title: Defensive steroids from a carrion beetle (Silpha novaboracensis).
abstract: Two novel steroids, 3α,7β-dihydroxy-14β-pregn-4-en-15,20-dione (1) and 3α,7β, 20ξ-trihydroxy-14β-pregn-4-en-15-one (4), have been characterized from the rectal gland ofSilpha novaboracensis (Coleoptera: Silphidae). Judging from the function of comparable pregnanes in another species ofSilpha, the compounds may play an antipredator role.
authors.affiliation: Section of Neurobiology and Behavior, Cornell University, 14853, Ithaca, New York.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Meinwald
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Roach
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Eisner