Defensive alkaloid in blood of Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis).
The blood of the Mexican bean beetle (Epilachna varivestis) contains a homotropane alkaloid, euphococcinine (1). The beetles 'reflex bleed' when disturbed, thereby deploying the alkaloid, which is provenly deterrent to spiders and ants. Newly emerged adults lack the alkaloid, but the compound builds up to deterrent levels in their blood within days. Eggs and larvae of Epilachna are devoid of the compound.
D000470:Alkaloids / Q000097:blood* / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011235:Predatory Behavior / Q000187:drug effects
D000470:Alkaloids; C048057:euphococcinine