Chemical polymorphism of the cuticular lipids of the cabbage white Pieris rapae.
The epicuticular composition of different body parts of the Cabbage White, Pieris rapae L., was investigated using GC and GC/MS. The major group of components, hydrocarbons, occurs in two distinct classes, which show different distributions on the cuticle of the insects. Unbranched shorter chain compounds (C21 to C31, linear group) dominate on body, head and wings, while longer chain, polymethyl-branched compounds (C35 to C39, branched group) are predominantly found on the antennae. Several other components like 1,3-pentacosadiene and oxygenated aliphatic compounds occur in minor amounts on the cuticle. The reason for this polymorphism is discussed.
Arsene
Cristian
C
Institut für Organische Chemie, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Hagenring 30. D-38106, Braunschweig, Germany.
Schulz
Stefan
S
Van Loon
Joop J A
JJ
D000818:Animals; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000737:chemistry; D007915:Lepidoptera / Q000737:chemistry*; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D010675:Pheromones / Q000737:chemistry*
D006838:Hydrocarbons; D008055:Lipids; D010675:Pheromones