a pH of five and that if the ants are taken away from their gardens in a matter of days the pH has risen to that of seven or eight (journal of chemical ecology 26: 1679). However the acids in the metaplural gland could also have antibiotical uses for the ants or their surroundings. Needless to say the chemical interactions between the leaf cutter ant and its food source fungus are massive, whether it is the ant adjusting the pH for the fungus to have optimal growth conditions or it is the fungus giving enzymes to the ants to allow the ants to digest usually non-digestible parts of plants.
From the results of the Ortis-Lecher and others, study of the metaplural gland and its secretions a couple of possible conclusion
s are reached. Firstly due to the wide range of discovered acids the metaplural gland secretion can be used to lower the pH in the fungus garden. This theory is supported by the knowledge that the fungus in garden grows at a pH of five and that if the ants are taken away from their gardens in a matter of days the pH has risen to that of seven or eight (journal of chemical ecology 26: 1679). However the acids in the metaplural gland could also have antibiotical uses for the ants or their surroundings. Needless to say the chemical interactions between the leaf cutter ant and its food source fungus are massive, whether it is the ant adjusting the pH for the fungus to have optimal growth conditions or it is the fungus giving enzymes to the ants to allow the ants to digest usually non-digestible parts of plants. 
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