Volatile secretions and epicuticular hydrocarbons of the beetle Ulomoides dermestoides

Comp Biochem Physiol B Biochem Mol Biol. 2009 Dec;154(4):381-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpb.2009.08.001. Epub 2009 Aug 15.

Abstract

Many species of tenebrionids produce and secrete a defensive volatile blend containing mainly benzoquinones and alkenes. In this study we characterized the volatile organic compounds (VOC) of the beetle Ulomoides dermestoides (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Solid phase microextraction (SPME) coupled to capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CGC-MS) analysis was used to identify methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (MBQ), ethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (EBQ), 1-tridecene (C(13:1)), and 1-pentadecene (C(15:1)), representing more than 90% of the volatile blend. We also used CGC-MS to analyze the epicuticular hydrocarbons of U. dermestoides. Saturated, unsaturated, and branched structures with chain lengths ranging from 13 to 43 carbons were detected. n-pentacosane (C(25:0)) and 9,11-pentacosadiene (9,11-C(25:2)) were the most abundant components, representing more than 40% of the cuticular hydrocarbons.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Coleoptera / anatomy & histology
  • Coleoptera / metabolism*
  • Coleoptera / physiology
  • Female
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
  • Hydrocarbons / analysis
  • Hydrocarbons / chemistry*
  • Hydrocarbons / isolation & purification
  • Hydrocarbons / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Solid Phase Extraction
  • Volatilization

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons