title: Metasternal gland volatiles and sexual communication in the triatomine bug, Rhodnius prolixus.
abstract: Twelve compounds produced by the metasternal glands (MGs) of the triatomine bug Rhodnius prolixus were identified by solid phase microextraction (SPME) combined with coupled gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) using achiral and chiral columns. All substances were ketones or alcohols, and the same compound profile was found in the secretions produced by either sex. The most abundant compounds were 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, (2S)-pentanol, (3E)-2-methyl-3-penten-2-ol, and (2R/2S)-4-methyl-3-penten-2-ol. Emission of these compounds was detected more frequently from females than males, and females released them more frequently during the early hours of the scotophase, the period when sexual activity in this species is at its peak. These compounds were also detected in the headspace above mating pairs. Finally, the occlusion of the MG orifices of male or female bugs with paraffin resulted in a significant decrease in copulation frequency compared to sham-operated insects. Together, these data suggest that the MG secretions of R. prolixus may be involved in sexual communication.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Triatomines and Chagas Disease Epidemiology, Instituto René Rachou/FIOCRUZ, 30190002 Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gina B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Pontes
authors.forename: Björn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bohman
authors.forename: C Rikard
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Unelius
authors.forename: Marcelo G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Lorenzo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D012239:Rhodnius / Q000502:physiology*; D012726:Sexual Behavior, Animal; D014835:Volatilization