3-Methyl-1-(methylthio)-2-butene: a component in the foul-smelling defensive secretion of two Ceroglossus species (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Sihang Xu, Ramu Errabeli, Kipling Will, Elizabeth Arias, Athula B. Attygalle

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

9 Scopus citations

Abstract

A sulfur-containing compound causes the foul smell of the defensive pygidial gland fluid of Ceroglossus buqueti Laporte and Ceroglossus magellanicus Gehin. This compound was identified as 3-methyl-1-(methylthio)-2-butene by a comparison of its mass spectrum, and chromatographic properties with those of a chemically synthesized standard. Although a few sulfur compounds are known from insect secretions, this sulfur-bearing isoprene derivative has not been characterized previously from any arthropod source. Additional components in the defensive section include acetic, propanoic, isobutyric, butanoic, methacrylic, ethacrylic, tiglic and benzoic acids, and 11-tricosene. Samples prepared from specimens of Ceroglossus chilensis Eschscholtz showed methacrylic, ethacrylic, and other acids. However, 3-methyl-1-(methylthio)-2-butene was not detected in the defensive fluid of C. chilensis.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)171-178
Number of pages8
JournalChemoecology
Volume29
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Aug 2019

Keywords

  • 3-Methyl-1-(methylthio)-2-butene
  • Ceroglossus buqueti and Ceroglossus magellanicus
  • Ceroglossus chilensis
  • Defensive secretion
  • Methacrylic acid
  • Methyl prenyl sulfide
  • Sulfur-containing natural products
  • Tiglic acid

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