Quinone mixture as attractant for necrophagous dung beetles specialized on dead millipedes.
2-Methyl-1,4-benzoquinone (toluquinone) and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone are the most common components of defensive secretions of juliform millipedes (Diplopoda: Juliformia). A natural and a synthetic millipede-defensive secretion composed of these two substances attract dung beetles of a few Onthophagus species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) that feed mainly on freshly dead millipedes. This olfactory mechanism and adaptation to the toxic effects of quinones enables them to be the first and exclusive users of this resource.
Schmitt
Thomas
T
Theodor-Boveri-Institut für Biowissenschaften, Zoologie III, Biozentrum, Am Hubland, D-97074 Würzburg, Germany.
Krell
Frank-Thorsten
FT
Linsenmair
K Eduard
KE
D000818:Animals; D001181:Arthropods / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D016227:Benzoquinones / Q000032:analysis*; D001517:Coleoptera / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D007560:Cote d'Ivoire; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods; D010675:Pheromones / Q000032:analysis*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology
C497338:2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone; D016227:Benzoquinones; D010675:Pheromones; C042889:2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone