Chemical defense in the plant bug Lopidea robiniae (Uhler).
Secretions from the metathoracic glands (MTG) of the black locust bug, Lopidea robiniae (Uhler) (Heteroptera: Miridae) contained six major compounds, including (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-octen-1-ol (E)-2-heptenal, and (Z)-3-octen-1-ol. Males and females did not differ significantly in the relative compositions of identified compounds. In feeding trials, six bird species [robin (Turdus migratorious), blue jay (Cyanocitta cristata), brown thrasher (Toxostoma rufum), killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and house wren (Troglodytes aedon)] demonstrated feeding aversions towards L. robiniae implying that black locust bugs are chemically defended. Bugs discharged the liquid contents of their MTG when attacked, thereby producing a strong and distinct odor. Some birds immediately ejected bugs out of their mouth after biting them, suggesting that the MTG secretion was a deterrent.
Staples
Joseph K
JK
Behavior Ecology, Evolution, and Systematics Section, Illinois State University, Normal 61790, USA.
Krall
Bryan S
BS
Bartelt
Robert J
RJ
Whitman
Douglas W
DW
D000438:Alcohols / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D000447:Aldehydes / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D001362:Avoidance Learning; D001717:Birds; D005088:Exocrine Glands; D005260:Female; D020062:Heteroptera / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D009812:Odorants; D011235:Predatory Behavior
D000438:Alcohols; D000447:Aldehydes