Taste distortion and plant palatability.
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Glycosides↗
Biomedical subjects
T Eisner
Publications and source records attributed to T Eisner.
2,5-Dichlorophenol (from ingested herbicide?) in defensive secretion of grasshopper.
The defensive froth emitted by the grasshopper Romalea microptera contains several odorous compounds (phenols, terpenes, benzoquinone), including a chlorinated aromatic compound, 2,5-dichlorophenol. This compound, which is repellent to ants and therefore defensively useful to the grasshopper, probably stems from herbicide or herbicide derivative ingested by the insect with its diet. Although there is precedent for the defensive employ by one species of chemical agents produced by another, no instance was known involving secondary utilization of a pesticide dispensed by man.
Animals↗
Acyclic ketones in the defensive secretion of a "daddy longlegs" (Leiobunum vittatum).
The defensive secretion of the "daddy longlegs" Leiobunum vittatum was analyzed and found to contain the acyclic ketones 4-methylheptan-3-one and E-4,6-dimethyl-6-octen-3-one as its major organic components. Although 4-methylheptan-3-one has been found previously as an alarm substance in certain ant genera, the second component, whose structure is confirmed by synthesis, is new.
Animals↗
Absence of antimicrobial substances in the egg capsules of millipedes.
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Animals↗
Population control, sterilization, and ignorance.
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Attitude↗
Dihydromatricaria acid: acetylenic acid secreted by soldier beetle.
The aposematic cantharid beetle Chauliognathus lecontei produces a defensive secretion, from glands in its thorax and abdomen, containing 8-cis-dihydromatricaria acid. Similar acetylenic compounds are known only from certain fungi and flowering plants.
Alkynes↗
Defensive use of a "fecal shield" by a beetle larva.
The larva of Cassida rubiginosa carries a tight packet of cast skins and feces on a fork held over its back. The packet is a maneuverable shield used by the larva to protect itself against attack. It is highly effective in blocking the bite of ants.
Adaptation, Biological↗
1,2-Dialkyl-4(3H)-quinazolinones in the defensive secretion of a millipede (Glomeris marginata).
Two crystalline components isolated from the defensive secretion of the glomerid millipede, Glomeris marginata, are identified as 1- methyl- 2- ethyl- 4( 3H)- quinazolinone and 1,2- dimethyl- 4( 3H)- quinazolinone. These heterocyclic compounds bear a close structural resemblance to arborine, the chief alkaloid of the Indian medicinal plant, Glycomis arborea Correa.
Animals↗
Cyclopentanoid terpene biosynthesis in a phasmid insect and in catmint.
The stick insect, Anisomorpha buprestoides, and the catmint, Nepeta cataria, produce closely related cyclopentanoid terpenes, anisomorphal and nepetalactone. Tracer experiments with isotopes indicate that anisomorphal is synthesized by the walking stick from normal terpene precursors (acetate or mevalonate). In the catmint plant, isolated leaf disks synthesized nepetalactone, utilizing the same precursors.
Carbon Isotopes↗
Defense mechanisms of arthropods. XVI. Para-benzoquinones in the secretion of spirostreptoid millipedes.
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Animals↗